‘Effort wasn't there' for Celtics in loss to Wizards

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The Boston Celtics offense is going to be challenged in the playoffs, regardless of the opponent. 

And defensively, they’re sure to have some ups and downs as well. 

But what really stood out in Boston’s loss to the Wizards was what seemed like an overall effort lacking what we’ve seen most nights from the Celtics. 

During Brad Stevens’ postgame press conference, he made multiple references to the Celtics’ effort and compete level not being where it should be.

“We didn’t have a tremendous effort on our part at either end,” Stevens said. “Our offense is going to be what it is. You’re gonna have moments where you score, where you don’t score, where you’re feeling good, where you’re not, whatever. Defensively, we can’t be a sieve either.”

Boston’s Terry Rozier said the team’s effort was the most disappointing part of Tuesday’s loss, their fourth in the last five games. 

“We knew how important this game is, finish up our last two games going into the playoffs,” Rozier told reporters after the loss. “The effort wasn’t there.”

Here are the Stars, Studs and Duds from Boston’s 113-101 loss at Washington. 

 

STARS

John Wall: The Celtics never really had him under control at any point on Tuesday which paved the way for a potential triple-double as Wall finished with 29 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds. 

Jaylen Brown: From the outset, Brown was seemingly up to the challenge of carrying the team. He led Boston with 27 points on 8-for-18 shooting from the field. 

 

STUDS

Bradley Beal: This was not one of Bradley Beal’s better games, but he made enough plays when it mattered. He had 19 points on 6-for-16 shooting. 

 

DUDS

Terry Rozier: Tuesday night was yet another rough outing for Rozier, tallying just eight points on 2-for-12 shooting from the field. 

Marcus Morris: Morris has become a reliable scorer for the Celtics of late, and the Celtics will need more of the same to have a legit shot at advancing through the playoffs. Against the Wizards, he was just 2-for-10 shooting as he finished with six points.

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