Washington Wizards Finish First Half of Season With Dominant Win Over Indiana Pacers
By Ben Mehic
Washington Wizards dominated the Indiana Pacers away from home on Thursday night, ending the first half of the season with another big win.
When teams see the Washington Wizards on their schedule, they treat it like it’s a potential signature win.
The Indiana Pacers expected to be competing for homecourt advantage this season after acquiring Thaddeus Young, Jeff Teague and Al Jefferson, but the team seems incapable of finding a rhythm.
Looking for a momentum-changing win, the Pacers were completely outmatched on Thursday night against the Wizards.
Washington, who entered the game with just 9 wins on the road, immediately hit the Pacers with an offensive onslaught. Otto Porter made five 3-point shots in the first quarter and the Pacers didn’t have an answer.
Porter scored a game-high 25 points on 9 of 15 shooting from the field.
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The hot shooting carried over to the second half, where the Wizards left their foot on the gas pedal, ending the Pacers’ chances of making a comeback, 111-98.
Scott Brooks‘ offense has been team-oriented, but the defense has also been impressive, especially individually.
Porter (with help) held Paul George to 17 points on 19 shot attempts.
The Pacers made just 4 of their 18 attempts from three.
Washington has been solid at closing out to the perimeter, not allowing teams to get clean looks.
John Wall and Bradley Beal combined for 39 points and 16 assists, 12 of which were Wall’s.
Beal made 4 of his 7 tries from deep.
Markieff Morris, again, showed his touch from beyond the 3-point arc, making 3 of his 4 attempts.
Morris scored 21 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. His consistency from the perimeter has opened up lanes for both Wall and Beal. Defenses have been forced to either collapse on the guards and leave Morris open or play one-on-one defense, hoping Wall or Beal miss shots at the rim.
The bench also got a solid boost from Ian Mahinmi, who’s finally starting to shake the rust off after not playing for months. Mahinmi made both of his shots. He scored 5 points and grabbed 4 rebounds.
Now that the playoffs are approaching, Brooks might consider resting the starters. Mahinmi will eventually see his minutes increase, giving Marcin Gortat more of a chance to breathe.
Next: Why the Wizards Should Trade For Nikola Mirotic
From beginning to end, the Washington Wizards dominated the Pacers and will finish the first half of the season with a dominant win. Wall is headed to New Orleans for NBA All-Star Weekend and his teammates will likely follow.