Washington Wizards: 3 Keys to Victory In Game 3 Against Hawks

Washington Wizards: 3 Keys To Victory In Game 3

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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1. The Wizards Bench Need More Minutes With Certain Starters

The Washington Wizards bench looks like it is figuring things out on the fly in the 2017 NBA Playoffs. With Brandon Jennings, Kelly Oubre Jr., Bojan Bogdanovic and Jason Smith on the court, they’ve given the Wizards a different dynamic when either Wall or Beal are off the floor.

Between Jennings, Bogdanovic and Smith, the trio combined for 24 points, 18 rebounds and two blocks. Oubre Jr. was in foul trouble for much of Game 2, finishing with four fouls. If he can stay out of foul trouble in Game 3, he brings an athletic slasher the Wizards could really use off the bench.

Otto Porter is rebounding well, but his minutes have been limited with what others can do. If Game 3 is another quiet game from him, plugging a bench player or two in with the starters needs to happen.

https://twitter.com/WashWizards/status/854867860270612482

Jennings’ mini-run during the fourth quarter was impressive as well, as he not only kept the Wizards in the game, but also kept other bench players like Jason Smith involved in the offense

Next: 2017 NBA Playoffs Roundup, Day 6

If the Wizards can keep these keys in mind, they’ll be off to a 3-0 lead in no time and on their way to a first round sweep.