NBA Playoffs: 8 most important players in the semi-finals

NBA Playoffs: 8 most important players in the conference semis

May 3, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of the NBA playoffs logo on the court before game seven of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

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May 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) drives past Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) in the second quarter in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs. at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal

John Wall was incredible for the Wizards in their Game One win over the Hawks, killing the Hawks with his newly varied game and dishing out assists all over the court. But the best offensive weapon for the Wizards in Game One was Bradley Beal, who added 28 points and drawing fouls.

Throughout the regular season, all Wizards save Wall underachieved, including Bradley Beal. A large deal of this was due to the poor coaching of Randy Wittman, who failed to put his players in a position to produce on offense. That has miraculously changed in the playoffs, as the Wizards suddenly have better spacing and pace.

If the Wizards are going to continue their success in Game One and win this series, then the WIzards will need a second player to produce alongside Wall. Certainly Otto Porter’s emergence as an outside shooting forward helps, but the player in the best position to do so is Beal. If he can continue to draw fouls and shoot well from the perimeter, then the Wizards may have a more solid offensive attack comparatively to the Hawks.

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