Atlanta Hawks vs. Washington Wizards: Preview
The fourth-seeded Atlanta Hawks will be looking to put up a winning streak this time around, as they face the tenth-place Washington Wizards once again.
The game will take place on Wednesday, March 23rd, at the Verizon Center in Washington.
The Hawks and Wizards have already played against each other twice this season, with both teams holding one victory apiece over the other. The first game took place last November 7th, with the Hawks hosting. Their home court edge seemed to have played a role, as they ended up victorious with a final score of 114-99.
Despite the Hawks' slow start, the team managed to get their bearings straight in the fourth and final period. Forward Kent Bazemore was the main man for Atlanta, scoring 25 points, 16 of which he dropped in the second half of the game.
He also piled in four rebounds, three assists, and two steals, on 10 out of 15 shooting from the field, through 29 minutes of playing time. Forward Paul Millsap also made significant contributions, adding in 21 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals, on 6 out of 14 field goal shooting, through 34 minutes of playing time.
In the second game, Washington came back stronger, totally avenging their previous loss with a 15-point win. The final score was 117-102. Superstar guard John Wall became the Wizards' main contributor racking up a double-double for himself.
The 25-year old player scored 27 points, along with 14 assists, three rebounds, and two steals, on 10 out of 21 field goal shooting, through 35 minutes of playing time.
The Hawks will be looking to improve their standing in time for the playoffs, as they hold a record of 41-30. But for the Wizards, who hold a record of 35-35, it is gut check time.
"We know our backs are against the wall with what we're trying to accomplish. We've just got to keep grinding and competing," Wall said in an NBA.com report.
