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Washington Wizards: 3 Keys to Victory in Game 2

By Jerran Anderson

Apr 16, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) on the court against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) on the court against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 16, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jose Calderon (13) looses control of the ball as Washington Wizards guard Brandon Jennings (7) and Wizards forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (12) look on during the second quarter in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jose Calderon (13) looses control of the ball as Washington Wizards guard Brandon Jennings (7) and Wizards forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (12) look on during the second quarter in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Bench needs to step up

The Wizards’ bench needs to step it up. The Hawks’ bench outscored them 35-15 in Game 1. They were a big part of their 18-2 first quarter run which had the score at 29-25.

The Wizards should also look to use Bojan Bogdanovic with Morris and Porter more. Since so many players are banged up after a physical Game 1, the bench is another group that needs to play better together.

Bogdanovic is a capable scorer, but he needs the ball in his hands. He played roughly 13 minutes in Game 1, but with adjustments on the way, he’s sure to get more time Wednesday night. Bogdanovic was 2-for-8 with just four points and two rebounds in Game 1.

Expect Brandon Jennings to see extended time as well, as the Wizards will need to utilize small ball with their limited interior depth. He was 0-for-2 shooting, but did have five assists and three rebounds.

When Beal and Wall are off the floor, the bench needs to do better to manage leads. Oubre and Bogdanovic were the only reserves to score in Game 1. They’ll have to have a better performance in Game 2. The starters will need to do their best to stay out of foul trouble as well.