Fansided

Report: John Wall ‘very unlikely’ for Game 3, rest of playoffs in question

By Matt Graber

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit

David Aldridge reports that it’s ‘very unlikely’ that John Wall (wrist) will play in today’s Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 3 vs. the Atlanta Hawks

Washington Wizards point guard John Wall has been called incredibly tough by his coaches and teammates alike. But there’s not much he can do with one hand, and it’s starting to look like his wrist injury, diagnosed as five misplaced fractures, is every bit as serious as expected. David Aldridge is reporting that it’s very unlikely that Wall suits up for Game 3 against the Atlanta Hawks today, while his status for the rest of the playoffs remains in question:

Wall suffered the injury in Game 1 of the series, when he fell on his left wrist on a play at the basket. Initially labeled a sprain, the misdiagnosis resulted in a reported clash between the point guard and the Wizards’ medical team. That report, which came from Michael Lee of the Washington Post, led to another heated confrontation, this one between Lee and coach Randy Wittman, who was furious about the report:

Wall’s injury is likely a death blow for the Wizards. The team was riding high following a four-game sweep of the Toronto Raptors and a Game 1 win over Atlanta, but the absence of their star point guard makes advancing to the Eastern Conference playoffs highly unlikely. Wall has been sublime in the 2015 playoffs, averaging 17.4 points and 12.6 assists per game for the Wizards. He’s the engine that drives the team’s offense and a monster on defense, and without him the Wizards are a different team.

It’s especially cruel considering the timing of the injury; with the Cleveland Cavaliers battling injuries, the Atlanta Hawks looking vulnerable, and the Wizards having a favorable history against the Chicago Bulls, a run to the Finals didn’t seem out of question. The team was entering the national spotlight, and Wall was emerging as a household name and bonafide superstar. Now, the Wizards are left praying for the best and wondering what might have been. The Curse of Les Boulez rolls on.

[recent posts-this category=”yes”]

Home/NBA Playoffs