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Washington Wizards Three Takeaways: Wizards put the Lakers on a Poster

By Jen Julie Smith

WASHINGTON, DC -  NOVEMBER 9: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards passes the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 9, 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 -  NOVEMBER 9: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards passes the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 9, 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 –  NOVEMBER 9: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards shoots the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 9, 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 –  NOVEMBER 9: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards shoots the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 9, 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) /

It was the Washington Wizards v. Los Angeles Lakers part two, but this time it wasn’t a repeat performance as the Wizards crushed the Lakers, 111-95.

It was part two as the Washington Wizards hosted the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday. However, it wasn’t a repeat performance as the Wizards crushed the Lakers, 111-95.

What would be their final meeting for the regular season, the Wizards held the Lakers to 36 percent shooting. Lonzo Ball had 10 points, 8 assists and 8 rebounds.

The Wizards started and finished the game with energy, and their defensive intensity was off the charts. They also had a season high of 69 points to end the first half.

It was a fast paced game, with every Wizards’ player contributing. There was no talking or tweeting before the game, Washington was just locked in throughout.

Markieff Morris is back!

Markieff Morris who is still on a minutes restriction, had 16 points in 17 minutes. He opened the third quarter knocking down back-to-back threes.

There was a momentary scare in the first quarter when he asked to be subbed out. He went to the locker room to get his leg looked at by a Wizards’ trainer. According to Coach Scott Brooks, his knee tightened up. However, he returned to the game and looked nothing worse for wear.

After the game, he told Chris Miller of NBC Sports Wizards , that physically he’s “80-85 percent back”. Also, “anything less than the Eastern Conference Finals will be a wasted year”.

Wall is the best blocking guard in the NBA

John Wall‘s defense was on another level. The two-way guard had three blocks against the Lakers.

Regarding his dunk over Brook Lopez, Wall told Chris Miller, “If I catch you slipping, you’re on a poster”.

https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/928783973349695489

Wall ended the game with 23 points, 5 assists and 2 steals. He also recorded a season high of 8 rebounds. Most importantly, he was perfect from the free throw line, going 7-for-7.

Tim Frazier also put in quality minutes running the second-unit. He added 7 points, including a 3-pointer.

Wizards got it together

After losing their last 3 home games, and losing games that they should have won, it appears that the Wizards are back on track.

Bradley Beal had 22 points, and a season-high 6 assists. He also completed a 4-point play, after being fouled on the perimeter. On the defensive end Beal pulled down 7 rebounds. He’s just having a spectacular season.

Otto Porter, Jr. just hustled and flowed. His All-Star season continues as he recorded a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds.

Although Marcin Gortat only had 8 points and 5 rebounds, he was still great on the defensive end with his screens. After the game he told Chris Miller, that “we can’t have teams come in here punking us in front of our fans”. Also, that they have to be in better “defensive shape”.

It was an off night for Kelly Oubre, Jr. who had been lighting it up this season. He only had 4 points, but pulled down 7 rebounds. Oubre wasted no time in trying to perfect his shot, as he was on the floor right after the game putting in a mini-practice.

Unfortunately, Ian Mahinmi is still struggling. He only had 2 points and 1 rebound in 14 minutes of play. His game ended early, after he was fouled out with more than 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter.

Even though it’s early in the season, the Wizards have realized that now is the time to get it together on the defensive end. They also looked like they were having fun out there.

On Saturday, the Wizards continue their homestand against the Hawks.

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