Washington Wizards Three Takeaways: Wizards’ bench powers through the New York Knicks

The Washington Wizards beat the New York Knicks on Friday, in their second preseason game, with the Wizards’ bench having a starring role.

For their second preseason game, the Washington Wizards welcomed the New York Knicks on Friday. With a strong performance from their bench, the Wizards beat the Knicks, 104-100.

Wizards’ Coach Scott Brooks went again with Jason Smith to fill in for Markieff Morris, who’s still recovering from hernia surgery. Unfortunately, Smith as their stretch four, was unable to stretch the floor.

Smith missed all of his shots, except at the free throw line. He went 0-4 from the three-point line, and 0-5 from the field. He ended the game with two points and three rebounds.

Brooks tried out different combinations for the power forward position, including Mike Scott. Scott spent most of his time on the floor with the other reserves. He put in a quality performance, including hitting a three-point shot.

When John Wall checked in to play with the second-unit, he swung the ball to Scott, who again knocked down another shot from beyond the arc.

Scott went 2-3 from the three-point line, and 5-9 from the field. He ended the game with 12 points. It will be interesting to see if Brooks starts Scott at the four, for their next preseason game.

The Knicks were without Kristaps Porzingis (rest), and Frank Ntilinka (contused right knee). Both Jarrett Jack and Ramon Sessions shared point guard duties for the Knicks.

Here are the game’s three takeaways:

John Wall was explosive

There were a few hiccups with Wall turning the ball over five times. Yet, he was still able to show why he’s the best point guard in the East. With lightning fast speed Wall aggressively drove to the basket.

During the first quarter, Wall did a left-handed nasty dunk over the Knick’s Michael Beasley. It was absolute poetry in motion. The play also showed why Wall is the fastest player with the ball in the NBA – because you can’t guard what you can’t catch.

When Wall wasn’t taking it easy on Beasley, he was flying past Sessions. The Knicks just didn’t have an answer for Wall. Although he only played 24 minutes, Wall led all scorers, ending the game with 19 points and 6 assists.

Jodie Meeks stuns again

After putting in a spectacular performance on Monday, in his Wizards debut, where he had 19 points in 16 minutes, Jodie Meeks again lit up the floor on Friday.

There appears to be no issue of developing chemistry, as Meeks played seamlessly with his teammates. Watching his performance on Friday, Meeks provides Washington with another strong scoring option.

Meeks is exactly what the Wizards needed from their bench. He comes in guns blazing. The moment he checked in for the second quarter, without hesitation he knocked down a three.

The firepower that Meeks provides is absolutely fantastic. The shooting guard provides Bradley Beal with a reliable backup. In nine minutes of play, Meeks went 2-3 from the three-point line, and finished the game with eight points.

Oubre with the three!

After the Wizards gave up 62 points in the first half, Kelly Oubre, Jr. turned it around, knocking down back-to-back threes. He also took the ball cross-country to lay it in at the rim.

It was clear that Oubre is working on his 3-point shot, to add to his arsenal. He went 2-6 from the three, and chipped in 14 points. On the defensive end, he pulled down three rebounds, and two steals.

After a lean-looking Ian Mahinmi caused a turnover, Sheldon Mac had a beautiful pass to Oubre, who finished nicely at the rim.

https://twitter.com/NBCSWizards/status/916468786877861888

Oubre showed definite improvement from last season. His fearlessness is still there, but he attacked the rim on Friday with more confidence.

Bradley Beal didn’t miss a beat, and put in a stellar performance alongside his backcourt mate, with 13 points, including a three.

Otto Porter, Jr. was very aggressive on the defensive end. He had seven points, seven rebounds and four steals. While Marcin Gortat had a good overall game with six points, five rebounds and three assists.

Mahinmi had six points and four rebounds. He was perfect from the free throw line, making all four of his shots.

Washington’s bench seems to be coming together nicely. However, the Wizards, as a whole, still have to work on their perimeter defense. Three of the Knicks’ starters all made shots from the 3-point line. Courtney Lee went 4-for-6 from beyond the arc.

Even though it was just one game, it would be nice to see Mike Scott as the Wizards’ starting power forward, in their next preseason game.

On Sunday, Washington welcomes the Cleveland Cavaliers, for a matinee matchup at 3 PM EST.

Who was that hooded man?