Washington Wizards Three Takeaways: Wizards crush the Magic, 130-103

On Saturday, the Washington Wizards hosted the Orlando Magic. This was the tail end of a back-to-back after the Wizards lost in dramatic fashion to the Nets. However, Washington shook off that loss, crushing a depleted Magic, 130-103.

On Saturday, the Washington Wizards hosted the Orlando Magic. This was the tail end of a back-to-back after the Wizards lost in dramatic fashion to the Nets. However, Washington shook off that loss, crushing a depleted Magic, 130-103.

John Wall was no longer on a minutes restriction.

On the other end of the floor for Orlando, they were without Aaron Gordon (sprained calf), Evan Fournier (sprained ankle), Jonathan Isaac (right ankle), and Terrence Ross (out indefinitely with a sprained right MCL and non-displaced fracture, also on the right leg).

Unfortunately for Orlando injuries continued, as Nikola Vucevic fractured his hand during the first quarter, and wouldn’t return.

Wizards locked in

Unlike Friday against the Nets, where only Wall and Kelly Oubre had double digits, four Wizards starters ended the game in double digits.

Washington also scored a season-high 72 points for the first half, holding Orlando to 48 points.

John Wall recorded a double-double in the first three-quarters, with 10 points and 13 assists. This included two 3-pointers.

Markieff Morris led all scorers going into halftime with 14 points in 15 minutes. He looked like the Keef from last season. He finished the game with 16 points, including a three-pointer, and five rebounds.

While Otto Porter was lighting it up from deep, knocking down four 3-pointers, finishing with 17 points and four rebounds.

Bradley Beal continued his All-Star campaign. The sharpshooter hit three 3-pointers, and was perfect from the free throw line, 4-for-4. He also ended the game with 17 points.

Bench continues to shine

Ian Mahinmi had another beautiful game, he was very energetic on both ends of the floor. He also provide some perimeter defense, contributing 9 points and four rebounds.

While Kelly Oubre had three 3-pointers, and finished the game with 16 points, six rebounds and four assists.

Mike Scott continues to be Mike Scott with his impressive shooting. It appeared that the basket would move just for him, so that his shots were just falling. His efficiency continues, he shot 7-for-7 from the field, and had 18 points in 17 minutes.

Jodie Meeks‘ hot hand returned, knocking down two from deep.

Every Wizards player saw the floor on Saturday. It was a beautiful game.

Wizards turned the corner?

For most of the season, free throws have been a problem for the Wizards. But against Orlando they made 13 of their 14 free throws in the first half alone. Ending the game shooting 87 percent from the line, 20-of-23.

The aggressiveness and drives to the basket was a welcome sight.

Washington also attempted and made more three-pointers. Against the Nets on Friday, the Wizards only attempted 20 shots from 3-point range, making only five of them. However, against Orlando, they made an incredible 16-for-30 shots from deep.

The Washington Wizards got the job done, winning a game they’re supposed to win.

Elfrid Payton played a great game for Orlando, he led all scorers with a career-high 30 points.

On Monday, the Wizards travel to Boston to take on the Celtics. The Christmas Day matchup will be televised on ABC.