Celts Fall to Wiz, To Face Knicks in Playoffs 1st Round

Celtics coach Doc Rivers decided to rest his starters for tonight's matchup against the Wizards and the Celts reserves almost came away with a victory.

The Wizards defeated Boston in overtime fashion, 95-94.

Forward Jeff Green lead the C's with 20 points and 15 rebounds. Forward Glen "Big Baby" Davis added 20 of his own, but managed to grab only three boards. Center Jermaine O'Neal looked solid, chipping in with 15 points, 13 rebounds, and five blocks.

Guard Von Wafer scored 11 points, but practically blew the game for Boston.Celtics reserve guard Delonte West tallied 11 points, five rebounds, and five assists before spraining his right ankle early in the 2nd half.

For Washington, point guard and rookie sensation John Wall dropped a game-high 24 and nine rebounds. He connected on 14-15 attempts from the free throw line. Guard Jordan Crawford, forward Andray Blatche, and center JaVale McGee scored 17, 16, and 13 respectively.

Boston led by seven at the half and recorded 28 rebounds in those 24 minutes. The Celtics only grabbed 26 in their 100-77 loss to Miami on Sunday.

In the 3rd quarter, West and McGee got tangled up and Boston's third guard went down again reaching for his right ankle. He was taken into the locker room by trainer Ed Lacerte.

The Wizards scored the first eight points of the 2nd half, but later in the third frame, the Celtics went on an 8-0 of their own. Washington then responded, scoring the last seven and taking some momentum into the final frame.

Down the stretch, the Wizards played some impressive basketball. A combination of their successes and Von Wafer's mighty struggles forced the game into overtime. Wafer missed a free throw late in regulation, gave up the game-tying shot, and missed a wide-open dunk in overtime.

Crawford drained a three-pointer with 28.8 seconds to go to put Washington ahead 85-82. O'Neal tipped in a Wafer miss, but after Boston got the ball back Arroyo missed a jumper with 2.9 left to leave Boston just short of victory.

With the loss Boston falls to 55-26, while the Wizards improve to 23-58. The C's return to action Wednesday night for their season finale against the Knicks, who they will be facing in the first round of the playoffs. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m.