Already up 1-0 over Atlanta, the Wizards have an opportunity to take full control of this series as it moves to Verizon Center if they can come out with another win in Atlanta. The Wizards showed how dominant they could be in their series clinching victory over Toronto, and will hopefully carry this into games 3 and 4. For now though, all should focus on Game 2 and how the Wizards can come away with a win.
First things first, Nene has to be more productive if the Wizards are going to win. The Big Brazilian has been very successful throughout his career in Washington, and needs to go off in one game to get his confidence back. There would be no reason for Nene to make a move to the bench, because everybody knows how dominant he will be once he begins to get more opportunities.
John Wall and Bradley Beal need to continue to battle through their injuries and play as hard as they can until they are too tired or too injured to play anymore. Both got banged up in the Game 1 victory, but were on the court to celebrate once the victory was sealed. Wall and Beal have been cleared to play tomorrow, and should not see any decrease in time due to their injuries.
Marcin Gortat in the playoffs has been more than anybody expected of him ever after he signed his $60 million contract in the offseason. He has been carrying a lot of the scoring load due to Nene’s lack of production throughout the playoffs, but he will not have to be as productive one Nene gets rolling. The Wizards are going to need another double-double from Gortat, but should be fine as long as he keeps those rebound numbers up.
Paul Pierce is going to continue to lead this team to the promise land and ensure they do not miss a beat. Pierce knows the importance of every game the Wizards play in throughout the playoffs, and will get Washington ready to take full control of the series. The key for Pierce will be for him to continue to hit open three-point shots, and spread the floor when the Wizards go with their small lineup.
Washington has an opportunity, and must capitalize on the chance to take over in the series. Atlanta is going to be a hard team to put away, shown by having the best record in the Eastern Conference. The Wizards need to look at Game 2 as a must win game to ensure they will come out victorious.
