Game 3 will give a huge boost to either the Wizards or Hawks after the final horn blows and the winner has been determined. The winner will have a huge advantage, and will be able to take a commanding lead once Game 4 comes.
With John Wall‘s status still unknown, the Hawks have been preparing as if Ramon Sessions will be the starting point guard for the Wizards tomorrow night. The Wizards need John Wall so he can close the game while also finding open looks for team. Without Wall, Sessions will continue to have to step up and play like he belongs.
After only scoring 2 points in the first two games combined, Nene is going to have an amazing game that will make his doubters realize why the Wizards instantly became better once he was brought to Washington. Randy Wittman needs to get the Big Brazilian involved early, similar to how the Pacers got Roy Hibbert involved early in games when they faced the Wizards in last season’s playoffs.
The strategy got Hibbert into the series and helped the Pacers win that series, which is exactly what the Wizards have an opportunity to do. Nene is going to be crucial to the Wizards being able to succeed, and the other players need to work harder to get the big man involved.
Bradley Beal needs to continue to attack the basket rather than settle for outside shots so he can get more looks while also shooting at a higher percentage. Getting better looks will create more opportunities for layups, or even putbacks the bigs can finish. Beal scored 20 points, which is very productive, but he will have to shot better than 8/22 if the Wizards want to win Game 3.
If the Wizards go down in the series, they are going to struggle especially if John Wall is unable to come back. Game 3 must be won by Washington if they want to give Wall some time to potentially make a come back and help this team compete for the title they deserve to be competing for. A Game 3 victory is key with or without Wall, and could help either team set the tone for the remainder of the series.
