Washington Wizards: 5 Takeaways From Game 3 Against Atlanta Hawks

Apr 19, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) and Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) celebrate while leaving the court after their game against the Atlanta Hawks 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 John Wall (2) and Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) celebrate while leaving the court after their game against the Atlanta Hawks 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
1 of 6
Apr 19, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) and Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) celebrate while leaving the court after their game against the Atlanta Hawks 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 John Wall (2) and Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) celebrate while leaving the court after their game against the Atlanta Hawks 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

The Washington Wizards took their first loss in the third game of this aggressive Eastern Conference Round 1 series against the Atlanta Hawks.


The Washington Wizards would never have a lead during Game 3 against the Atlanta Hawks and ultimately came up short. In their first loss of the series, with a final score of 116-98, the Wizards may have overworked themselves.

They fell behind fast and early, and were unable to cause turnovers as frequently as they had during the first two games of the series.

John Wall showed up, but the starting squad played lackadaisical defense and couldn’t buy a shot to fall. The Wizards lost their first game of the series, no need to panic right? Well, this team looked more like the one of old—the one that struggled during the first half of the regular season.

Let’s take a look at what went wrong for the Wizards during Game 3, and what they can improve upon going into Game 4.