Wristy Buisness: It's win or go home for Wall and the Wizards

By Anthony McCree II and Kelvin Cash

Tonight, The Wizards come back home for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. They do so after back to back loses for the first time in this playoff, both loses were close, but Game 5 being the biggest heart break of all for Wizards fans, considering they had a one point lead with 8.3 seconds to go and lose on an Al Horford rebound and put back because quite obviously....they failed to block him out.


The difference in them was obvious with John on the court, He just changes things for them, gets everyone in the right places, and is just a blur on the offensive end, and he had a great impact on the other end as well.

Atlanta's combo of Jeff Teague and Dennis Schroder at Point Guard for did not as easily drive past the Wizards guards like they did the previous two games without Wall on the court. They actually had 11 turnovers between the two Teague (7) Schroder (4) and 23 total as a team.

Turnovers were a problem for the Wizards again in Game 5 as well, Wall (6) Beal (5) , but they actually won the turnover battle ending up with 4 less than their opponent as a team (19).

The failed box out, the high turnover number, and failure to connect from distance with them going 4-17 from 3 are all great reasons to point to for the lose, it doesn't all hinge one play or one thing, but in the NBA playoffs, if you hold the other team to 81 points and still lose, chances are.....You did something exceptionally wrong lol.

With them coming home tonight, I'll give my take on things based on last game, and Kelvin will speak on his X-factors, and what he would like to see in Game 6 as well.

Who's Hot

John Wall, Bradley Beal, and Marcin Gortat

As mentioned previously, John Wall really gave the Wizards a spark on both ends of the court, He even played exceptional defense on Schroder on the last play, that could have won it for them, if someone had put a body on Horford.

Bradley Beal, had another good performance in this playoff, he scored 23 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal, and 3 blocks, he, like John, could stand to bring his turnover total down, but I love his effort and aggressiveness on both ends.

Marcin Gortat, was 7-10 shooting in Game 5, with 14 points, and 8 rebounds, some even suggest that if it was he instead of NeNe on the floor at the end of the game maybe, Just maybe.....they go into this game on the edge of victory instead of elimination.

Who's Not

Otto Porter and Drew Gooden

Otto Porter, has been great this playoff, He's done many different things for them on both ends of the court, and Game 5 was no different. He had 10 rebounds, 5 on defense and 5 on the offensive end, and again played very good defense.

So Why is he on this list?....Because he shot was simply off, He went 3-13 in the game and missed both his 3 point attempts, it could have been worse, I commend him for his efforts, but he's has to shoot better tonight.

Drew Gooden, like Porter, I've enjoyed his play for much of this playoff, but Game 5....I found myself wondering why he was playing, and Kris Humphries and Seraphin were not. 0-4 from the field, 0 points in 11:56 minutes.

The Truth

Paul Pierce

Paul has been great for them, He's been clutch the entire playoff, and made a game winner in Game 3, in Game 4, he got a good look from distance that would have tied and just missed it, in Game 5, he hit a 3 point shot with 8.3 left to give them a one point lead. He was also the only Wizard in the game to shoot well from the arc, going 3-6 in the game.


Rebounding

The team actually did a pretty good job rebounding in the game, they did lose the battle on the boards by 4 ( 46 to 50) but that wasn't due to lack of trying. The Wizards had 13 offensive rebounds in the game which is really good. Problem is....they were equally bad at stopping offensive rebounds on the other end as Atlanta also had 13. The last heartbreaking score by Atlanta can easily tell the tale on why they need to improve on securing defensive boards in game five.

They have only lost the rebounding battle twice in this series, Game 2 and Game 5, both loses, and both games where they allowed Atlanta to do work on the offensive glass (16 in game 2).

Along with the very good defensive effort, they'll need to secure defensive rebounds in Game 6, to get this back to Atlanta at 3-3.

 Maybe, Kris Humphries, a guy who is known to be a really good rebounder, could help assure that if he gets some clock in this game.

X-Factor

NeNe Hilario

Will the Real NeNe Hilario please stand up! The "Big Brazilian" has been lucklaster in the post season to say the least and even still that may be a reach. The Atlanta Hawks' bigs only pose on threat...ATHLETICISM. As many of you may know, that seems to be the achilles heal of the Washington Wizards front court.

That's a key reason many didn't have them beating The Toronto Raptors in the fashion that they did. NeNe, must be more involved and focused. The Big Fella or whomever may be his replacement tonight will need to bring their A game!

Key Matchup

Wall Vs Elimination 

Over the years we've seen Wall blossom into one of the leagues best point guards, He is the catalyst for the Wizards. However, he doesn't get the credit or recognition he deserves. What better way to silence the hecklers and critics than to show up facing elimination and put the team and the city on his back (less than 100% as well).

Last game he torched Jeff Teague and he will have to replicate that effort today because just like the Wizards, Atlanta goes how their guard goes. Look for Wall to have his hands on this game literally!

Wrist Factors: Can We Honestly Expect to See John Wall Play Soon?

By Anthony McCree II

I'm very proud of the Wizards this playoff, I think they play with a poise and a confidence we haven't seen from them in quite sometime, even last year was different from this year, in 2014 they played like wanted to prove they "belonged", in 2015, they play like they know they belong.

They won the first 5 games they played this playoff, sweeping the Raptors, and going up 1-0 against the one seed Atlanta Hawks. They even made history in the process, winning 4 straight game 1's on the road...never been done until them. They had been playing with the consistency that you see from championship teams, not just good teams, they were getting stops when they needed them, and hitting shots when they needed to, when you get up on them, they fight back, when they get up, they generally stay up, these are the things I mean.

Of course, Atlanta, Chicago, Cleveland, in the East are tough outs, but the Wizards are good enough when healthy to play with anyone I believe...thing is...they no longer have health on their side.

John Wall, is unlikely to play again in game 3 with non-displaced fractures in his left wrist and hand. They say he could play, if swelling comes down and pain could be tolerated and things of that nature, but I just don't see it being worth the risk.

I know it's Wall's decision to make, but it greatly risk long term effectiveness for a short term goal. It's said that his injury can take 6-8 weeks to heal, if he plays and it got worse, or the fractures become displaced, your talking a process that can take much longer, and be much more difficult to heal.

Pro Athletes often tend to heal quicker than the average person, but even so, logic tells you if he plays before the six week mark, it would be the NBA Finals, where reward can possibly be equal to risk.

John's injury happened May 3rd and was diagnosed on May 4th, even if they were to end up in a seven game series with Atlanta and won it... they would still only be about 2 weeks into the healing process (game 7 is scheduled for May 18th if needed)  with a few days of rest before facing either Cleveland or Chicago.

That just wouldn't be a good situation for John or the Wizards as a franchise, most likely, he'd be forced to at least miss the Eastern Conference Final despite his hunger to play. I want to see John Wall play, you want to see John Wall play, John Wall....wants to see John Wall play...but at what risk?

The Wizards still have a a very good team even without Wall on the court, Game 2 is a good indication of that, they lost the game by 16 but it was one of those games that was "closer than the score indicated".

If they can clean some things up, mainly, turnovers leading to easy buckets and open 3 pointers for Atlanta, they can still do this. Can they win this series or next without Wall? Will we see John Wall again in the Playoff at all?

We'll just have to wait and see I guess...

Wiz VS Hawks Game 2: Can they pull of the upset without Wall?

The Wizards go into game 2 in Atlanta with a 1-0 lead, that's after making history the game before with their 4th straight game 1 away win. They (just like me) will have to get over that success and win the next game.

Going up 2-0 would really leave the Wizards completely in the drivers seat and controlling their own fate coming home to Washington for games 3 and 4. For that to happen, I believe certain things will be key, The Wizards will be without Wall though, it will be a tough task, but it's possible, evidenced by the way the Clippers stepped and won without their best play and floor general CP3...who can help them get over the top? Let's look at that.



Who's Hot

Paul Pierce, Otto Porter, Bradley Beal

Pierce, didn't shoot a great percentage from beyond the arc in game 1 (3-9 for 33 percent) but he did go 7-15 in the game scoring 19 points. His all around effectiveness and versatility will be needed if they are to win Game 2.

Otto Porter, scored 10 points, grabbed 11 boards, and made two 3's in game 1 he also played excellent defense on the other end of the court, let's hope for a repeat.

Beal Played Great again in Game 1, scoring 28 points and grabbing 7 boards, he also played swarming defense on Atlanta's 3 point shooters, they'll need him tonight to help deal with the loss of Wall for the game.



Who's Not

NeNe Hilario and Kevin Seraphin

Each grabbed three rebounds in game 1, NeNe added in a steal, but both big men scored 0 points...needless to say, if they want minutes, they need to play much better than that.

X-Factors

Ramon Sessions, Garret Temple, and Otto Porter

With John Wall expected to miss the game, Ramon Sessions goes from a very vital role off the bench, to a very vital role in the starting lineup, are 18 points, 13 assist and 7 boards expected? I don't know if they can be, but he is a talent player, and will have to be a threat to create for himself and others on the offensive end if they are to have a chance without Wall tonight.

John Wall's back court mate, Bradley Beal, also sustained an injury in game 1, returning to the game after severely spraining his ankle, he did return to the game, but was very much a decoy toward the end of the game.

Beal will play, but if he's not effective, or cannot sustain a full work load, temple will most likely get the shot to fill in, He played pretty well in games that he got 30 minutes or more in the regular season in relief of Beal, he could be called upon again.

Otto Porter, Is on here once again, even though Sessions is expected to be in the lineup for Wall, and Temple maybe filling in at the 2, Otto Porter could actually get the start at 3 with Paul Pierce playing the 4 to start this game. doing so, could still give them a chance to matchup well with Atlanta's starting unit, even without Wall in the lineup.

Wizards Vs Hawks: Game 1 Recap

By Anthony McCree II

Yesterday, The Washington Wizards not only won the first game in a race to 4 against the number one seed Atlanta Hawks, but they also made history in the process. The Wizards, became the first team to win four straight game 1's on the road.....in the history of the league....that's right....IN THE HISTORY OF THE LEAGUE! Nobody else has done that, M.J.'s Bulls, Russell's Celtics, Magic's Lakers, etc, etc.....NOBODY ELSE HAS DONE IT!

I just wanted to point that out, it doesn't mean they've won the chip, or they don't have 3 more games to win against a very good team in The Atlanta Hawks, history just had to be noted, because that is very impressive.

The game itself was very good and competitive, Atlanta really came out strong, they had an 11 point lead after 1 qtr, and a ten point lead at the half, DeMarre Carroll was the key for the Hawks in the first half, he scored 21 of his 24 points in the game within the first two quarters.

In the second half, Washington locked in on the defensive end, holding Atlanta to only 25 percent shooting in the final half and 35 points total, while also nearly matching their point total from the first half (51) with their scoring in the second (53). They were the more consistent team on offense for the game.

Key Players 

John Wall and Bradley Beal

John Wall, was the MVP of the game for Washington, He scored 18 points, had 13 assist, 3 blocks and 1 steal, and he clearly lead the Wizards and was key factor in helping them control the pace of the game in the second half.

Bradley Beal, scored 28 points, grabbed 7 boards, and was much better on the defensive end in this game 1 than he was in the opening game against Toronto, he stayed glued to the Hawks sharp shooter Kyle Korver and was not easily deterred by Atlanta's screens that they often use to help get Korver open looks...He did sustain an ankle sprain in the fourth qtr, his health will be key for The Wizards the rest of the way.

 Beal is expected to play, but if cannot go in game 2 on Tuesday , Washington does have Garret Temple, who would most likely fill in the starting lineup, he played well in the role when filling in for Beal during the regular season.

X- Factors 

Otto Porter and Paul Pierce

Paul Pierce, once again, did a great job playing both the small forward and power forward positions, he scored 19 points in the game, and remained a threat from 3 point range through the whole contest, He also matches up well with most the players that Atlanta plays at the 4 spot, because they often play players who are "stretch 4's" who can spread the floor, that's a tough match for a traditional Power Forward like NeNe Hilario.

Otto Porter, had another strong showing this post season, He's appeared to have taken a step forward this post season, averaging 9.6 points, 8 rebounds, and shooting 43 percent from 3 in the playoffs. He did well yesterday, and hit those averages, he scored 10 points, had 11 rebounds, and is playing very well on the defensive end.

Defending the Arc

The Hawks offensive philosophy is greatly centered around the three-point shot, they came into yesterday's game leading all playoff teams in three-pointers attempted per game. Atlanta hasn't shot less than 30 three pointers in any playoff game so far and yesterday was no different, they shot the 3 ball 38 times, making 13, that's 34.2 Percent, for the Wizards to win this series, they need to continue to force Atlanta to miss at a similar rate, if The Hawks shoot within the high 30's or 40's in terms of percentage, they are much harder to beat.

Skins Draft Round Up: Grading What's Been Done, And Seeing Who's Left

By Anthony McCree II

Wow!!  The first days of the 2015 NFL draft have been eventful haven't they! Day 1 for Washington started with Brandon Schreff, a pick I graded out as an A despite the fact that ultimately the decision was made to skip over Leonard Williams, DE , USC and there are questions on whether Schreff should be drafted so high because he's going to play RT or Guard in the league.

The next day, started with the drafting of Preston Smith OLB/DE out of Mississippi State.

He's 6'5 271 lbs, they should be able to move him all along the defensive front, playing him as a 3-4 OLB, he can play 3-technique, 5-technique, and even played NT at times in College and was successful no matter where they played him.

Grade:A-

In the 3rd round, they traded out of the 5th spot in the 3rd round and received Seattle's 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th round picks...Hell of a deal, especially, given the fact they still landed a quality player at the end of the 3rd round.

They took Matt Jones, RB, out of Florida. He's big, fast for his size, and has some wiggle in the open field, he's also a good pass protector and can catch out of the back field, the main knock on him is fumbling, here's to hoping he gets coached up well.

Grade: B 

Today, will possibly feature 7 more picks barring anymore trades resulting in either more or less selections (lets hope for more). Let's check out who are some value players to consider at key positions of need the rest of the way.

Wide Receiver 

Darren Waller, Georgia Tech, 6'6 235 lbs

A huge target who has the potential to develop as a very very good red zone threat, he has great body control, and can catch the football at it's highest point. At his size, he could even double as a move tight end.

Dezmin Lewis, Central Arkansas, 6'4 214 lbs

Another big target can go up and get the ball at it's highest point, He played well at the Senior Bowl, and has decent speed, proving so running a 4.46 at his Pro-day.

Inside linebacker

Ramik Wilson, Georgia, 6'2 237 lbs

An athletic linebacker who can play inside in a 3-4 defense or in a 4-3, good speed running a 4.62 40 at his Pro Day. He moves fluidly from side to side and was very productive against good competition in the SEC.

Center

This is a position that I thinks has some of the best prospects in the latter half of the draft at a position of need for the Skins. All these guys are

B.J. Finney, Kansas State, 6'4 318 lbs

One of the best Center prospects in the draft as a whole, plays with very good technique and leverage and is good with his hands.

Max Garcia, Florida, 6'4 309 lbs

Has natural power and upper body strength, can move defenders while also being difficult to move in the process. Is also extremely versatile, having also played Left guard and Left Tackle as well.

Shaquille Mason, Georgia Tech, 6'1 300 lbs

Power, Power, Power! One of the best drive blockers in the class. If he had the prototypical size of many who went before him already....he would have have gone before many of them. He played Guard in college, but again, his size will most likely dictate that he plays center, but I'd love to have him, he has some of the same traits as our first pick in the draft Brandon Schreff, he plays nasty, and wants

to "finish" the man in front of him.

Offensive Guard

Tre' Jackson, Florida State, 6'4 330 lbs

Daryl Williams, Oklahoma, 6'5 327 lbs

Mark Glowinski, West Virginia, 6'4 307

Tayo Fabuluje, TCU, 6'6 353

Jose Matias, Florida State, 6'5 309

Robert Myers, Tennessee State, 6'4 326


Defensive Backs

Josh Shaw, USC, 6'0 201 lbs, CB/S

Doran Grant, Ohio State, 5'10 200 lbs, CB

Durrell Eskridge, Syracuse, 6'3 208 lbs, FS

Deron Smith, Fresno State, 5'10 200 lbs, FS

Adrian Amos, Penn State, 6'0 218 lbs, FS

Ladarius Gunter, Miami, 6'1 215 lbs, SS/CB

Gerod Holliman, Louisville, 6'0 218lbs, FS

Rounds 2 and 3 Wrap Up: Live Grades and Reaction

Hello readers, Welcome to the Round 2 Wrap Up. This is where the Area 51 Sports team gives live reactions to the picks made by Washington. Those members are myself Ant "MD" McCree (represented as MD), Kelvin Cash (Cash) and Trent Wright (Trent) We'll all give are take and chime in on moves made during the 2nd and 3rd rounds of the draft.

Round 2

The Giants started off the second round by trading up with Titans and royally pissing off many Skins fans and selecting Landon Collins, But there was still some really good talent available by time they picked.


Who would this pick be for the Skins? Randy Gregory is available, Eli Harold is available, Dorial Green-Beckham is available, as is, A.J. Cann, Jay Ajayi, Duke Johnson, so many directions they could go....AND THEY GO TO COMMERCIAL!!! LOL...that's just so damn great.... I have no Idea why they do this to people lol.

Preston Smith!! Okay!! Not Randy Gregory or DGB but I'll take it, he fills a legit need, and at 6'5 271 lbs can be versatile in our scheme and that's what they need...this could end up paying dividends down the line, I like it.

 MD Ant Grade: A-


Cash: Hell No Bruh! No! No! No! I do not agree. I do not think he was the best player available, why pick a pass rusher and have it not be Randy Gregory! You cannot justify this! It's horrible, I can't take it.

Cash Grade: F...F...F! All F's


MD: Hahaha  I can understand that, but I honestly see reasons to like this, a big guy like that, who can move, and play standing up and with his hand in the ground, you don't see many like in the league...Legit threat to rush and stop the run.

Cash: I have to be honest, I feel like Scott McCloughan promised us dimes and we got two nickles instead...I guess that's one dime lol.

Trent: I can't take this right now, I'm reserving my thoughts for the third round.

Round 3

Cash: We Traded our pick...WTF?

MD: Bet! I wonder what we get in return.

Trent: That trade backed saved Scott McCloughan until tomorrow, we get an extra 4th , 5th , and 6th round pick from Seattle, and pick number 95 (round 3 pick 31). Great Job Scott!

Cash: Bruh! I'll take it! Seattle just did use a favor lol

MD: Agreed! We got over lol.

Cash: If these picks work out I will NEVER question him again! lol

We Are Currently on the Clock...The pick is.....

Matt Jones /RB/ Florida

He's not the more popular Jay Ajayi or Jeremy Langford, but Matt Jones has got very good downhill potential with his running style, and runs past defenders in the open field, He's also a good pass protector, which means he's got a chance to be used on 3rd downs if he can be used regularly as a pass catcher. He does have an issue with protecting the football, so that knocks him down, but he'll have to clean that up going forward.

MD Grade: B

My grade for pick it self is a B...but the round as a whole get's an A+ because the trade of pick 5 in the round resulted with the swap and 3 extra picks, gotta love that..we'll see how it goes tomorrow.


Cash: I don't like the pick, regardless of how well he can pass protect, he'll be a liability if he cannot protect the football, fumbles never help a football team. He's not an upgrade, he's more of a poor man Alfred Morris than anything.

Trent: I see that as more of a luxury pick, with McCloughan having two picks in the 4th round to work with, we'll see what he does tomorrow. I'm not really worried about him passing on Ayayi at this point, because he has red flags with injury concerns, I'm fine with them passing.


So, that's it until tomorrow, We You've seen our take what's yours? Comment, let us know how you feel.



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Draft Day 2, Rounds 2&3: Which Direction could Washington go

By Anthony McCree II

The first round of the 2015 NFL Draft is done and the Skins decided to go with Brandon Schreff out of Iowa in an attempt to bolster their offensive front for years to come.