Wiz of Awes
Fansided

Why the Wizards are Winning Without Wall

By Frank J. Platko

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 30: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder holds onto the ball in front of Tomas Satoransky #31 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 30, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 30: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder holds onto the ball in front of Tomas Satoransky #31 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 30, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 14: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the New York Knicks on February 14, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 14: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the New York Knicks on February 14, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Beal’s All-Star Season

Another major reason for the Wizards success is the performance of Bradley Beal, who continues to have an all-star season. While his scoring has dipped slightly over this nine-game stretch, Beal has continued to make strides as an all-around player. 

Averaging 4.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game this season. He’s bumped up those averages since Wall’s injury to 4.8 and 6.4 respectively. The All-Star shooting guard has been the leading Washington in assists. An encouraging sign that he’s capable of spearheading the Wizards offense. 

Despite a few off nights, Beal continues to be unquestionably the Wizards’ player this season. 

In a 27-point comeback victory against the New York Knicks, in what was the team’s last game before the All-Star break, Beal had a dominant offensive game. He finished with 36 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks. While shooting 14-for-22 from the field.

He also held Tim Hardaway Jr. scoreless in the final 20 minutes of the contest. That was a feat in itself, considering Hardaway lit the Wizards up for 32 first-half points. 

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