Wiz of Awes
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Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal, Wizards you just have to win one game

By Jen Julie Smith

WASHINTON, DC - NOVEMBER 10: Bradley Beal #3 and John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards participate in an open practice for military veterans on November 10, 2017 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINTON, DC - NOVEMBER 10: Bradley Beal #3 and John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards participate in an open practice for military veterans on November 10, 2017 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – APRIL 14: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards points against the Toronto Raptors during Game One of the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on April 14, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** John Wall
TORONTO, ON – APRIL 14: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards points against the Toronto Raptors during Game One of the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on April 14, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** John Wall /

The Washington Wizards down 0-2 against the Toronto Raptors, must win Game 3. I also write some few hard truths about this Washington team.

The Washington Wizards are in a precarious position, but not an impossible one. Yes, one can point back to those losses to sub.-500 teams or losing those “winnable games”. But that’s not going to change the situation on the ground.

Or that Bradley Beal‘s minutes throughout the season should have been managed. You can go through my articles, I’ve written about it countless times.

I believed if his minutes weren’t managed, the Wizards would have a repeat of what happened to John Wall in Game 7 of the Boston Series.

In that article, I wrote “otherwise the storyline this postseason will be that Beal not Wall ran out of gas.”

Or in the regular season loss to the Pacers, Victor Oladipo was sounding like Marcus Smart from last season, when talking about Beal.

Oladipo’s statement really stood out to me when I wrote this article.

"“He was exhausted. He played the whole fourth quarter as well too. He played really well.” After Game 7 in Boston, Marcus Smart had this to say about Wall: “His legs were just gone”. “That’s what we just kept telling our guys, our coaching staff kept telling us, ‘Just keep playing. Make sure he sees two or three. He’s going to wear down. In Game 7, legs are gone.’  And it does play a role and a big factor.” Smart “believes the star wore down as a huge pile of minutes built up.” What difference does it make If Beal’s the best shooter on the floor and his arms are too tired to shoot? What difference does it make to have the fastest player in the NBA. if his legs are too tired to run? Just because Beal is young, doesn’t mean he won’t get tired. Of course, the shooting guard should feel invincible right now—first All-Star appearance, the best season of his career, leadership skills are shining, etc. But he’s not the Black Panda, he’s still a human being with a body that needs rest to recuperate."

What’s been written in the past won’t change what’s going on now. Also, all the criticism being lobbied now is not going to change the situation. Instead of pointing fingers, the Wizards need a helping hand.

It doesn’t matter how they got here, that could be dealt with later. They are here now. Fix the problem in front of you.

After the Game 5 loss to the Boston Series, as a fan I stood by the tunnel and told each player, “you just have to win two more games”. I think everyone listened to me as they were walking by except Marcin Gortat. (That’s a joke “ExPat”).

The Wizards just had to win two games to punch their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals. Now they have to win four games against the Raptors, if they want to reach the second round.

How did they get here? We all know how they did. However, fix the problem first. Problem Solving 101.

The following is what the Wizards can do now:

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