Washington Wizards Three Takeaways: Wizards Bench Avoids Disastrous Loss In Phoenix

Washington Wizards have had the worst bench in the NBA this season, but they had a breakout game against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night.

Bojan Bogdanovic has only been in the nation’s capital for a few weeks and he’s already won the Washington Wizards numerous games.

On Sunday night against the Orlando Magic, the Wizards found themselves down by double-digits without any momentum. Bogdanovic checked into the game and drilled a career-high eight 3-point shots, leading the Wizards to a one-point win at home.

Then on Tuesday night in Phoenix, the Wizards squandered a 22-point lead.

Jared Dudley and Jason Smith, two of the nicest humans to grace the planet, got into a fight. Dudley was ejected. Otto Porter and Markieff Morris laughed on the bench. It was that kind of game.

Instead of closing the deal early and allowing the starters to rest before a back to back, the Wizards let the young Suns back into the game. Bogdanovic (along with Jason Smith and Ian Mahinmi) carried the Wizards to another close win, 131-127.

Bo Buckets is a go-to scorer

Before he arrived to D.C., Bogdanovic built a reputation of being a shooter. But there’s different types of shooters.

Bogdanovic is the rare kind – the kind of shooter that isn’t afraid to let it fly, even when he’s struggling.

More from Wiz of Awes

• It would be a mistake for the Wizards to trade for this elite sharpshooter
• When is the 2024 NBA trade deadline? Everything you need to know
• 5 early predictions for the 2023-24 Washington Wizards
• 4 most interesting Washington Wizards storylines for the 2023-24 season
• Washington Wizards: 3 teams that would be perfect fit for Danilo Gallinari

He shoots the ball with an unbelievable amount of confidence, expecting it to drop every single time it leaves his hands.

Bogdanovic scored 29 points in 29 minutes off the bench, making all 16 of his free throw attempts.

Whenever the Washington Wizards’ offense got stagnant, Bogdanovic bailed the team out. He’s a spark in every sense of the word.

Otto Porter scored just 2 points and Markieff Morris made one shot against the Suns. Washington needed a lift and Bogdanovic provided it.

Hello, Jason

Our favorite step dad, Jason Smith, hasn’t seen the court very much recently. Ian Mahinmi has gotten bumped up in the rotation since returning from injury, cutting into Smith’s minutes.

But with Morris struggling, Scott Brooks called Smith. And he answered.

Smith scored 17 points, making 6 of his 7 attempts. He also made two 3-point shots.

When he’s on, Smith is as reliable of an offensive option the Wizards have. He’s developed a consistent-enough shot to space the floor, but he’s also sneaky athletic inside. Plus, he’s not afraid to blindside a player with a screen. Just ask Tyler Ulis.

Smith is everything the Wizards need in a backup big man. It’s going to be hard for Brooks to find consistent minutes for Smith, but it needs to be done.

Hello, Ian

Speaking of players who have randomly become productive – Ian Mahinmi is providing services worth $64 million.

Marcin Gortat picked up two quick fouls in the first quarter and Mahinmi entered the game sooner than expected. Immediately, he made an impact, securing multiple steals. Mahinmi finished the game with 15 points, 9 rebounds and 7 steals.

Surprisingly, Mahinmi has adapted well to Washington’s offense. He runs the floor with the guards in transition, cleaning up misses around the rim. He’s also efficient around the basket, as he’s capable of scoring with both hands.

Washington’s bench scored a season high 65 points against the Suns. That isn’t sustainable, but the effort certainly is.

Next: The Beauty of Bojan Bogdanovic

The Wizards will continue their road trip on Wednesday night against the Denver Nuggets.