Wiz of Awes
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Washington Wizards Secure Back to Back Wins Against Denver Nuggets

By Ben Mehic

Mar 8, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) and guard Gary Harris (14) defend against Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) in the third quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Wizards won 123-113. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 8, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) and guard Gary Harris (14) defend against Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) in the third quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Wizards won 123-113. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Wizards are creeping closer to the second seed in the Eastern Conference after winning back-to-back games against the Denver Nuggets.

The Washington Wizards squandered a 20-point lead against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night, turning what should’ve been a blowout victory into a hard-fought battle.

Inching closer to their first 50-win season since 1978, the Wizards had no time to celebrate nor rest following their close win in Phoenix. On Wednesday, the Wizards headed to Denver to take on the Nuggets, marking their second game in as many nights.

Normally, the Wizards (or any other team, for that matter) would’ve come out flat in those circumstances. The Suns had pushed the Wizards to the brink of a loss, it was the second game of a back-to-back and Denver is known for its high altitude.

Even with those factors, the Wizards looked refreshed to start the game on Wednesday, gaining an early double-digit lead against the Nikola Jokic-less Nuggets.

John Wall pushed the ball, finding his teammates on the perimeter, who knocked down shots with regularity.

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He connected with his backcourt mate, Bradley Beal, on numerous occasions, extending the Wizards’ lead and putting the Nuggets in a deeper hole.

Without Jokic, the Nuggets struggled to find their offensive rhythm, making life easier for the Wizards.

Washington was able to get away with taking defensive possessions off, focusing on executing their fast-paced offense.

Wall made 12 of his 19 shots, finishing the game with 30 points and 10 assists – the best individual performance he’s had this month.

Beal added 23 points, drilling 5 of his 7 attempts from deep.

Otto Porter, who’s also regressed over the past few games, regained his stroke. He scored 22 points, going 10 for 15 from the field.

Everyone else who had their names called by Scott Brooks also contributed. That, ultimately, is going to be the difference for the Washington Wizards in the NBA Playoffs.

Before, the Wizards were completely reliant on their starters. If Beal, for instance, was having a tough time making shots, the Wizards didn’t have a fall-back option. Now, Bojan Bogdanovic is the instant-scoring option that Brooks desperately needed since the season began.

Marcin Gortat, who scored 11 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, is also getting legitimate relief from Ian Mahinmi. The big man has made a difference on the defensive end, but he’s also making an impact on the other by cleaning up misses and finishing with his back to the basket.

Next: Comparing the Cavaliers' Depth to the Wizards'

Washington will continue their road trip on Friday night against the new look Sacramento Kings. They could be without Markieff Morris, who was ejected on Wednesday for hitting Mason Plumlee in the groin.

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