Wizards' Wall sits out Game 2 vs. Hawks with 'really bad' sprained wrist
In a stunning pregame development, the Washington Wizards ruled John Wall out for Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday.
The Hawks won Game 2 106-90, tying up the series 1-1.
Wall suffered a left wrist injury during the second quarter of Washington's Game 1 victory, when he fell hard on his hand while driving to the basket.
The All-Star point guard remained in the game and was said to be good to go for Tuesday's Game 2, with head coach Randy Wittman even confirming that all of his players were available during his pregame media availability.
After the game on Tuesday, Wall provided an update on his injured wrist.
Wall says he has a 'really bad sprain' in his wrist, consulted with doctors and decided to sit when he couldn't dribble the way he wanted
— #dcRising (@WashWizards) May 6, 2015
If Wall can return for Game 3 in D.C., the Wizards will likely be content with heading back home with a split in Atlanta, but if this is a precursor to a lengthier absence, it's tough to see Washington completing the upset over the top-seeded Hawks.
John Wall has created, assisted, or scored 54.4 points per game this postseason, almost exactly half of Washington's total point production.
— Synergy Sports Tech (@SynergySST) May 5, 2015
Wall averaged 17.6 points, 10 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.7 steals while providing the Wizards with excellent defense at the point of attack during the regular season, and the Wizards performed more than 10 points per 100 possessions better with Wall on the court as opposed to on the bench.
Wall's 12.6 assists per game lead the NBA this postseason, and the Wizards have shot just 38 percent from the field when Wall is on the bench.
Ramon Sessions drew the start in his place. He poured in 21 points and four assists in Wall's absence for Game 2.