After failing to steal home court in Washington, the Atlanta Hawks look to defend their home while avoiding a 0-3 hole in their series against the Wizards. Although they put on a much better showing in Game 2, the Hawks were no match for the dynamic duo of John Wall and his running mate Bradley Beal, who scored 16 of the Wizards 31 points himself in the 4th quarter of Washington’s game 2 victory.
The Wizards are riding high and are looking to take commanding lead in this series. They have yet to see a subpar performance for either member of their backcourt and look to continue the success today.
After two games, the Wizards are ranked 4th in defensive efficiency, it also helps that the Hawks have been able to get any offensive consistency from anyone not name Schroder (24 points and 7.5 assists on 43%) or Milsap. The Hawks can definitely win a game or two in this series, but it has to start today at home.
Keys to the Game for Atlanta
Dwight Howard must make a statement, he has been nonexistent on the offensive side scoring 7 points game 1 and 6 points game 2
Overall defense. They have allowed 223 points in these two games, the Hawks do not have the offensive weapons to play in a shootout, they must win this game on the defensive side
Contain the backcourt. This goes without saying, the Hawks will not win a game in this series if John Wall and Bradley Beal continue to play the way they have been.
Keys to the Game for Washington
Keep up the defense
Marcin Gortat must continue his excellent play. He has outplayed his opponent in both games.
Wall and Beal must continue what they are doing on offense while containing Schroder on defense, he is the biggest threat to preventing Washington from taking command of this series.
Game Info
When: Saturday, April 22, at 5:30 p.m EST.
Where: Philips Arena, Atlanta, Georgia
TV: TNT
Remaining schedule
Game 4: Monday, April. 24, 8 p.m. (TNT)
Game 5 (if necessary): Wednesday, April 26, TBD
Game 6 (if necessary): Friday, April 28, TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Sunday, April 30, TBD
