:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46248134/11174355_10206997337758821_8997976238518154528_o.0.0.jpg)
The Wizards only played one game this past week. But there was a lot of history made. Here are the top stories.
1. Wizards sweep the Raptors
The Wizards beat the Raptors, 125-94 on Sunday in Game 4 of their first-round series and advance to the second round in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1979. Since then, they've been practicing for either the Atlanta Hawks or Brooklyn Nets who they will face in Round 2.
2. The Wizards and Capitals both made the second round of the playoffs for the first time ever
The Capitals defeated the New York Islanders in Game 7 of their first-round series on Monday and also advanced to the second round. Hell, they beat the New York Rangers in Game 1 of their second-round series Thursday thanks to this buzzer-beating goal by Joel Ward!
GFY: Ward scores the GWG! http://t.co/yRrIBbBUw6 #CapsRags
— CAPITALS HILL (@CapitalsHill) May 1, 2015
Anyway, the Wizards were honored at the Isles game on Monday, and Paul Pierce had a fun time.
With the Wizards and Capitals stepping up their game, it certainly puts some more pressure on other major teams like the Redskins and Nationals, though the Skins should avoid trying to go for a quick fix just to match what the NBA and NHL team have done so far. After all, the Redskins are in the middle of a massive rebuild.
The Monumental Sports teams' playoff success also puts some pressure on the Mystics, who start their season next month. Don't expect too much out of them though. They have a lot of likable players, but they still don't have a legitimate franchise star who can go toe to toe with John Wall or Alex Ovechkin. That lack of such a player isn't going to help their attendance anytime soon. I'll finish off this paragraph by saying that the Mystics could realistically be a playoff team this season, but if they make the postseason, they'll be a one-and-done team like they have been the last couple seasons.
3. The Hawks vs. Nets playoff series is looking more interesting than it should be
Though the Hawks are the number one seed in the East, they managed to lose Games 3 and 4 to the Nets though they turned things around in Game 5. I just wonder how things will be if the Nets can win one more time tonight.
4. Javaris Crittenton sentenced to 23 years in prison
On Wednesday, former Wizards player Javaris Crittenton pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the shooting death of Julian Jones as part of a plea bargain. I wrote more about it here, where it's important for us to note that this story isn't just about Crittenton and his lost opportunities. It's also just as much about Jones and her family.
5. A Dutch expatriate in Belgium travels to D.C. to see the Wizards play in Game 3
We often complain about long Metro lines and clogged up traffic. But Jules, a Wizards fan from the Netherlands (but now lives in Belgium) made a pilgrimage to the nation's capital after waiting for nine years to see his favorite NBA team play. Nick chronicles his story here.