The things already got a little chippy in Game 1 of the Washington Wizards vs. the Atlanta Hawks series, so new games bring more animosity and increase the tension. That’s the real playoff atmosphere and who go through it can really say that they are battled tested. Much is at stake already, as the Wizards can go half the way before the Hawks start winning or the guests will manage to steal one from DC. One thing is sure, the losers will be anxious for the revenge.
Atlanta Hawks at Washington Wizards Game 2
LINE: Washington -5.5 (+102); moneyline -216
Total: 210.5 (-102o, -104u)
Atlanta camp at the free throw line, give away too many balls
The good thing about the Hawks first postseason loss is that they can look in the mirror and say that they did it to themselves, more than their opponent did. Atlanta repeatedly turned the ball over, finishing with 19 giveaways for the game, and most of them were of a unforced type. They also allowed 15 offensive rebounds to a team that is not known for a rebounding prowess, much of them during the crucial 4th quarter possessions while trying to mount a comeback.
On both allegations, Millsap can be found guilty as charged. The All Star forward coughed up 4 balls and collected just 2 rebounds in 34 minutes of play. He tried to outplay Morris, who challenged him with the physical and mental play, and failed miserably. The offensive stats don’t do justice, as Millsap had 19 points, missed just 3 field goal and repeatedly got to the line. He forced things, held the ball for too long and got lucky with ball bounces or calls. Millsap finished with -20 plus/minus and was relegated to the bench during the most of the 4th quarter comeback. The other All Star, Dwight Howard was equally bad with -21 points plus/minus, but he at least got some rebounds (14) for his team.
The Hawks shot poorly for the most of the game, increasing the percentage with a 6 minute 4th quarter stretch during which they couldn’t miss. In the end, the 34-of-78 isn’t all that bad, but Washington isn’t a team that should give you much trouble on the defense, especially if you move the ball. They lived on the free throw line, scoring 32-of-39 uncontested tries.
They did attack the rim, but not more than the Wizards did, so it’s not an edge they’ll have for the length of the series. The Hawks got nothing from Tim Hardaway Jr., so despite his rise to prominence, there will be questions raised on Sefolosha’s DNP. Sefolosha could impact the game on the defensive end, locking up one of the two top Wizards scoring options, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if he gets the call some time in the series.
Good play from Ilyasova and Muscala could increase their roles and the Hawks will call for more aggressive Schroder after the German playmaker picked his spots and combined long range accuracy with nifty drives to score 25 points and dish out 9 assists. Taurean Prince and Bazemore haven’t played neither good nor bad, interchanging good moments with bad ones or missing from the game for stretches.
Place: Verizon Center, Washington, DC
Date/Time: Wednesday April 19th, 2017. 7:00 PM ET
TV Coverage: NBATV
Wizards calm down to take 1-0 lead
It’s great to win the first game in the postseason, but it’s even better if you manage to get to the opponent’s head. Washington Wizards protected their home court in the Game 1 and have also frustrated Hawks best player Paul Millsap in the process. Much of it is a smoke screen, especially with the three days to calm down, but once the ball hits the floor again, getting under someone’s skin will pay off.
It was not an enjoyable game for the Wizards either, as they got their nerves strained by first half one sided foul calling, but they managed to overcome it and have fun in the second half. They started the game well, immediately putting the Hawks on their heels and led by double digits before the first quarter was done. That’s when the usual Wizards demise appeared again. The reserves squandered all of the lead in matter of minutes. With Beal slow to get it going and the momentum switch, it’s easy to comprehend why Wall and the rest of the Wizards were visibly irritated by a big free throw disparity that has kept the Hawks in the game.
The Wizards found themselves trailing at the half by 3. Without coming close to Washington locker room, one can be sure that coach Brooks devoted special time trying to calm down his irked players and tell them to stop complaining (despite the fact that the referees truly did a poor job of having the same criteria on calling fouls), as the Wizards shook the bad feeling off and came out as a different team in the second half.
The Wizards promptly put a 38 points third quarter, after scoring just 45 in the first 24 minutes. Beal got it going, Morris was doing his stuff and Wall was playing like possessed. Gortat also put his best performance in a month and the reserves somehow managed not to lose the lead again, without doing much in the second half stint either. The good offense spilled over to the fourth quarter, but it was barely enough as the Wizards other demon almost came to haunt them.
After getting as high of a lead as of 15 points, the Wizards couldn’t get a stop in many consecutive Atlanta possessions. Not only they couldn’t stop Atlanta from scoring, but they seemingly let them score. Schroder and Calderon literally walked their way into the middle of the paint, sometimes without a man in front of them or near them. It prolonged the game’s end, but the Washington Wizards managed to create extra possessions with some very important Gortat’s offensive rebounds that helped the clock run down more quickly.
In the end, the Washington Wizards attempted 32 more shots than their opposition, as they shot 22 fewer free throws and committed less turnovers. John Wall led all scorers with 32 points and dishing 14 assists, some of which a highlight material. Beal got it going in the 2nd half for his 22 points and Markieff Morris inflated his excellent post defense on Millsap with timely baskets and 21 points of his own. Gortat had his hands on the ball on the pick and roll, successfully finishing accurate passes and tipping the ball to his teammates. He played poor defense but made up for it by getting 14 points and 10 boards, 6 of which came at the offensive end. Porter was quiet but got 10 points and 9 rebounds. The bench was a total disaster, starting with Bogdanovic and Jennings, while Oubre managed to score 11 points, but was team-worst -16 on the plus/minus.
Atlanta Hawks at Washington Wizards Game 2 Trends & Prediction
The Atlanta Hawks failed to cover in the first game, lowering their seasonal ATS record to 39-44. They are still a good team on the road, going 22-20 when away. The total points went to overs, mostly due to the tempo off the game that favored the Wizards. The Hawks need to slow things down and limit Wizards transition opportunities with less live ball turnovers. The Hawks are not a regular over team, on the contrary. They went 33-48-2 against the over/under this season.
The Washington Wizards covered for the third consecutive time, including the regular season ending ATS wins as an underdog while resting the starters. They are 43-39-1 ATS this season overall and 24-18 at the Verizon Center. They thrive in the fast paced games and usually play no defense, so the 52-31 record against the over/under isn’t surprising at all.
The books seem to have been impressed by Washington’s first game performance as they increased the spread to -5.5 for Game 2, but it’s unjustified change. Atlanta played poorly and still was in the game until the end. The Wizards porous defense give me the chills, but I did have the home team in Game 1, as the value was too big to pass on.
Unfortunately, this window has closed quickly. I have the Wizards as a 6-point favorite in this one, so I recommend searching for other options. The total line has been set to 210.5, slightly increased from the last game. That’s a fair adjustment as the line was a bit low in the first game. The overs still has value, as long as Hardaway is starting, so watch for the Hawks starting lineup news if you fancy it. My projected line is at 213.5 for this game.
My Pick: Pass
Total: Over 210.5 (-102)
