Wizards’ Bradley Beal hits his stride, still waits for John Wall

Earlier in the season, coach Randy Wittman watched Beal become hesitant whenever he started a game and his shots didn’t fall.

Now he sees Beal continuing to attack the basket regardless of whether the shots are dropping in.

Wittman’s happy with the change.

“He’s got to continue in this direction, staying aggressive,” Wittman said. “Six free throws [in Wednesday’s 99-93 loss to Houston], along with what he’s doing from the floor … that’s what he’s got to continue to do. I am pleased with where he’s headed.”

Beal, a spiritual young man who is close to his parents and four brothers, counted on their help to push past his early jitters.

Relying on his family was second nature.

Beal has an intricate tattoo of a tree on his right arm with the names of his parents and four brothers inside the branches.

“My family helped me out — mom, dad, my brothers and coaches as well as my teammates,” Beal said. “It’s nothing I really started doing, it’s just my mentality changed and how I approach the game more seriously. I’m not saying I didn’t take it serious before, but now, there’s just more of a focus on where I needed to be.”

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