Written by Candace Buckner at Washington Post.com
At times during the Washington Wizards’ season, a team video session — edited clips revealing harsh truths and Coach Scott Brooks sparing no feelings — has precipitated change. These fixes have mostly focused on defense, where the Wizards’ effort and execution has hinged on the success of their offense.
Before Game 5, the Wizards held another one of these sessions. It was another reminder that fourth-quarter defense can either sink their playoff hopes or thrust the team into the next round. The counsel took hold. The Wizards’ defense delivered in crucial moments down the stretch, and Washington defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 103-99, for a 3-2 lead in this best-of-seven series.
On the friendly floor of Verizon Center, Washington erased the sour memories of its previous two games in Atlanta, including the 34 points the team surrendered in the final quarter of Game 4. This time, the Wizards stymied the Hawks in the final 12 minutes, blocking five shots, patrolling the three-point arc (the Hawks missed five of six from deep in the fourth) and allowing just 20 points.
The Wizards had no problems, even though Atlanta point guard Dennis Schroder went off again (game-high 29 points) and Paul Millsap scored 21 points on 19 shots, because the overall defense held up. Atlanta made only 40.9 percent of its shots from the field and was 9 for 31 from beyond the arc.
“We had a great film session,” Brooks said, explaining how the off-day practice led to Game 5’s defense. “It was pretty direct and honest, and I think guys responded.”
Now, one game stands between Washington and the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Wizards will face their first closeout road game Friday night in Atlanta.
“Nobody has [taken] over the series because nobody has won the opposing team’s court yet,” John Wall pointed out. “We know they have an amazing crowd. They’re definitely going to come out and be loud.
“We got to see what we can do.”
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