Washington Wizards Three Takeaways: Wizards fall through the Nets, again

On Friday, the Washington Wizards headed back to Brooklyn to take on the Nets. It was just last week, when the Wizards fell to the Nets. However, history would repeat itself, as the Wizards fell through the Nets yet again, 119-84.

On Friday, the Washington Wizards headed back to Brooklyn to take on the Nets. It was just last week, when the Wizards fell to the Nets. However, history would repeat itself, as the Wizards fell through the Nets yet again, 119-84.

The Nets had lost their last four games, the last time they won was when they played the Wizards on December 12. John Wall didn’t play that game, as he was still recovering from his knee injury.

Wall’s still on a minutes restriction, and was scheduled to play 25 minutes this game, but ended up playing 16.

After missing the past two games due to a bruised thigh, Otto Porter, Jr. returned to the lineup.

With all the Wizards’ starters on the floor, there was no excuse to drop another game to the .367 Nets.

I have been putting off writing this, but the Wizards’ starting lineup has not been performing like a cohesive unit. While their bench has. Even though Washington has continuity, their starters are playing like strangers and with a lack of energy. Part of the reason is due to injury, and another factor is their focus.

The bench allows more touches and ball movement, passing the ball to who has the best shot. While the starters have less ball movement, and are less discriminatory with their shot selection.

When Kelly Oubre, Jr., off the bench, led all Wizards’ scorers with 13 points, you have a feel how this game went. Wall was the only other Washington player in double digits.

The Nets controlled the tempo of the game with a fast pace. Since the Wizards were unable to keep up with that pace, they should’ve at least tried to slow them down.

More outside shots

In the first quarter, Brooklyn got off to a hot start. They took 12 shots from 3-point range, knocking down four of them. While the Wizards only attempted four shots from deep, nailing two—John Wall and Kelly Oubre.

During the first half, neither Porter nor Markieff Morris even attempted a three-pointer. Bradley Beal missed both his attempts.

These slow starts are hurting Washington. Because they always have to play catch up. Against lesser teams that may work. But you can’t dig yourself out of a hole against teams like Houston, Cleveland or Boston.

When other teams see Wizards’ starters beginning a game like they’re still in shootarounds, opponents are going to go in for the kill.

The Wizards went into halftime down 53-43. Were they able to dig themselves out? They went into the third quarter down 88-61, and the rest is history.

Only two Wizards players had double-digits—Wall and Oubre. Wall finished with 10 points in 16 minutes.

To end the game the Nets went 14-for-41 from the three. While the Wizards went 5-for-20.

More defensive stops

The defensive end wasn’t pretty either. Washington was outrebounded 29-19, in the first half.

There was no rim protection, even when there was more than one Wizards’ player to grab a board. Underneath the rim, Washington wasn’t giving Brooklyn second chance opportunities, but rather three and four chances.

To end the game the Wizards were outrebounded 60-35. Marcin Gortat only had four rebounds.

Not only did the Nets crush Washington on the glass, but the paint as well. Brooklyn just drove to the basket, as if the Wizards were invisible, and ran right through them.

No other way to put it, this game was downright embarrassing. The Nets were taking shots everywhere on the court. While the Wizards were just too slow, as Brooklyn blew flew by them.

Brooklyn had 48 points in the paint to the Wizards 26.

Wizards bench put in an effort

Tomas Satoransky continues to be the Wizards’ primary backup point guard, since Wall returned. He at least put in an effort, finishing the game with 5 points, including a three-pointer.

Mike Scott who has been shooting lights out, didn’t light up the Nets, but still put in a good performance. He made two of his 3-pointers, and finished the game with 8 points.

Kelly Oubre, as usual, started and finished the game with high energy. Hopefully, his energy can rub off on the Wizards’ starters.

Bradley Beal had an off night, shooting 2-for-15 from the field. He finished with 4 points in 29 minutes.

While Markieff Morris only had 9 points in 27 minutes of play. Porter who may still be suffering from his injury, only had 6 points.

Earlier in the season, I wrote that one of the reasons that the Wizards had to win the winnable games, was not only so John Wall could get some rest down the stretch, and be fresh for the playoffs, but also for playoff seeding.

But I’m going to have revise that slightly, because things have changed on the ground. Although Wall is already on a minutes restriction, he should sit out Saturday’s game, so he’s fresh for the Celtics on Monday.

On Saturday, the Wizards take on the Orlando Magic.