Washington Wizards start new year finishing New York Knicks

Picking up their third consecutive win on Wednesday, the Washington Wizards started off the new year finishing the New York Knicks, 121-103. It wasn’t an easy win, as the Knicks came out on all cylinders, but the Wizards’ second half defense was not to be denied.

Picking up their third consecutive win on Wednesday, the Washington Wizards started off the new year finishing the New York Knicks, 121-103. It wasn’t an easy win, as the Knicks came out on all cylinders, but the Wizards’ second half defense was not to be denied.

When the Wizards let other teams run a fast game on them, on the offensive end they continue to play at the opponent’s fast pace, which results in taking quick and ill-timed shots.

However, Washington didn’t say after the game, what they should have done, as in the past. Instead, they adjusted their mindset during the game! With beautiful execution on both ends of the floor, the Wizards secured the win.

Knicks controlled tempo in the first half

New York started off playing a fast pace game, forcing the Wizards to play the Knicks’ game. Washington’s starters were able to keep up with the Knicks, and they ended the first quarter with a slim lead, 33-32.

Kristaps Porzingis outside shots weren’t falling, but he made up for that at the line. He hit five of his six free throws, ending the quarter with nine points.

During the second quarter, when the reserves came out to play, the Knicks continued their upbeat tempo. The Wizards bench was too slow against the Knicks bench. Ian Mahinmi was the only Wizards’ player to put up any buckets, with three points. New York started to gain a sizable lead, up 41-34.

At that point, with 9:56 left in the quarter, the Wizards starters had to return early to stop the bleeding. Washington kept up with the Knicks’ pace, with John Wall slicing and dicing to the basket. While Bradley Beal would hit a beautiful floater and also knock down a three-pointer. Otto Porter would also join the three-point club with one of his own.

Wall would hit a buzzer beater to end the first half, putting the Wizards up 64-63.

Wizards controlled tempo in second half

Normally when the Wizards let their opponents set the pace of the game, they are tired to start the second half. Not this time. Washington slowed down the game, forcing the Knicks to now play the Wizards’ game.

With Porzingis defending him, Beal did some fancy dribbling that looked like magic. Porzingis asked, where did the ball go, as Beal stepped back and rained a three over the Knicks big man. The ball disappeared right in front of Porzingis eyes, until he saw it swoosh through the basket.

Wall also didn’t take it easy on Michael Beasley, as he dunked over “your favorite player’s favorite player“.  The All-Star point guard shook the ground, that they felt it back in New York. Reminding the Knicks, that they were in Wall’s house.

Also, the Wizards bench led by Tomas Satoransky came out with a much better effort, than when they played in the first half.

When Washington doesn’t allow other teams to control the tempo of the game, that’s half the battle.

Marcin Gortat Marches On

If this wasn’t the best game that Marcin Gortat played, it’s one of his best. The Polish Machine was working on both ends. He had a beautiful fadeaway jumper, and disrupted Porzingis on the perimeter.

Gortat was not to be denied as he muscled his way to the basket, and whomever got in his way—and-1!

He was playing some serious bang-bang basketball, battling in the paint for the rebounds while contending with Porzingis and Enes Kanter. Even with the Knicks’ two bigs posting up on the Polish Machine, Gortat controlled the paint.

Gortat finished the game with 21 points and 8 rebounds, shooting 9-for-10 from the field.

As I wrote before, the NBA should just hand Beal his All-Star spot. He has taking his inside game to another level. It’s hard to even label him a sharpshooter anymore, because his game encompasses so much more now. He ended the game with 27 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds.

Wall, who always knew where to dish the ball to Gortat, finished with 25 points, 9 assists and 3 rebounds. While Markieff Morris recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Gortat and Keef did a great job overpowering the Knicks bigs, with Porzingis finishing the game with 16 points. Although Kanter had 12 points, he only pulled down four rebounds. Beasley off the bench led New York with 20 points.

After the game, Wall was asked, whether the Wizards left their bad habits behind in 2017?

"‘I hope so, that’s the goal for 2018. To come out and get a good win tonight. Then we have the opportunity to go out on the road, to take care of our first road test of 2018.’"

The fact that the Wizards saw their mistakes during the first half of the game, and corrected their course during the second half, is a monumental improvement, in comparison to when they lost “winnable” games. There was no second-guessing after the game, on what they should have done, but they came out in the second half and got the job done.

On Friday, the Wizards play the Memphis Grizzlies.