Washington Wizards: 5 Takeaways From Game 3 Against Atlanta Hawks

By Randy Porga | Apr 23, 2017

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 /

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Big Players Making Big Plays

Watching Game 1 and Game 2 of this series, the Washing Wizards appeared patient and calculated. Marcin Gortat had two consecutive double-doubles to start the series.

In Game 3, he scored only two points. Shutting down

Dwight Howard for the first two games also seems to have been taken for granted by Wizards fans. It looked like just an off night for everybody, but did the Wizards fluke the first two wins?

The Washington Wizards were out rebounded 50-42, and Atlanta was superior in sharing the rock with 26 assists to the Wizards’ 16. All bark and no bite was the story for the Wizards during their first visit to Atlanta.

The Hawks led in virtually every way of the game other than fast break points. If the Wizards wish to close out this series sooner rather than later, they ought to avoid outings that look or smell anything like this.