The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Wall has Schroder flapping his jaw
There is a war of words going on between point guards in the series and Dennis Schroder is right in the middle of it.
The Wizards’ John Wall and Schroder were seen exchanging words throughout the first two games of the Eastern Conference firstround playoff series. Schroder said it’s just a part of the game — especially his game.
“He’s talking,” Schroder said. “I like it. We are competing. I think he is the best. We are doing the same thing. Coach doesn’t want me to talk like that. He wants me to be like San Antonio and Kawhi Leonard. I like to talk as well. Sometimes you have to be bigger than that. Think about the team. Every game I give everything I have to defend him. It’s tough. Thirty-five minutes he runs up the court and does all these things. I’m going to keep trying.” So no bad blood? “No. When I was dunking in Game 2, I was talking (expletive), too. It happens. You are competing. You did a great play. You just talk. That’s why he reminds me. I do the same thing.”
Howard’s decreased role: Dwight Howard admitted to a level of frustration after a decreased role late in Game 2 on Wednesday. Howard played only 20 minutes in the 109-101 loss and was not on the court the entire fourth quarter. The Hawks built a lead in the fourth quarter but a 16-4 Wizards run in the final minutes led to the loss.
“It was just frustrating,” Howard said. “I’m pretty sure there is no player who wants to be on the bench in crunch time of the playoffs. It was just frustrating. I believe in our team. Whoever coach puts on the floor is who he feels is the best at the moment. I trust my guys. We didn’t get the job done but I believe we’ll get the next one.”
Game 5 time: Game 5 in the series against the Wizards will tip off at either 6 or 7 p.m. Wednesday.
The NBA released Game 5 scenarios Friday night, including for the Eastern Conference first round between the Hawks and Wizards:
If Game 5 is necessary in the Warriors-Trail Blazers series then the Hawks will play at the Wizards at 7 p.m. on NBA TV and the TNT doubleheader will be Bulls at Celtics at 8 p.m. and Trail Blazers at Warriors at 10:30 p.m.
If the Warriors sweep the Trail Blazers, then the TNT doubleheader will be Hawks at Wizards at 6 p.m. and Bulls at Celtics at 8:30 p.m.
The Wizards lead the best-of-seven series 2-1 with Game 4 scheduled for Philips Arena on Monday.
Etc.: The Hawks kept the same starting lineup for Game 3 . ... Ryan Kelly and DeAndre Bembry were inactive . ... Schroder is averaging 24.0 points in his first two playoff starts. He is the first Hawks player to score at least 48 points in his first two career playoff starts since Randy Wittman in 1986.