Wall admits staredown of Schroder rooted in beef that goes back 2 years

The Washington Wizards and Atlanta Hawks have a history, and so do their point guards, John Wall and Dennis Schroder. Two springs ago, the Hawks knocked off the Wizards in six games in the second round of the playoffs. That series loss is something Washington is looking to avenge as they ride a 2-0 first-round series lead.

During Wednesday's Game 2 win over Atlanta, Wall beat Schroder on a break, dunking the ball and then giving the German a menacing glare.

Turns out Wall has a long memory. He explained Friday that the impetus for the staredown was a Schroder Instagram post from May 15, 2015, after the Hawks beat the Wizards to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

"You remember last time we played them in the playoffs, when I broke my hand?" Wall said, according to The Washington Post's Dan Steinberg. "You see the picture he posted, going to the conference finals. And I'm just sitting there, like, sad face, with my hand wrapped, and him and (Kent) Bazemore just laughing. It's just about history. Just history in the game."

Wall's broken hand was something that cost him three games of that series and possibly affected its outcome. He wasn't amused at all with Schroder or Bazemore's antics at the time.

Wall has averaged 32 points and 11.5 assists in two games in this series so far - along with 47.7 percent shooting, including 4-for-6 from deep.