Washington Wizards: 3 matchups that will decide first-round playoff series vs. the Philadelphia 76ers
By Jamal Bedell
What a way to clinch a playoff spot! Yes, the Washington Wizards may have stumbled against the Boston Celtics, but they dismantled the Indiana Pacers, 142-115, to officially secure the eighth seed! Washington had success against Indiana all year as they swept the season series, 4-0. The victory was the perfect way to enter the playoffs after being hit with so much adversity throughout the regular season. After the game, Bradley Beal said, “It’s probably the most beautiful thing I have seen us do all year.”
Beal’s statement is a testament to how grueling of a season it’s been. Whether it be devastating injuries or a COVID outbreak, you can pretty much name it, and the Wizards have endured it. After starting the year off 17-32, Washington only had a 0.6 percent chance of making the playoffs a little over a month ago. But they stuck together through everything and ended the year going 17-6 to capture the eighth seed. Their incredible performance against the Pacers will be a huge boost to their confidence heading into the postseason.
The eighth seed is secured and now it’s time for the Washington Wizards to face off against the top team in the East.
Even though the Wizards clinched a playoff spot, there’s little time to rejoice. The road ahead is extremely tough. The Washington Wizards are now set to face off against the best team in the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia 76ers. The 76ers are the East’s top seed after finishing the regular season with a 49-23 record. Coach Doc Rivers has Philly playing amazing basketball in his first season there, and it’ll be a daunting task trying to upset them in round one. However, Washington has the talent to get the job done.