No team has ever come back to win a series after a 3-0 deficit in the NBA Playoffs.

The Washington Wizards –unless they make disastrous history– will beat the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the playoffs.

Since the days of Nick Young, JaVale McGee and Andray Blatche, my expectations for the Wizards have always been irrationally high. Year after year, I’d convince myself that team would make the postseason. Of course, it never happened.

Fast-forward a few years and the Wizards have successfully rebuilt their team through the draft, free agency and trade.

Washington beat the Chicago Bulls in the first round last year, winning their first playoff series in over half a decade, and fans became convinced that they could beat the first seeded Indiana Pacers in the semi-finals. The Wizards were stifled and lost in 6 games.

So, here we are today.

The Wizards are beating the Raptors 3-0 and have played some of their best basketball in recent memory.

That raises the question: How far can this year’s Washington Wizards team go?

Eastern Conference Finals

The Atlanta Hawks haven’t been fantastic in the NBA Playoffs.

They unexpectedly made the jump from mediocrity to contender during the regular season, but have struggled against the Brooklyn Nets at times in the first round.

Be honest, at some point in the last two days you've talked yourself into the chance the Wizards make the ECF. — Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) April 24, 2015

Most recently, they dropped Game-3 to the Nets in Brooklyn.

The Hawks, who were second in the league in three point percentage during the regular season, have made 36 percent of their 3-point shots in three games against the Nets. For comparison, the Washington Wizards have made 39 percent of their threes.

Atlanta, like most playoff teams, haven’t been as good offensively in the playoffs as they were during the regular season.

Their ability to stretch the floor with Paul Millsap and Al Horford really hurt Washington during the regular season, but the Wizards might’ve solved that problem by playing Paul Pierce at the four spot.

Toronto posed similar match up issues that Atlanta poses, and the Wizards seem to have figured it out.

Now, I’m not saying that Washington could beat Atlanta in the second round to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals ( I’m totally saying it…) , but the Hawks might not be as scary as they were during the regular season.

The Hawks are going to get a fearless and capable Wizards' team. — RealGM (@RealGM) April 25, 2015

John Wall, Bradley Beal, and even Otto Porter have taken great steps forward in the playoffs. Washington would have nothing to lose, and they’ve hit their stride.

The NBA Finals

Oh, man. I can’t even comprehend the terms ‘Washington Wizards’ and ‘NBA Finals’ going together.

But, hear me out.

To win in the playoffs, match ups matter just as much as talent.

If the Wizards could shock us again in the second round, they’ll take on the winners of the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals.

As much as it pains me to say it, I don’t think the Washington Wizards would have much of a chance against the Cavaliers. Reason: LeBron James.

Let’s just assume the Bulls, who’ll have a significant advantage over the Cavaliers on defense and rebounding, make the conference finals.

The Wizards are the last team that Chicago would like to meet.

Wall, Beal, Pierce, Gortat, and Nene have all thrived against the Bulls this season.

Nene, in particular, performs well against teams that play traditional lineups. He hasn’t played much against the Raptors because of Wittman’s choice to play small, but that would change against Cleveland and Chicago.

Washington would have an advantage at the point guard, shooting guard, power forward and center positions against the Bulls. Angry Nene would be key in that potential series, and I’m not betting against Angry Nene.

Championship?!?

OK, OK. I’m done.

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