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Washington Wizards: 3 keys to a Game 5 victory

By Jerran Anderson

May 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris (5) celebrates with Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) against the Boston Celtics in the third quarter in game three of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 116-89. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
May 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris (5) celebrates with Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) against the Boston Celtics in the third quarter in game three of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 116-89. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 7, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) advances the ball during the third quarter in game four of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
May 7, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) advances the ball during the third quarter in game four of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

2. John Wall has to control the pace of the game

The Washington Wizards started Game 4 a bit sluggish and most of it started with point guard John Wall. Wall was held scoreless in the first quarter, going 0-for-5, but he didn’t let it frustrate him too much.

Wall went on to score 27 points in the second and third quarter and also finished with 12 assists in the game. It’s no secret that Wall has been good in the 2017 NBA Playoffs. He is averaging 28.8 points, 11.1 assists, 3.5 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.1 blocks per game in the postseason so far.

Now, he just needs to use his abilities to his advantage and push the ball on the break. The Wizards outscored Boston 25-12 in fast break points Game 4.

Shooting guard Bradley Beal continues to play well off Wall as well. He is shooting better by the game. He poured in a game-high 29 points on 11-of-16 shooting in Game 4. If the duo can continue this, they’ll be facing the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals in no time.