WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Wizards point guard John Wall will miss the pivotal Game 3 of his team's Eastern Conference semifinals matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, Washington coach Randy Wittman announced Saturday prior to tipoff.
This is the second straight game the All-Star starter has missed as his playing status remains in question after being diagnosed with five non-displaced fractures in his left hand and wrist.
Wittman would not elaborate on his star's health or playing status past Game 3.
Wall suffered the injury in the second quarter of Game 1 after being undercut on a drive by Hawks point guard Jeff Teague, immediately grabbing his wrist after the fall. He remained in the game and played up to his own lofty standards -- he finished with 18 points and 13 assists in an excellent second-half performance despite the injury -- and publicly maintained that he planned to play in Game 2.
However, when Wall tried to dribble before the game, he was unable to go due to the swelling and pain and, when the team announced the full extent of the injury on Thursday, his playoff availability was instantly placed in limbo. Since the fractures are non-displaced, meaning the bones remain correctly aligned, there is still a risk that Wall could injure himself further if he plays -- a risk the Wizards do not sound willing to take.
"We're not going to put the kid at risk," Wittman said after practice on Friday. "That won't happen, I guarantee you that. If the doctor says there is a risk at hurting him worse, he's not playing. I won't let that happen."
Wall is averaging 17.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and an NBA-best 12.6 assists this postseason.
As Wittman pointed out in the injury's aftermath, Wall is the Wizards best player and not easily replaced. Since his rookie season, Washington owns a paltry 10-40 record when Wall is not in the lineup. Including the Game 2 loss on Tuesday, the Wizards are 1-3 this season without their star point guard.
Veteran reserve Ramon Sessions will once again get the start at point guard after playing well in Game 2, scoring 21 points. Still, there is not a single player on Washington's roster that can singlehandedly replicate John Wall's production.
"I'm not going to put somebody on the floor that's John," Wittman said. "We just gotta be who we are. We gotta play within ourselves."
With their second-round series tied at 1-1, the Wizards will once again attempt to gain the upper hand against the top-seeded Hawks without their go-to option and leader.
