Kelly Olynyk scored 26 points to lead the Boston Celtics over the Washington Wizards in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference semifinals on May 15 in Boston.
Washington Wizards guard John Wall, left, and Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas speak on the court after Game 7 of a second-round NBA basketball playoff series, Monday, May 15, 2017, in Boston. The Celtics won 115-105 to advance to the Eastern Conference championship series. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
The Celtics won the best-of-seven series, 4-3.
The highly contested matchup saw the teams separated by just one or two possessions for the majority of the game. Boston led by five at the end of the first quarter and Washington was up by two at halftime.
Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal, right, goes down with the ball as Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart defends during the second quarter of Game 7 of a second-round NBA basketball playoff series, Monday, May 15, 2017, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Wizards guards John Wall and Brad Beal combined for 27 points in the first half and 53 points by the end of the third quarter. But while Beal remained hot in the fourth quarter, finishing with a game-high 38 points, Wall ran out of fuel, going scoreless in the fourth quarter. Wall finished with just 18 points and 11 assists. Otto Porter added 20 points with 11 rebounds for Washington.
Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr., front, and Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart, behind, contend for a rebound during the second quarter of Game 7 of a second-round NBA basketball playoff series, Monday, May 15, 2017, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Boston took full benefit of its home court advantage, as Celtics role players found their shooting rhythm. Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas led the team with 29 points, but also added 12 assists thanks to the hot shooting of his teammates. Four other Celtics players scored double digits for Boston, including Olynyk with 26 points on 10-of-13 shooting from the field.
Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris (5) and Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk, left, fight for a rebound during the second quarter of Game 7 of a second-round NBA basketball playoff series, Monday, May 15, 2017, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
In the end, the home team won all 11 matchups this year between the two teams, including the regular season and playoffs.
Next: Boston will host the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday, May 17.
