The Washington Wizards got a big boost on Saturday as their starting point guard and five-time all-star John Wall returned to the lineup. After missing 27 games where the Wizards went 15-12, Wall came back in a big way leading his Wizards to a 107-93 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. Wall finished the game with a double-double scoring 15 points and adding another 14 assists. Wall was also second behind his backcourt mate Bradley Beal in minutes played.
The Wizards know that Wall is crucial if they want to do well in the playoffs. Bradley Beal added 22 points while Otto Porter added a double-double himself, scoring 26 points and adding 11 rebounds. Wall set his teammates up nicely time and time again leading to easy buckets. The Wizards also hit 18 three-pointers today tying a franchise record today. With the return of Wall, the Wizards looked like they had an extra bit of pep in their step today.
Coach Scott Brooks was certainly happy stating “The Ferrari is pretty good.” Brooks acknowledged how much better this team is when it has its start player. He also mentioned that shots for his other all-star Bradley Beal and key starter Otto Porter are much easier when Wall is on the court. Wall stated after the game that he was just trying to pick up where he left off. “I tried not to force the issue, just play my game, and take shots that I always have, but also keep those guys in a great rhythm because they’ve been playing well.” He said. “Just make their job a lot easier so they don’t have to waste much energy. I think we did a great job of that tonight.”
The Wizards will head to Chicago tomorrow where they will try to keep the momentum going. Wall will not play, so that means that Tomas Satoransky will start at the point tomorrow. Satoransky has been averaging 7.1 PPG, 3.0 RPG, and 3.9 AST this season. The Wizards must continue to play well if they hope to make a deep run in the playoffs this year. The Wizards have six games left before the playoffs begin, and each game matters as they continue to fight for seeding. With Wall back and the hot shooting of Beal and Porter look out for the Wizards as being a team that many eastern conference foes will not want to face.
