Washington Wizards Three Takeaways: Washington Wizards light up the Houston Rockets

After a disappointing loss to the Hawks, the Washington Wizards led by Otto Porter, would light up the Houston Rockets on Friday.

After the disappointing loss to the Hawks, the Washington Wizards hosted the Houston Rockets on Friday. It was a great game, as the Wizards just clicked on both the offensive and defensive ends, lighting up the Rockets, 121-103.

The Wizards were without Mike Scott, as his family welcomed a new baby.

On the other end of the court, the Rockets were without Nene Hilario (rest), while Chris Paul returned to the lineup. However, Paul was on a minutes restriction.

Although this was the tail end of a back-to-back for Houston, after losing to the Celtics, it was a fast paced game.

The NBA should just hand Bradley Beal his All-Star spot, because he’s been on a tear this season. Ripping up the court, shooting threes and aggressive drives to the basket. The sharpshooter finished the game with 21 points, including three shots from beyond the arc.

The Wizards were locked in from start to finish, had high energy and played together as a cohesive unit.

Maybe they listened to this:

https://twitter.com/NBCSWizards/status/946227983345471489

All jokes aside, the Wizard knew what they were doing wrong, when they lost winnable games. After those losses, players would discuss what they should have done. Yet, during the next matchup, they would make the same mistakes.

Instead of continuing to talk about what should be done, they went out against Houston and got the job done.

John Wall finished the game with 17 points, 4 assists, and two 3-pointers. But those numbers don’t tell the full story, as he controlled the tempo. It was reported during the game, that he was telling his teammates, “who you got?” Making sure everyone knew to stay on their man.

Wizards dominated on defense

The Wizards went into halftime up 59-48, the lowest points scored in the first half by Houston this season. They also held Houston to five shots from 3-point range that half.

Washington crashed both the offensive and defensive boards, getting second chance points. They outrebounded Houston 45 to 35.

It was great that everyone was helping out on the boards, although Marcin Gortat and Ian Mahinmi did a good job protecting the paint.

Each Wizards player stayed on their man and didn’t give Houston easy shots. James Harden with 20 points, was the only Houston starter in double digits.

Wizards lit up the three-point line

The Wizards had beautiful ball movement. They didn’t rush their shots, and passed the ball to the player who had the best chance of making the shot.

Washington shot an incredible 50 percent from the three-point line.

Otto Porter, Jr. made three 3-pointers in the first quarter alone. He went 7-for-11 from three-point range, leading all scorers with 26 points. Porter would finish the game with 7 points and 6 assists.

While Kelly Oubre, who gets better every game, made three shots from downtown. His energy definitely rubbed off on his teammates.

Washington defended the line, holding Houston to five 3-pointers in the first half. The Rockets finished with 14 from down.

While the Wizards tied their franchise record 18 three-pointers.

Wizards bench was superb

Jodie Meeks would knock down three 3-pointers, including a base line shot where he was fouled. He would go on to complete the 4-point play, finishing the game with 13 points.

Tomas Satoransky, who did a great job running the second unit’s offense, had a dunk, which shook Capital One Arena. Sato had four points, and six assists.

Ian Mahinmi did an excellent job defending the perimeter, as he disrupted a few of James Harden shot attempts in the first quarter. In the final stanza, Chris Paul would attempt a 3-point shot, but not on Mahinmi’s watch. It’s a nice surprise that the big man’s game is not limited to interior defense.

Beal ripped up the floor, Porter and Oubre lit up the heavens, while John Wall’s future’s so bright, everyone in Capital One Arena had to wear shades.

The free shades were in honor of Wall’s signature style.

On Sunday, the Wizards close out the year hosting the Chicago Bulls.