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NBA Playoffs: John Wall is out for Game 3 vs. Atlanta

By Luke Dahlgren

May 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) winces in pain against the Atlanta Hawks 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
May 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) winces in pain against the Atlanta Hawks 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 /
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The Washington Wizards point guard also missed Game 2 against the Hawks due to an injury to his left wrist suffered in Game 1.

The Wizards started off the playoffs on such a high note.

They swept the Toronto Raptors, and in the process had much more offensive flow. Randy Wittman was actually getting the Wizards to have smart offensive movement, and the team seemed primed to take down the plateauing Atlanta Hawks in the Conference semi-finals. In a weak Eastern Conference, the Wizards could easily be in the Finals.

But then disaster struck.

John Wall suffered apparent fractures in his left hand and wrist. The team was able to win Game 1 in a tightly contested matchup, 104-98. Without Wall in Game 2, the Hawks handled the Wiz 106-90.

Game 3 will perhaps be more of the same from Game 2.

Who steps up for the Wizards in Game 3?

The team was able to win temporary home court advantage after splitting the first two games, but the team will be without a proven primary ball handler. Bradley Beal is a promising player who could fill the role of Washington’s primary scorer for this game, and this series, but for the time being, the Wizards may do best trying to push the pace on the Hawks. Relying on Beal the same way they relied on Wall may not be the smartest move.

Atlanta has worked best out of half court sets, and they do an excellent job of controlling tempo. The Hawks’ players are getting quality offensive possessions as well, but they just haven’t converted at the same rate as the regular season. That could change, and if so, the Wizards will not stand a chance.

Wall may be forced to miss the rest of the playoffs for the Wizards, in which case the team has not shown the collective firepower to compete with any of the other three teams in the Eastern Conference. A quick Wall return is imperative, but a healthy Wall gives the Wizards their best chance.

Game 3 of this Conference Semifinals matchup is today at 4:00pm Eastern Time.

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