NBA Playoffs 2017: 5 keys to Wizards vs. Hawks matchup

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Feb 26, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) dunks the ball against the Utah Jazz in the second quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Will John Wall be the Wizard of the Hardwood?

Nobody faces more pressure or potential scrutiny in this first-round series that Wizards All-Star point guard John Wall. He could very well make his first All-NBA team. The guy took his game to another level and can bring the nation’s capital a Larry O’Brien Trophy with his newfound maturity.

Wall should be able to have his way in this series against Atlanta’s lackluster point guard trio of Dennis Schroder, Jose Calderon and Malcolm Delaney. This series may be too regional for national intrigue, but all eyes will be on Wall to see if he can’t take his Wizards to new heights.

He’s probably the flashiest passer in the NBA today. The Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul is more of a technician that Wall is at the point, but nobody’s distribution skills of the rock get people out of their seats more than wall does.

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You’re a Wizard, Johnny. The Verizon Center is your Hogwarts and you have to convince yourself that the Hawks are Team Slytherin. Use Expelliarmus on Draco Schroder a few times to prove your point. The NBA world is Expecto Patroum-ing good things from you, Johnny. Be the Wizard of the Hardwood we all know you were meant to be.

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