Against the NBA’s top offense entering last night’s game, the Wizards paired terrible offense throughout and stellar defense in the second half en route to a 14-point loss to the Boston Celtics.
In the first half, Boston shot 43% on threes, had a 130 offensive rating, and built a 15-point lead. The game had all the signs of another rout, but the Wizards played their best defensive half of the season, limiting the Celtics to 45 second-half points and a paltry 90 ortg.
I’m generally cautious about over-crediting a team for a good defensive half, or even a game.