Wizards Clinch Playoff Berth with Win vs. Hornets on Day of John Wall's Return

The Washington Wizards booked their spot in the playoffs Saturday by virtue of a 107-93 win over the Charlotte Hornets at Capital One Arena. 

John Wall finished with 15 points and 14 assists in his return from a 27-game absence due to a knee injury. 

John Wall Game Highlights

The Wizards have encountered their fair share of hurdles this year—especially in the medical department—but they've been able to clear them en route to a second straight postseason appearance. 

Most notably, Washington has had to deal with two extended absences from point guard John Wall.

The five-time All-Star was first sidelined for nine games in late November and early December with inflammation in his left knee, and he hit the shelf again Jan. 27 following a clean-up procedure on the same knee. 

Through Saturday, Wall has appeared in just 38 games this season. 

Those injuries put pressure on Bradley Beal to step up, and Washington's swingman was up to the task in his running mate's absence. 

A first-time All-Star, Beal has averaged 22.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 46.1 percent from the field and 37.2 percent from three. 

"He's always been a guy that can score, but now he's doing everything to help our team even more," Wall said, according to NBC Sports Washington's Chase Hughes. 

Not to be overlooked is small forward Otto Porter Jr., who has operated as the Wizards' two-way anchor after signing a four-year, $106 million deal last summer to stay in the nation's capital. 

A do-it-all swingman, the Georgetown product has posted 14.6 points and 6.4 boards a night while flirting with the 50-40-90 club to the tune of .496/.433/.829 shooting splits. The Wizards have also outscored opponents by a team-best 5.8 points per 100 possessions with Porter on the floor, according to NBA.com's lineup data. 

Assuming Wall is back at full strength in time for the postseason, Washington could threaten to make a deep run in a wide-open Eastern Conference if it starts clicking at the right time. 

And considering the Wizards have bowed out of the playoffs in the second round in each of their last three appearances, Scott Brooks' squad should have all the motivation it needs to try to punch a ticket to the conference finals.