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Washington Wizards: 3 Keys To Victory In Game 3

By Jerran Anderson

Apr 19, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Brandon Jennings (7) shoots the ball over Atlanta Hawks guard Jose Calderon (13) in the fourth quarter in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 109-101 and lead the series 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Brandon Jennings (7) shoots the ball over Atlanta Hawks guard Jose Calderon (13) in the fourth quarter in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 109-101 and lead the series 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 19, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) shoots the ball as Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) defends in the first quarter in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) shoots the ball as Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) defends in the first quarter in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Win The First Quarter

In the past two games, the Washington Wizards have jumped out to big leads only to lose them as the quarter comes to a close.

In Game 1, they trailed 29-25. They were down 24-23 after one in Game 2. Despite getting off to fast starts, the Wizards have been unable to close the door of opportunity on the Hawks at home. On the road, they’ll need to look to do so.

With home-court advantage, the Hawks are sure to come out firing on all cylinders in Game 3. The Wizards will need to be sure to keep their foot on the gas and win the first quarter. Winning the opening frame is huge in taking any hope Atlanta has left left in the tank.

This has been a very physical and closely-called series, with foul trouble being an important part of every game. The Wizards need to make sure they play as a team and maintain a healthy lead.