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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ORLANDO, FL – FEBRUARY 3: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket during the game against the Orlando Magic on February 3, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL – FEBRUARY 3: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket during the game against the Orlando Magic on February 3, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Perseverance of Porter

Quietly, Otto Porter Jr. has also played great basketball without Wall in the lineup. After looking lost since injuring his hip, he has rediscovered his confidence and offensive game.

He’s looked much more like the player we saw in the first few weeks of the season, when he appeared eager to prove doubters of his max contract wrong. 

Porter averaged 19.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists over the past nine games, while maintaining an efficient 53 percent shooting, 

With Wall’s absence, Porter has taken on a larger role in the offense and has been far more aggressive.

The combination of steady offensive production from Beal and Porter, along with the emergence of Satoransky, has played a major role in the Wizards recent success. 

This isn’t to say the Wizards are a better team without Wall. However, as many on social media have suggested, the Wizards will undoubtedly need a healthy a John Wall to make any sort of noise in the playoffs. 

We have, however, learned a lot about this Wizards team in Wall’s absence. Most importantly, they’re capable of competing and winning basketball games. The team’s success now will be important come playoff time.

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