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Washington Wizards Three Takeaways: Washington Took the Sting out of the Charlotte Hornets

By Jen Julie Smith

Apr 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) shoots the ball as Charlotte Hornets center Frank Kaminsky (44) defends in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 118-111. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) shoots the ball as Charlotte Hornets center Frank Kaminsky (44) defends in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 118-111. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Wizards were coming off three straight losses on the road, but found their rhythm at home against the Charlotte Hornets.

After losing their last three games on the road, the Washington Wizards sought redemption at home against the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night.

Charlotte leads the league in most free throws taken and they commit the least amount of turnovers. They’re also second in the NBA in defensive rebounds.

Despite an awful start, the Wizards were able to find their rhythm in the second half against Charlotte, lighting them up from deep en route to a 118-111 win at home.

Dismal Defense

The Wizards’ starters slept through the first half of the game. Their perimeter defense was nonexistent, allowing the Hornets to shoot 42% from the 3-point line.

Markieff Morris, per usual, picked up two quick fouls in the first quarter, and found his favorite seat on the bench.

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However, Keef would later return in the middle of the second quarter with back-to-back buckets, rattling down a three and dunking on a fast break.

The Hornets led at the half, 63-51, and made all 10 of their free throws.

If the Wizards want to make a deep playoff push, they can’t give up 60 plus points during the first half of a game.

Washington’s lack of defensive intensity allowed Charlotte to shoot 61% from the field, while the Wizards shot only 41%.

Kemba Walker ended the half with 20 points.

The Second Unit was Superb

Jason Smith was unbelievable on both ends of the floor. Smith ended the half as the only Wizard in double digits, leading all Wizards’ scorers with 11 points in 12 minutes.

Once again, the second unit kept the game competitive starting with the first quarter. The Wizards’ bench, unlike their starters, began the game with a sense of urgency and energy.

The ball was swung, which led to both Bojan Bogdanovic and Smith knocking down 3-pointers in the first quarter.

The bench continued their stellar play and started the second quarter with an 8-0 run, which included a block by Smith.

Because Smith was on fire, Coach Brooks kept him in the entire second quarter.

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The bench production was superb. They had 45 points to close out the game.

Wizards Come Alive In the Third

The Wizards woke up in the third quarter, dialing up their offensive and defensive intensity.

Washington only had a one turnover in the third.

Washington defended the perimeter, causing the Hornets to miss all of their 3-pointers. The Hornets also did not see the free throw line.

Keef opened the quarter with a three. Marcin Gortat would have a key block.

John Wall must’ve looked up at the score board when he came out in the third and said I know that doesn’t say 63 points. Wall took over the game, attacking the rim, and had 14 points and 6 assists in the quarter.

The Wizards shot 50% from the 3-point line and outscored the Hornets 36-18.

In the final quarter, with Wall driving, the Wizards didn’t let their foot of the gas. Wall got his 50th double-double this season, a career-high.

Kelly Oubre would have a dagger three with less than two minutes in the game. That was Oubre’s third 3-pointer of the game.

Otto Porter would knock down his only three with less than 40 seconds left to play.

The Wizards had a season high of 17 made threes and 10 of those threes came from the second unit.

Extra Take: Jason Smith Sizzled

Smith deserves an extra take because he put in extra effort. Smith played with such confidence and swagger from behind the arc, at one point, it looked like he was morphing into Stephen Curry‘s stepdad. Whenever he touched the ball, it was insta-buckets.

Smith was fearless on the offensive end, knocking down 5 shots from the 3-point line.

Smith ended the game with a season high of 17 points, in addition to 5 rebounds and 2 assists.

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The starters ended the game with Wall (23 points, 6 steals), Bradley Beal (19 points), Morris (14 points), Porter (9 points) and Gortat (8 points and 5 rebounds).

This was Beal’s 74th game of the season, making this the most games he’s played in his career.

After the game, Chris Miller of CSN Mid-Atlantic asked Oubre, who had 15 points, where his defensive intensity came from. Oubre responded with “by watching Russell Westbrook.”

Coach Scott Brooks was also asked by the media what changed going into the second half.

Brooks said he had a “candid conversation” with the team during halftime and that there had to be defense, and to stop allowing uncontested shots.

During the second half, the Wizards came together as a team and did indeed start playing defense.

Although giving up 63 points won’t be effective during the playoffs, they were able to secure a win.

But the Wizards have to stop playing from behind, because they can’t play catch up against real threats.

Next: Why the Wizards Should Beware of the Bucks

On Thursday, the Wizards go to New York to take on the Knicks.

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