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Washington Wizards Three Takeaways: John Wall Returns, Wizards Beat the Grizzlies

By Jen Julie Smith

WASHINGTON, DC -  DECEMBER 13: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 13, 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 -  DECEMBER 13: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 13, 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 –  DECEMBER 13: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 13, 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 –  DECEMBER 13: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 13, 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 return of John Wall, the Washington Wizards took care of business at home, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies, 93-87.

On Wednesday, John Wall returned to the Washington Wizards‘ lineup, after missing nine games due to knee injury. After losing their last two games to .400 teams, the Nets and Clippers, the All-Star guard returned just in time to right the ship. The Wizards beat the Grizzlies, 93-87.

It was the second game of a back-to-back, after playing the Nets on Tuesday.

Markieff Morris was out with right hip knee soreness, with Mike Scott starting in his place. While Ian Mahinmi (sore right knee) was also out.

The Grizzlies were without their point guard, Mike Conley (left foot surgery).

Both teams started off the game with a slow pace, but the Wizards ended the first quarter up, 22-12. Washington held their opponent to a season low of 12 points in the first.

When Wall sat down with a little over 5 minutes left in the first, Tomas Satoranksy came in.

An interesting part of the game, was the aggressiveness and physical presence of Jason Smith. After Mario Chalmers pulled him down by his arm after the whistle, Smith had some words with Chalmers. Although, there was no foul call, Smith wasn’t about to get bodied by anybody.

Now that Wall is back, let’s see how the game played out.

The return of John Wall

Wall didn’t miss a step. During the second quarter he knocked down a three, then a couple of minutes later destroyed the rim with a left handed-handed dunk. In 14 minutes of play, he led all scorers to end the first half with 11 points. In fact, the All-Star guard was the only player going into the half double digits.

Wall was on a minutes restriction, but he made every minute count. When it looked like the game was about to get away from the Wizards, Wall would return with a little over 5 minutes left in regulation. He ended the game with 13 points, 4 assists and a key block.

The Polish Machine also returned

Although Marcin Gortat wasn’t out, he hadn’t been productive lately. However, with Wall’s return, Gortat was back to his old self.

He recorded a double-double. The Polish Machine had 12 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists. Maybe his confidence returned with Wall on the floor, or he got tired of losing. Whatever the case, he’s back, and hopefully he stays locked in for the rest of the season.

Free Throws a Problem

The free throw line hasn’t been kind too Washington this season. The Wizards have to tighten up these shots. It may not seem important now, but during the postseason, if you don’t make those shots, it could make all the difference.

The Wizards shot 50 percent from the charity stripe, only making 12-of-24. While the Grizzlies only missed one of their free throws,15-for-16, shooting 93.8 percent.

To close out the game, Bradley Beal knocked down three 3-pointers in the fourth quarter alone. While Kelly Oubre would hit a crucial 3-pointer with 1:10 left to play.

Then after the timeout, Wall would have a block off the glass.

Beal’s hot shooting continues with 18 points, 7 assists and 4 rebounds. Oubre ended the game with 11 points and 4 rebounds. Smith, 7 points and 2 rebounds.

Otto Porter had 14 points and 9 rebounds. Mike Scott is still stupendous, and finished with 10 points, 5 rebounds, including two shots from deep.

The game was closer than it should have been, but a win is a win. If it had gone the other way, and the Wizards lost, they would’ve have been pilloried. They got the job done, and that’s all that matters.

On Friday, the Wizards have a rematch with the Los Angeles Clippers .

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