John Wall lit up the court Wednesday night as the Verizon Center crowd rained down chants of “M-V-P.” Wall put up 32 points and nine assists for the Wizards to help them take a 2-0 lead over the Hawks.
The Wizards are beginning to prove themselves as legit as the playoff season continues to kick into gear. They’re not on the level of teams like the Warriors and Cavs, but one things is becoming clear: the Washington Wizards are the most exciting team in the playoffs.
Obviously, the excitement starts with John Wall. Wall took a steal the length of the court before finishing off with a nasty dunk on Dennis Schroder early in the second half, prompting Wall to stare down Schroder.
Wall has been publicly critical of his lack of appearances on national TV, and he seems to be taking this opportunity to show NBA fans just how great he is. Wall hit Schroder with a filthy spin move before draining a step back dagger to extend the Wizards’ lead later in the game.
Wall’s speed in transition, top notch ball handling and elite playmaking ability make him one of the most fun guys to watch in the league. He’s constantly made tough passes through the first two games of the series while showing his improved skill around the rim as a slasher.
The Wizards are made even more exciting by the second piece of their backcourt, Bradley Beal. Beal has struggled with injuries during every year before this one. He’s used this period of health to show what a great player he is when he can stay on the court.
(courtesy of Bleacher Report)
After struggling from beyond the arc during Game 1, Beal hit four 3-pointers on his way to 31 points Wednesday. Although streaky, Beal’s scoring ability is undeniable and he has turned into one of the more exciting shooting guards in the league. He also put up 16 of his 31 points in the 4th quarter to help the Wizards close out the Hawks, including a dagger 3-pointer that sealed the win.
Head coach Scott Brooks does have a knack for bringing the best out of players offensively, and he has clearly had a positive impact on Wall and Beal this season.
Markieff Morris has been another key factor in the Wizards’ success this season. Despite getting into early foul trouble in Game 2, Morris has added a physical presence to the Wizards that was desperately needed.
Morris came up huge in Game 1. He had two emphatic dunks and four monstrous blocks on the Hawks that helped the Wizards establish their physical presence from the get-go.
[su_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pADUfPRk5zU” width=”320″ height=”320″] [/su_youtube]
With Marcin Gortat and Otto Porter filling out the starting lineup, the Wizards have an incredibly dangerous starting five. Gortat and Wall have been deadly while running the pick and roll. With Wall’s playmaking ability and Gortat’s offensive prowess in the post, the duo has been consistently exciting to watch.
It will be interesting to see how the Wizards play with a 2-0 lead. They play the next two games on the road where they have struggled immensely this season. Still, every game for the Wizards should continue to be exciting with the talent they are able to put on the floor and the tenacity that the team has. So far, they truly look like they could contend with anyone in the Eastern Conference.
You can “Like” The Game Haus on Facebook and “Follow” us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles written by other great TGH writers along with Arjun!
“From Our Haus to Yours”
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
