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Washington Wizards Three Takeaways: After blowing a 25-point lead, Wizards put away the Pelicans

By Jen Julie Smith

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 19: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards shoots the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans on December 19, 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 19: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards shoots the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans on December 19, 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 19: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards shoots the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans on December 19, 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 19: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards shoots the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans on December 19, 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) /

On Tuesday, the Washington Wizards welcomed the New Orleans Pelicans. Although Washington would blow a 25-point lead in the second quarter, they would come together to put away the Pelicans, 116-106.

On Tuesday, the Washington Wizards hosted the New Orleans Pelicans. Whenever John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins play against each other, it’s quite the Kentucky reunion. However, there are quite a few Wizards’ fans who would like to see Cousins year-round.

The Pels also boast a few other Wildcats—Anthony Davis and Rajon Rondo

But to the game at hand. After missing Sunday’s matchup against Cleveland, Otto Porter, Jr. (right thigh bruise) was still recovering. Kelly Oubre, Jr. started again in his place.

After starting off the game strong, the Wizards blew a 25-point lead in the second quarter. But that’s not the end of the story, as Washington came roaring back to beat the Pelicans, 116-106.

Being John Wall

Wall returned to the Wizards lineup last week, after being out for a little over two weeks, due to a knee injury. After getting meaningful rest, he’s returning to the Wall that we all know.

Against the Cavs on Sunday, he only had 6 assists. However, In the first quarter alone against the Pels, the All-Star guard had 6 assists. Which included this beautiful, no-look pass for the alley-oop to Marcin Gortat.

Wall was on fire in the first quarter. He knocked down an incredible three shots from 3-point range, ending the first stanza with 14 points.

Wall finished with a double-double, 18 points, 10 assists, including a total four 3-pointers.

Gortat had a great game

Although, Cousins had 26 points, Gortat did a good job keeping him from the three-point line. With Cousins only knocking down one three-pointer.

Gortat who’s comfortable inside the paint, did a very good job defending outside the paint. Which was a pleasant surprise, because he showed that he can keep up with this new pace-and-space league, where centers are taking shots out on the perimeter.

Even though Gortat isn’t going to add the three-ball to his game, the fact that he can disrupt those shots is a very encouraging sign.

The Polish Machine recorded his eighth double-double of the season, with 10 points and 14 rebounds.

Wizards played as one cohesive unit

Although free throws have been a problem for the Wizards, they hardly got to the line on Tuesday.  For the first half, Washington was 3-for-5, (40%), from the line, while the Pelicans were 21-for-24, (87.5%).

Part of this free throw discrepancy is why the Wizards lost their 25-point lead, ending the first half only up by 6 points, 61-65. The other reason is that the Pelicans went on a 22-5 run, in the second quarter.

But the Wizards, with a 14-point, third quarter by Bradley Beal, came roaring back. Beal continues his All-Star worthy season, lighting up five shots from deep. He ended the game with 26 points.

After returning from sports hernia surgery, Markieff Morris wasn’t playing at full capacity. He appears to be close to his healthy self, as he shot 5-for-6 from the field, with 13 points and four rebounds.

While Kelly Oubre did a great job with 10 points and two rebounds.

To close out the game, the Wizards performed well and together. There were more touches, and communication on the defensive end.

All Wizards’ starters ended the game in double-digits. While Anthony Davis led all scorers with 37 points.

Extra Take—Wizards’ bench continues to impress

During the first half, in 20 minutes of play, Scott had 14 points. He shot 6-for-7 from the field, and knocked down two from downtown. Scott finished with 24 points in 23 minutes.

Tomas Satoransky, the first guard off the bench again, had 6 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.

While Ian Mahinmi had 4 points, 1 rebound and a career-high 5 assists.

There’s no glossing over giving up a 25-point lead, because other teams will make Washington pay.

On Friday, the Wizards are going back to Brooklyn to take on the Nets.

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