A return to Washington for game five is welcomed by the Wizards, who dropped both in Atlanta to even the series at two games each.
Frankly, I expected the Wizards to control this series, and it looked like they would do so after winning the first two at home, but the Hawks bounced back behind terrific play from Paul Millsap in Atlanta. The Hawks have managed to put tremendous pressure on the Wizards’ defense, and it has resulted in a big free throw disparity: Ten more free throw attempts per game for the Hawks.
The Wizards have countered with 52 per game from their back court of John Wall and Bradley Beal, but need better shooting (under 30 percent from three) and more contributions from the likes of Marcin Gortat and Otto Porter, both of whom are only scoring eight a game in the series.