An angry Washington Wizards coach Randy Wittman denied a report that point guard John Wall clashed with team doctors prior to sitting out Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks.
Wall has five non-displaced fractures in his left hand and wrist. The Wizards said Thursday that Wall’s status for Game 3 and beyond is up in the air. He underwent multiple medical examinations and continues seeking expert advice.
The Washington Post reported that Wall became upset with team doctors because he was originally diagnosed with a sprained left wrist after crashing hard to the floor late in the second quarter of Game 1 on Sunday. Wall remained in the game and said X-rays after the game revealed no breaks. He also said he got two opinions on his injury and was told it was just a bad sprain.
“What was reported today … is a flat-out lie about John clashing with doctors and the training staff,” Wittman told reporters Friday, yelling at times. “That is unfair to this kid. That is so far from the truth that I’ve got to say something.
“That’s not fair to this kid or our doctors that are busting their a–, to have something like that said. That’s not right. I have to stand up for those people in there.”
Wall said Friday he has not ruled out a potential return against the Hawks on Saturday. The best-of-seven series is tied 1-1.
Wall is averaging 17.4 points, 12.6 assists and 1.4 blocks in the playoffs and had four consecutive double-doubles before missing Game 2. He scored 18 points with 13 assists and one turnover in Game 1.