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John Wall will play in Game 6 vs. Hawks

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Despite taking a number of hits to his quintuply-fractured left hand and wrist in Wednesday's Game 5, Washington Wizards point guard John Wall will suit up for Game 6 against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday.

Wall, who suffered the injury in the first game of the series, returned Wednesday after missing Games 2, 3 and 4. After playing through the pain and frequent contact in the heartbreaking loss, he said he would likely be a game-time decision for Game 6. Head coach Randy Wittman talked about seeing the big picture, and not wanting to risk Wall's long-term health for a potential short-term gain.

According to Wittman, though, Wall's wrist and hand met with minimal swelling Thursday. He was evaluated by team doctors and apparently checked out. Wall himself announced he'd be taking the floor Friday.

The Wizards ought to be grateful. Wall leads the NBA with 11.7 assists per game in the postseason, his team has scored 7.7 more points per 100 possessions with him on the floor and even with a gimpy wrist he was one of the best players on the floor in Game 5.

He gave them 37 relentless minutes, putting up 15 points, four rebounds, seven assists, four steals and two blocks - including one on Dennis Schroder's would-be winning layup (before Al Horford grabbed the rebound and scored the winner anyway).

Now down 3-2 in the Eastern Conference semifinal series, the Wizards are on the ropes, and they'll need Wall to be every bit as good as that if they're to push the Hawks to a deciding Game 7.

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