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The Hawks bounced back from losing Game 1 to Washington at home with a 106-90 win last night in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
I was looking forward to seeing if Randy Wittman and the Wizards could extend their undefeated streak in the playoffs this year (5-0 entering the game) but shortly before tipoff Washington decided to sit John Wall due to complications from a wrist injury he suffered during the team's Game 1 victory. His absence was obviously, unless you don't pay much attention to the NBA, a huge factor in the result.
Much like the Wolves need Rubio on the court to look reasonably effective, the Wizards typically go as far as Wall takes them. He's their best player and it's not close.
The Wizards have shot more than 10 percentage points better with John Wall on the court than off the court in the playoffs. (49.2% to 38.3%)
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 5, 2015
John Wall's absence for Gm2 looms large..He's creating 30.8 Points Per Game this Playoffs off assists alone, 10.9 more than any other player
— NBA.com/Stats (@nbastats) May 5, 2015
Here's how Wall hurt is left wrist (if you're wondering):
If you're looking for a more detailed recap, look no further.
Also, shout-out to our old friend Ramon Sessions. He filled in for Wall at point guard last night, leading the Wizards with 21 points (8-14), 4 assists, and 3 rebounds in 40 minutes of action. While I'm giving shout-outs... HOW 'BOUT OTTO PORTER! The 21-year-old sophomore wing is finding his game during the playoffs and has been a big X-factor for the Wizards this postseason.
Good for him.
2014-2015 POSTSEASON GAME LOG | ||||||||||||||||||||
DATE | OPP | SCORE | MIN | FGM-FGA | FG% | 3PM-3PA | 3P% | FTM-FTA | FT% | REB | AST | BLK | STL | PF | TO | PTS | ||||
Tue 5/5 |
|
L 90-106 | 31 | 6-12 | .500 | 2-3 | .667 | 1-2 | .500 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 15 | ||||
Sun 5/3 |
|
W 104-98 | 34 | 4-8 | .500 | 2-5 | .400 | 0-0 | .000 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 10 | ||||
Conference Semifinals | 32.5 | 5.0-10.0 | .500 | 2.0-4.0 | .500 | 0.5-1.0 | .500 | 9.5 | 3.0 | 0.0 | 1.5 | 2.5 | 0.0 | 12.5 | ||||||
Sun 4/26 |
|
W 125-94 | 26 | 3-8 | .375 | 1-2 | .500 | 0-0 | .000 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | ||||
Fri 4/24 |
|
W 106-99 | 33 | 4-6 | .667 | 2-3 | .667 | 1-2 | .500 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 11 | ||||
Tue 4/21 |
|
W 117-106 | 35 | 6-8 | .750 | 2-3 | .667 | 1-4 | .250 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 15 | ||||
Sat 4/18 |
|
W 93-86 | 34 | 2-5 | .400 | 0-2 | .000 | 1-2 | .500 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 | ||||
Conference Quarterfinals | 32.0 | 3.8-6.8 | .556 | 1.3-2.5 | .500 | 0.8-2.0 | .375 | 7.3 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 0.5 | 9.5 |
Conley Leads Memphis
Here's a good recap of last night's game between the Grizzlies and Warriors.
Basically, Mike Conley is a very good point guard that takes Memphis to the next level. He scored 22 points in his return to the lineup (facial fracture), led the Grizzlies to victory, and spoiled Stephen Curry and the Warriors' special night; Curry accepted his MVP award in front of the Oakland fans before the game.
There are some good quotes in Sam Amick's piece published this morning: Mike Conley, the Memphis Grizzlies' heroic Masked Man, is unbreakable
I'm glad to see Conley back on the hardwood. Now we can have a real series.
Useless Information of the Day
My Dad gave me a book this past Christmas called The Extraordinary Book of Useless Information. I found this excerpt interesting/funny:
Williams to Williams to Williams to Williams
The 2011 New Jersey Nets NBA basketball team had four players with the last name Williams. They sometimes were all on the court at the same time during a game, making it quite challenging for the play-by-play announcers.
Deron (Illinois), Jordan (Maryland), Shawne (Memphis), and Shelden (Duke). That Nets team was coached by Avery Johnson and finished 22-44, with the worst attendance in the NBA (460,719) during the lockout shortened 2011-12 season.
Happy Wednesday. This is an open thread. What should we talk about?