Wizards point guard John Wall was inactive for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series Tuesday night against the Hawks with a left wrist injury.
Wall suffered the injury during the second quarter of Game 1 on Sunday, when he fell defending a fast break. He never left the game, but had his wrist heavily taped. He was never listed on the Wizards’ injury report despite a swollen wrist and hand Monday and Tuesday.
Wizards coach Randy Wittman said before Game 2 that all players were available. Wall was ruled out after pregame warmups.
Wall had 18 points and 13 rebounds in the Wizards’ Game 1 victory to steal home-court advantage in the series. Game 3 is Saturday.
“He’s tough kid,” Wittman said before Wall was declared inactive. “If he can’t play, you know it’s bad.”
Ramon Sessions started in place of Wall at point guard.
Wall was unavailable for comment following the decision to sit out.
Schroder needs to limit turnovers: Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer has shortened his bench during the playoffs. One reserve who will continue to see regular minutes is Dennis Schroder at backup point guard.
Schroder struggled with turnovers in the Hawks’ Eastern Conference quarterfinal series win over the Nets. He committed 13 turnovers in the six games, including four miscues each in Games 1 and 4.
Schroder did not have a turnover in the Game 1 of the semifinal series against the Wizards.
“Coach told me when you see something good and you want to pass it, just pass it,” Schroder said before Game 2 on Tuesday. “When you get a turnover, just sprint back and play defense and concentrate on the next play. I’ve got to take care of the ball.”
Etc.: Hawks prospective owner Grant Hill was at Philips Arena for Game 2. … Hill will have a managerial role in the organization once the sale process to the group led by Tony Ressler is complete. … With the Wizards' Game 1 victory at Philips Arena, they became the first team in NBA history to win four consecutive Game 1s on the road, a streak that began with victories over the Bulls and Pacers in last year's playoffs and continued against the Raptors this postseason. Wittman's team is 8-1 away from the Verizon Center over the past two postseasons. … Thabo Sefolosha (fractured right fibula) and Austin Daye were the Hawks' inactives for the eighth consecutive playoff game this season.
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