NBA star Russell Westbrook's 'unmitigated disaster' in do-or-die game

NBA superstar Russell Westbrook has again put up a less than impressive post-season showing against the Boston Celtics who downed the Washington Wizards 118-100 in the new NBA play-in comp.

Going 6-of-18 from the floor, Westbrook failed to impress himself on the do-or-die clash and showcase the leadership he's exhibited over an impressive back end of the season.

Teammate Bradley Beal also struggled in offence. But it was Westrbook's apparent inability to show up in post-season crunch moments that again came to the fore.

The loss sees the Wizards teetering on the edge of an early post-season exit, should they fail against the Pacers on Friday.

Washington will now host Indiana, which rolled over Charlotte in Tuesday’s other play-in game, for the eighth seed on Thursday. The winner of that game will face Philadelphia, the top seed for the Eastern Conference playoffs.

“We just didn’t do what we were supposed to do," Westbrook said.

Meanwhile, Boston's Jason Tatum was everything Westbrook needed to be and more. He scored 32 of his 50 points in the second half.

Kemba Walker added 29 points for Boston, which secured the seventh seed for the playoffs and a first-round matchup with second-seeded Brooklyn. That official play-off series opens on Saturday.

Tatum has drawn criticism at times for his quiet leadership style. He said Tuesday's performance was how he wants to lead.

“I know that my teammates, I’ve earned their respect. I’ve earned the respect of the guys I play against," he said. "I believe in myself. That’s all that matters.”