The Atlanta Hawks are not looking like a 60-win team at the moment and it has them at a make-or-break moment in the second round of the NBA Playoffs. Currently down 2-1, the Hawks let the Washington Wizards make every shot they wanted despite not having John Wall as Game 3 was topped off by a Paul Pierce game-winning buzzer beater. Looking to take a commanding 3-1 lead, the Washington Wizards prepare for what might be another game without their All-Star point guard.
No Wall? No problem for the Wizards who won Game 3 without the star. For three quarters of that game, the Wizards were preparing to completely blow out the Hawks as they maintained a 20-point lead. However, the fourth quarter came and the Hawks bench showed up to play, going on a 21-0 run to tie the game. In the end, Pierce looked every bit the savvy veteran with a buzzer beat to win the game. According to ESPN.com, Wall is listed as a game-time decision, but has yet to dribble on his wrist injury so things are not hopeful.
The Wizards proved they might not need him. Otto Porter stepped up for a combined 32 points and nine assists in the past two games. Nene also looked strong with 17 points. Ramon Sessions struggled with just eight points while going 2-of-10 from the field, Pierce stepped up and held his own. Now the Wizards have the momentum and another game on home court to prove they can beat the No. 1 team in the East.
Atlanta has simply not been consistent enough to win games and their offense is looking like it peaked too early. Rebounds are an issue. 3-point shooting is non-existent. The postseason has seen the Hawks turn out several season-low shooting performances while they have struggled to get back on defense. If they are going to stand a chance at winning this series, getting the Game 4 win is critical.
Earlier in the year, the entire starting five for Atlanta was named Player of the Month. However, they needed they bench to get them back into the game on Saturday. Atlanta was without Paul Millsap for most of the game after he came down with flu-like symptoms on Friday night. He is expected to start on Monday. Atlanta is hoping to make a statement or else it will be too late.