Washington Wizards Three Takeaways: Wizards Bully Atlanta Hawks In Game 1 of 2017 NBA Playoffs
By Ben Mehic
Washington Wizards bullied the Atlanta Hawks in game-1 of the 2017 NBA Playoffs, leading to a dominant victory at home, 114-107.
If a list of 100 adjectives was written to describe the Washington Wizards, the term “bullies” probably wouldn’t be on there.
But on Sunday afternoon – Game-1 of the Wizards’ series against the Atlanta Hawks in the 2017 NBA Playoffs – the Wizards found a piece of themselves they haven’t had in a while.
Washington, not wanting to disappoint their home fans, played with a sense of urgency for 48 minutes, even when their shots weren’t falling.
When the Wizards found a rhythm in the second half, it was clear the Hawks didn’t have what it took to go on a run of their own.
For most of the game, the Wizards were in control and dominated the Hawks with their physicality, eventually closing the contest emphatically, 114-107.
Keef gives the Wizards an edge they’ve been missing
The Wizards’ dominance over the Hawks on Sunday was reminiscent of the way they handled the Toronto Raptors in the first round two years ago because of the intensity they played with.
Back then, Paul Pierce was the catalyst for the Wizards’ physicality.
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He brought an energy that can’t be manufactured by a pep talk.
His teammates, including John Wall, Bradley Beal and Otto Porter, fed off the energy and their respective games flourished.
This season, Markieff Morris has brought a similar demeanor to the Washington Wizards.
Sometimes to a fault, Morris plays with an aggressive attitude, but it’s difficult to translate that to teammates during the regular season, when the atmosphere tends to be lackluster.
In the playoffs, that type of energy is needed.
Morris went at Paul Millsap right after tip-off, not allowing the Hawks’ lone All-Star to get any clean looks inside.
He used his body to force Millsap into difficult shots, which disrupted the flow of the Hawks’ entire offense. On the other end, Morris didn’t hesitate, firing away from deep and finishing drop-off passes from Wall by dunking – not laying it in.
Morris scored 21 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, including double-digit points in the third quarter.
Gortat brought the hammer
Recently, with the emergence of Ian Mahinmi, Marcin Gortat‘s numbers and productivity have dipped. But with Mahinmi out with a calf strain, the Wizards needed Gortat to get back to putting up double-doubles and being an option off the pick and roll.
Dwight Howard has usually gotten the best out of their matchups, but Gortat found an intensity that he lacked during the regular season, like most of the team.
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Instead of shying away from the ball, Gortat looked to catch passes over smaller defenders coming off the screen.
He dove to the basket, anticipated the pass, came down with it and finished without rushing.
Gortat let the offense come to him instead of looking for the ball. It came organically and wasn’t forced.
The Polish Hammer also dunked on Millsap and shoved him afterwards, earning a technical foul.
But, again, those sort of plays are needed in the postseason.
Gortat, as mean looking as he is, doesn’t always play angry. Washington is at their best when Gortat is aggressive and finishing strong in the paint.
Gortat finished the game with 14 points and 10 rebounds. He held Howard to just 7 points.
Wall shines in the playoffs
Some All-Stars – *cough Kyle Lowry cough* – have a tendency to disappear in the postseason, but others find themselves on the big stage. There’s a distinct difference between an All-Star and a superstar. All-Stars shine during the regular season, but superstars take advantage of the national limelight and play the best basketball of their careers in the playoffs.
John Wall is a superstar.
Wall attacked with the ball in his hands, looking to drive inside and not settle for perimeter shots. His in-traffic layups led to clean looks for his teammates once the Hawks began to collapse. Wall scored at will, totaling 32 points. He added 14 assists, too, with just 3 turnovers.
Wall orchestrated the Wizards’ offense and kept the Hawks on their heels the entire game. Dennis Schroder, who’s one of the quickest guards in the NBA, wasn’t able to keep up with Wall up the court. The Hawks’ defense was slow to recover and it seemed like the Wizards were always one step ahead because of Wall.
Next: Wizards Look For Playoff Redemption Against Hawks
Washington shouldn’t forget about this win, but Game-2 is approaching on Wednesday. Building on the momentum will be the most important aspect of closing the series for the Southeast Division champs.