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Washington Wizards’ John Wall Has Been Doing It All In 2017 NBA Playoffs

By Jen Julie Smith

Apr 24, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) calls a play against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) calls a play against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Wizards All-Star guard John Wall has somehow gotten even better against the Atlanta Hawks in the 2017 NBA Playoffs.

It’s not the situation the Washington Wizards want to be in, but it’s the situation they have to embrace.

After gaining a 2-0 series lead, the Wizards are tied with the Atlanta Hawks following Monday’s loss in Atlanta. But unlike in the loss on Saturday, John Wall had a bit more help on Monday, specifically from his backcourt mate, Bradley Beal.

Even with he contribution from Beal, Wall found himself doing it all.

The transformation from “regular season Wall” to “postseason Wall” has been nothing short of unbelievable.

During the regular season, Wall averaged 23.1 points but has upped that number to 28.8 in the playoffs. He was making 45% of his shots in the regular season and has increased his percentage to 50% in the playoffs.

On top of that, he’s been lights out from three. In the regular season, he was hitting 33% of his threes. In the playoffs, he’s hitting an absurd 74% of his threes.

Defensively, Wall’s been the only one to recently show up for the Washington Wizards.

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Not a single Hawks’ starter during the regular season was averaging 20 points per game. Not even Paul Millsap, who is an All-Star.

Now, because of the holes in the Wizards’ nonexistent defense, Atlanta has been shooting at will, and getting to the free throw line more than Washington.

During the regular season, Millsap averaged 18 points per game. During the playoffs, he’s averaging 23.5 points.

Virtually everyone to step on the floor for Atlanta has thrived – from their best player, Millsap, to Jose Calderon, who lit the Wizards up on Monday.

Then we come to Dennis Schroder, who appears to be driving the lanes, getting uncontested layups. During the regular season, Schroder averaged 17.9 points per game. Against Washington, he has been averaging 23.3 points per game.

Obviously, Schroders’ numbers didn’t go unnoticed by Wall.

Seeing that Schroder isn’t playing like the Schroder of the regular season, what did Wall do? Wall took Schroder out on Monday. On Saturday, Schroder scored 27 points, but on Monday he pulled down 18 points.

Wall not only held Schroder to 18 points, but he also took him out of the game, drawing 3 quick fouls in the first quarter.

Washington’s lone All Star has shown up on both ends, defensively and offensively.

His teammates, however, haven’t. The team’s front court – Markieff Morris and Marcin Gortat – are in a funk. The Hawks have been gobbling up the loose balls, getting second chance opportunities. Dwight Howard dominated on Monday, sucking the energy out of the Wizards by gobbling offensive rebounds.

Otto Porter, too, hasn’t helped.

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Rookie Taurean Prince has abused Porter, who’s looking to get a max contract in the off-season.

During the regular season, Prince averaged 5.7 points and 2.7 rebounds. Against Porter in the playoffs, Prince is averaging 13.3 points and 5.3 rebounds.

Porter, once the league’s best 3-point shooter, is making just 27 percent of his attempts from deep.

More importantly, he hasn’t contributed off the stat sheet. The typical, high-energy plays that the team has come to expect from Porter haven’t been happening.

Prince, on the other hand, has been doing what Porter normally does: slash, hit open shots and secure game-changing steals.

For the Washington Wizards to avoid being upset in the first round, Wall is going to need some help – and he’ll need help consistently.

The Wizards still haven’t learned to stop playing from behind. Coming back from a double-digit deficit is possible in the regular season, but in the playoffs, it’s a whole different animal. Once a team gains momentum, it’s almost impossible to crawl out of the hole.

Next: Wizards Have To Stick Together To Beat Hawks

Wall has been doing his part. Really, he can’t do much more. It’s time for his teammates to step up.

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