Tough Break for Wizards John Wall

08 May, 2015

John Wall has five non-displaced fractures in his left wrist and hand, and the All-Star guard’s playing status has not been determined.

Wall was hurt in Game 1 of Washington’s Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Atlanta Hawks. Initial X-rays were negative, but “multiple examinations” on Wednesday revealed the injuries, the Wizards announced Thursday.

Washington hosts Atlanta for Game 3 on Saturday. The top-seeded Hawks won Game 2 to even the series at 1-1.

“Obviously not the news you want to hear,” Wizards coach Randy Wittman said following the team’s practice on Thursday. “With the swelling, we knew maybe there was not good news there. We’re still consulting with doctors. It’s still pretty swollen.”

Wall, who led the Wizards with 17.6 points and 10 assists per game during the regular season, was not made available to speak with reporters.

“It’s definitely difficult for the team, but I’m sure it’s even more devastating for John,” forward Paul Pierce said. “He worked so hard to get to this point in his career, and to play so well throughout the playoffs and to hear that type of news, I know that’s devastating.”

Though he practiced following Sunday’s series-opening win in Atlanta, Wall was a surprise inactive for Game 2 Tuesday. With his left wrist noticeably swollen, the point guard struggled with various drills during pregame warm-ups.

Wittman didn’t rule Wall out, but said, “We’ve got to be prepared as a team to play without him.”

The fifth-year guard injured the hand when bracing himself as he fell along the baseline. He remained in the game and finished with 18 points and 13 assists in the 104-98 win. Washington, fifth seed in the East, opened the playoffs with five straight wins.

“This is the toughest son-of-a-gun I’ve ever been around,” said Wittman, a former player in the league.

AP

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