The Atlanta Hawks evened their first-round series with the Washington Wizards in Game 2, 102-90, behind a very solid Hawks performance in which five players had double-digit scoring, including four starters. DeMarre Carroll continued his amazing postseason with 22 points and Paul Millsap and Al Horford each had 18. Horford in particular was brilliant on both ends, aggressive and smart defensively, intercepting passes and feeding outlet passes in transition.
But the Wizards without John Wall (wrist) were scrappy and hung around. Ramon Sessions filled in well with 21 points. Bradley Beal had 20 but it took 22 shots. Pierce did his usual Truth-fulness, but it wasn't enough. Still, the Wizards have to feel good headed back to DC. Here's what we learned in Hawks-Wizards, Game 2.
1. SITUATION NORMAL, ALL HAWKS UP: In Game 1, the Atlanta Hawks shot 25 percent in the second half vs. the Wizards. It was a bizarre shooting situation, in which Atlanta had more uncontested shots (50) than contested shots (48) and yet they shot 30 percent on those open looks via NBA.com. That did not happen in Game 2. Atlanta got the lid off the rims, despite another bizarre third quarter. They shot 35 percent from 3-point range, and Kyle Korver finally got loose, hitting his last two 3s.
That's a huge factor in this series. If the Hawks knock down shots they should, they'll have a good chance of winning this series. Twice in a row now, they've gotten the looks they wanted. But this time, they got the net and not the rim.
2. BAD NEWS, GOOD NEWS: The Wizards were without John Wall due to a wrist injury in this game, so really any sort of push was a bonus. They got the split and took home court in Game 1, so this was a gravy game. And they still had a good chance to win this game. They had good performances from Paul Pierce and Otto Porter, and needed one more guy. With Wall out, they didn't have it. But they never really let the Hawks get away from them until the last three minutes.
Ramon Sessions played well, and the fact that the Wizards shot 55 percent from 3-point range portends well for their future back in the district. Keeping this close sent a message. They can hang with Atlanta, Wall or no Wall, and they're going back to their house with a win regardless. This loss should do nothing but encourage their belief they can win this game.
3. REALLY, RANDY, AGAIN?: During the Raptors series, a vine circulated of Randy Wittman drawing up a play, then flipping the clipboard, turning it over, and then turning it back and generally looking confused. But that's just a weird instance, and probably won't... oh, come on!
