Wiz of Awes
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Washington Wizards Three Takeaways: Cleveland didn’t want to meet the Wizards in the preseason

By Jen Julie Smith

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 8: Jodie Meeks #20 of the Washington Wizards shoots the ball during the preseason game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 8, 2017 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 8: Jodie Meeks #20 of the Washington Wizards shoots the ball during the preseason game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 8, 2017 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 8: Jodie Meeks #20 of the Washington Wizards shoots the ball during the preseason game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 8, 2017 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 8: Jodie Meeks #20 of the Washington Wizards shoots the ball during the preseason game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 8, 2017 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

With the Cleveland Cavaliers resting their starters, it was the Wizards’ bench time to shine. Washington secured their third straight preseason win.

On Sunday, the Washington Wizards welcomed the Cleveland Cavaliers. Washington won their third straight preseason game, beating the CAVS, 102-94.

Coach Scott Brooks started Kelly Oubre, Jr. at the three. While Otto Porter, Jr. moved over to the power forward position.

Although it was expected that LeBron James, (ankle) wouldn’t play, Cleveland ended up resting nine of their top players.

Because the CAVS played their reserves, John Wall only played eight minutes, and Bradley Beal nine minutes, all during the first quarter. The game ended up being a scrimmage between their two benches.

It would have been nice if the Cleveland starting lineup was available, so Washington would have an idea, on how to adjust their rotations. Either way the Wizards bench stepped up. They outscored the CAVS’ bench, 66-39.

However, who could fill Markieff Morris‘ spot, while he’s recovering from hernia surgery, still remains a mystery. As Oubre and Mike Scott both put in lackluster performances.

Sheldon Mac injury

Unfortunately, during the second quarter, Sheldon Mac was injured. It appears that he hurt his lower leg, as he dropped to the floor in pain. He had to be carried off the court, and is scheduled for an MRI.

Before his injury, Mac had knocked down a three. Since the bench received a lot of minutes, this was Mac’s time to shine. He’s fighting for a roster spot against Carrick Felix and Donald Sloan. Sloan finished the game with 12 points.

Ian Mahinmi didn’t show up

Perhaps it was rust, since Mahinmi received a lot of rest last season, only playing 31 games. But against the Cavaliers’ bench, he was a no-show.

Cleveland’s Jeff Green dunked over Mahinmi, which not only had the CAV’s bench standing up, but the stadium as well.

Mahinmi only had one point, which was a result of a free throw, and four rebounds. He’s capable of playing much better than he did on Sunday. Hopefully, he’s able to find his rhythm before the season starts.

Jodie Meeks and Carrick Felix came to play

Although, Oubre started, Jodie Meeks had to come in for him during the first quarter, after Oubre picked up three quick fouls. It forced Coach Scott Brooks to go with a three-guard lineup.

Meeks once again lit up the floor, shooting 3-for-4 from the 3-point line, while making all of his free throws. Meeks ended the game with 13 points.

In all three of the Wizards’ preseason games, Meeks has proven himself to be an efficient scorer.

Carrick Felix was also perfect from the free throw line, making all four of his shots. He was 4-for-6 from the field, and 1-for-3 from the 3-point line.

Felix put in a solid performance, and made a few hustle plays. After throwing away the ball, he stole Cleveland’s inbound pass. He didn’t dwell on his mistake, but got right back into action. He also chipped in 13 points.

Scott who put in a great performance on Friday against the Knicks, only had eight points and five rebounds against Cleveland. Coach Brooks is faced with a tough decision, in attempting to fill Keef’s spot.

The three-guard lineup of Wall, Beal and Meeks, alongside Porter and Marcin Gortat may win a few games. But it’s not a suitable lineup in the long run.

If Morris doesn’t return soon, it will be Washington that doesn’t want to meet Cleveland in the regular season.

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