Avery Bradley went off during Wednesday night’s Game 5 matchup between the Wizards and Celtics. Bradley scored 29 points, including 25 in the first half alone, a new playoff career high. Boston went on to dominate John Wall and the Wizards all game resulting in a 123-101 blowout. With the win, the Celtics have a 3-2 series lead and are one win away from their first Conference Finals appearance since 2012.
The Wizards put up the first four points of the game, but that was quickly followed by a 16-0 run for the Celtics. From that point on, Washington started losing control of the game altogether. Boston led by as much as 26 points at one point, diminishing any chance of a Wizards’ comeback.
Sticking with the scoring trend of previous games in this series, the Celtics were red hot from beyond the arc. Boston knocked down 16 shots from deep, including 4 from Bradley. On the reverse end, the Wizards put up a pathetic .241 3-PT shooting percentage, shooting 7-29. Washington is now just 2-9 all-time in road playoff games against the Celtics and have yet to win on the road this series.
Isaiah Thomas picked up 9 dimes, helping the Celtics share the ball and set up key shots. Thomas also notched 18 points, less than fans in Boston are used to, but that’s just the way Thomas operates. When asked about how he has evolved as playmaker, Thomas gave his opinion:
“Next game, might be another game where I’m setting screens and getting other guys open…or next game I might drop 40.”
Boston as a team did a good job of dishing the ball around, getting assists on 12 of 13 baskets during the first quarter alone. Along with these assists, came numerous made shots. Boston went 53% (46 of 87) from the field for the game, their highest such output of the postseason.
Al Horford had an all-around great performance as well. Horford scored 19 points, as well as 6 rebounds and 7 assists. The Celtics’ big man also recorded 3 blocks and is quieting those who say he can’t perform in the playoffs. Marcus Smart led the Boston bench with 9 points and 11 defensive rebounds.
The Celtics are just one win away from a date with the defending champions in the Eastern Conference Finals. The best hope for the Celtics is that they come away with a win in Game 6, allowing for more rest before what would be Monday’s Game 1. Cleveland has been resting since May 7th and if the Celtics want any chance, it would be huge to avoid a Game 7.
Game 6 will be in Washington on Friday night. Tip-off is at 8PM on ESPN.
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