Washington Wizards: 5 takeaways at the 2018 NBA All-Star break

5. Washington completely different team without Wall this go-around

Earlier in the season, point guard John Wall was sidelined with a knee injury for nine games. During that stretch, the Washington Wizards went 4-5. This time, it’s been a different story for them as Wall sits out for a second time, this time indefinitely.

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It hasn’t been Bradley Beal carrying all of the load either as the “next man up” mentality seems to have taken hold of the roster. Washington has won two games in a row heading into the All-Star Break.

Beal has largely done his part, putting up 21.8 points per game to lead the way without Wall in the lineup. His assists numbers are up dramatically as well, at 6.4 per contest. Guys like Tomas Satoransky, Markieff Morris and Otto Porter are reaping the rewards of Beal’s distribution.

Porter is averaging 19.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.2 steals in the past nine games. He’s recorded four 20-point games since Wall’s hiatus. February has by far been his strongest month since averaging 18.7 points back in October. He’s averaging 18.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game this month (seven games).

The Wizards are 7-2 so far without Wall, who’s been sidelined since Jan. 27 with a left knee injury. After their come-from-behind victory over the Knicks on Wednesday night, one has to expect this to show some growth after the break. Or better yet, more Tomas Satoransky.