Washington Wizards Three Takeaways: Warriors Thrilling Comeback Against the Wizards

Three takeaways from the Washington Wizards heartbreaking 120-117 loss to the Golden State Warriors Friday night, as they fall to a record of 3-2.

Heading into this game, the Washington Wizards were fresh off their disappointing loss to the Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday night. The team had to sit back and watch as the media tore them apart for their lackluster play against Los Angeles, after all the talking done before the game.

In the Bay Area, the Wizards had a chance to take on the defending champs and regain some momentum during their west coast swing.

In the beginning of this game, the Warriors were ice cold from the floor and were even 1-of-15 from three-point land at one point. While Washington was just the opposite, as they raced out to a 67-53 lead at the half.

However, the Wizards slowed down in the second half thanks to some extra-curricular activities, poor shooting, and a reality check from the defending champs.

The Wizards fell to the Warriors, 120-117

Otto Porter Jr was the hot hand in this contest scoring 29 points and grabbing 10 boards. John Wall, Kelly Oubre Jr, and Marcin Gortat combined for 57 points as well.

Death Row D.C. Returns?

After an Oubre missed three-point attempt with 19.5 seconds remaining in the first half, Bradley Beal and Draymond Green were involved in a heated scuffle. The two ended up on the ground behind the basket before players and coaches could break them apart.

Upon replay, Beal was seen striking Green on the side of the head, followed by a headlock maneuver that led the two to the ground. Once everything settled, the refs assessed Green with his second technical of the game and both players were ejected.

https://twitter.com/DefPenHoops/status/924116809569193984

There will probably be a pending suspension for Beal, but look out for disciplinary actions toward Markieff Morris and Carrick Felix who both were seen leaving the bench during the scuffle. While there aren’t many positives to take from such negative play, the Wizards may have gotten their bad streak back which they prided themselves on last season.

However, at what cost? Washington clearly missed Beal down the stretch. With a possible suspension looming, can the Wizards tread water if Beal misses time?

Wall’s Inefficient Play is Concerning

After the skirmish, Wall ended the half hitting a long three-pointer at the buzzer, and walked off with a smirk on his face. Subsequently, I thought it was just what Wall needed to finally get his offensive game going.

However, Wall ended the night shooting an abysmal 7-of-20 from the field (35%). He also threw up some questionable shots towards the end of the game. Beal not being out there, hurt the Wizards’ offense tremendously.

But, Porter had the hot hand and it was fairly evident. So evident that at one point he and Kevin Durant were trading baskets.

Although Wall is the leader of this team, he shouldn’t be taking it upon himself to hoist up ill-advised shots. He can very easily shoot his team out of the game at times.

Inability to hold onto leads

The Wizards had just about everything going for them in this contest. The Warriors were 1-of-15 from three-point land at one point. While the Wizards were a scorching 11-of-17 from three with a 63.3 true shooting percentage in the first half.

Porter was having another phenomenal game where he looked like a legit third scorer for Washington. Oubre added 19 points and was a menace on the defensive end the whole game.

The bench even produced and scored 28 points. The scariest aspect was the Wizards led by 18-points during this contest. Nonetheless, the Wizards still managed to lose this game. Just as they did against the Lakers, they squandered, yet, another lead. This one aspect is what’s keeping this Washington team from becoming elite.

The great teams in this league show no mercy and know when to step on the neck of an opponent. Washington, however, is just the opposite and it has cost them two straight games.

Newsflash to every single player on the roster, the Eastern Conference Semifinals ended a long time ago. Stop focusing on how you thought you matched up against the Cleveland Cavaliers or Kelly Olynyk in game seven.

The 3-0 start was great, which I wrote about earlier, however, Washington need to take things more seriously going forward. That starts with playing a full 48 minutes, locking in defensively and having the killer instinct to put away your opponent, something the Wizards haven’t proved they can do.

On Sunday, the Wizards finish their road trip against the Sacramento Kings.