Gm79: Celtics vs Wizards ( Sun 4/3/22' @ 1:00PM on NBCSB )

Boston Celtics key to victory No. 1) Contain Kristaps Porzingis

As mentioned in the game preview, Porzingis has been ultra-hot lately in his previous two contests. Without Robert Williams, the Celtics have relied more on the combination of Grant Williams, Daniel Theis, and Al Horford to pick up increased minutes.

While the trio has performed well in the extended minutes, it’s hard to replace Rob’s shot-blocking ability and defensive intensity at the rim.

The Celtics need the trio to key in on Kristaps defensively if they hope to have a strong defensive game overall.

Horford and Theis both match up quite well on the former first-round pick. Horford’s ability to guard the perimeter and the big man off the dribble should help to slow down Washington’s offensive attack. While Daniel Theis is not as quick to get to the three-point line on the weak side, he still does a solid job in pick-and-roll defense.

Expect a high effort game defensively from these three bigs as Ime Udoka will certainly game plan around the talented former Knick. The Celtics should aim to hold Porzingis under 25 points for their best shot at a victory.

Boston Celtics key to victory No. 2) Let Marcus Smart run the offense

Since Marcus Smart’s transition to the leadership role and starting point guard spot, the Celtics have transformed into one of the best teams in the NBA.

After trading Denis Schroeder at the NBA Trade Deadline, Brad Stevens created a clear path for smart to be the primary ball-handler at most times.

Smart responded by passing more and shooting less, a trend that’s continued most of the season. The Heat game on Wednesday night saw Smart revert back to his old ways a bit, chucking up fifteen shots and making just three.

On Friday against Indiana, he was much more selective and efficient, shooting four for nine. If the shamrocks want a win against the Wiz, they’ll need the efficient version of Smart, who is a pass-first point guard.

The Smart who heaves shots early and misses a plethora of threes simply cannot happen as we approach the playoffs. Smart needs to maximize his efficiency down the stretch and find the version of himself that has propelled the Celtics to success this season.

Boston Celtics key to Victory No.3) Finish strong

Good teams win games late.

A strength of the Celtics team since the start of the New Year has been their improved ability to close out games. After blowing countless leads and getting outscored in the fourth quarter on a nightly basis, Boston began to flip the switch and finish games strong.

In the second half against the now 25-53 Pacers, Boston was outscored 62-60. Against teams as poor as Indy, the C’s must be winning that battle by a wide margin, especially if they hope to advance far in the playoffs.

The Celtics need to outscore the Wizards in the second half on Sunday by a wide margin to get things trending in the right direction. The worst thing that could happen to this team is to slip back into second-half mediocrity.

While the Wizards are going to be without their best player in Bradley Beal, there is still enough talent on the roster to cause the upset in Boston.

In order to best prepare for the playoffs, Ime Udoka’s squad must compete for all 48 minutes. Momentum heading into the playoffs can be everything, and if the Celtics head in flat, an early exit could be on the horizon.

It is important to beat the teams that the C’s should beat, and tonight serves as a chance to do just that.

and ANOTHER!!!!!!!!!

Brown blows by his defender for a strong dunk!

PP misses a 3 to end Q1