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Washington Wizards Three Takeaways: The Wizards Finish the Preseason and the Knicks

By Jen Julie Smith

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 6: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards goes up for a dunk during a game against the New York Knicks on April 6, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 6: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards goes up for a dunk during a game against the New York Knicks on April 6, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 13: Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Washington Wizards goes to the basket against the New York Knicks on October 13, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 13: Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Washington Wizards goes to the basket against the New York Knicks on October 13, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

On Friday, the Washington Wizards played their final preseason game against the New York Knicks. With a show stopping performance by Bradley Beal, the Wizards beat the Knicks, 110-103.

On Friday, the Washington Wizards traveled to New York for their final preseason game against the Knicks. Led by Bradley Beal, the Wizards beat the Knicks, 110-103.

This marked the last game for Donald Sloan and Carrick Felix to showcase their talent, before the Wizards pick their final roster spot. The two didn’t play on Wednesday, and only Felix saw the floor against New York.

With John Wall resting, Tim Frazier got the starting the nod. While Jason Smith started once again at the four.

The Knicks rested Kristaps Porzingis (hip), Frank Ntilikina, and Joakim Noah.

Protecting the paint and the perimeter

The Knicks, led by former Wizards’ Ramon Sessions, made a lot of uncontested shots. They were able to drive inside for easy layups. While Doug McDermott and Tim Hardaway, Jr. were knocking down shots, inside and outside.

Washington gave New York too much airspace. Hardaway had a hot hand, shooting 4-for-8 from the three. He finished the game with 23 points. While McDermott, with 21 points off the bench, also knocked down four shots from deep.

Washington also needs to work on their interior defense. Without Markieff Morris, opposing teams are going to get a lot of paint points.

Beal had a beautiful game

In 29 minutes of play, Bradley Beal had 24 points, leading all scorers. No one on the floor was even in his league.

He knocked down two shots from deep, including this three from the corner pocket.

Beal was perfect from the free throw line, making all eight of his shots. He had 4 assists, and also helped out on the inside, pulling down four defensive rebounds. For the preseason finale, Beal had a near perfect game.

Both Frazier and Satoranksy put in good performances

Frazier had 8 points, including a three-pointer, 4 assists and 4 rebounds. He started off the first quarter a little rocky, but was able to find his rhythm.

Perhaps Frazier is still trying to find his footing. Otherwise, it looks like there may be times during the regular season, where Wall may not get as much rest as expected.

Tomas Satoranksy was all over the floor. He shot a nice mid-range jumper, a fadeaway, and wasn’t cleared for take off with this nasty dunk.

Sato ended the game with 10 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds.

The Wizards collectively had a hard time protecting the ball, with four of their players having 4 turnovers each.

Smith had 17 points, 5 rebounds, and shot 3-for-8 beyond the arc. The Wizards have found their starting power forward, until Keef returns.

Porter had a good overall game, with 11 points, 3 assists and 8 rebounds. While Kelly Oubre, Jr. has definitely improved from last season. He had 21 points and 4 rebounds.

On Wednesday, the Wizards will open the 2017-18 season at home against the Philadelphia 76ers.

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