The Washington Wizards defeated the Atlanta Hawks to take a 3-2 series lead. They took a 2-0 lead but when the series shifted to Atlanta, they dropped both games to even the series at 2 games. They know they must focus if they want to close out this series on the road.
Bradley Beal on Defense
Wizards head coach Scott Brooks said after the game it was that the team was able to make a few more winning basketball plays and staying in their game plan. Part of their game plan was defense. Brooks went on to praise Bradley Beal’s efforts. “He’s not going to tell anybody that he’s a great defender, but his coaching staff and his teammates know that he locks up defensively, gives you great effort and gives you an honest day’s work.” Brooks continued by saying that you get caught up in Beal’s smooth offensive but he is a two-way player. Beal finished the night with 27 points, five rebounds, three steals and 3 blocks.
Player’s Focus
The Wizards understand that it is very important for them to focus if they are going to close this series out. Brandon Jennings, whom the Wizards acquired in the middle of the season, is excited about the possibility of getting out of the first round for the first time in his career. “We have to play ten times better,” Jennings explained after the game. The Wizards did not play well in games three and four. Otto Porter says the energy from the crowd helped them. He realized that there was a lack of focus when he went back to look at the film sessions.  “Overall as a group, we came in focused,” Porter explains. He was the third leading scorer for the Wizards with 17 points.
What’s Next
The Wizards will travel to Atlanta with the hopes of closing out the series on Friday. They will await the winner of the Boston-Chicago series. Boston currently leads, 3-2.
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