Washington Wizards Three Takeaways: Mavericks have the Wizards circled on their calendar

On Monday, the Washington Wizards were looking for redemption after falling to the Mavericks back in November. However, Dallas would sweep the season series, beating Washington, 98-75.

On Monday, the Washington Wizards traveled to Dallas to take on the Mavericks. The last time these two teams met back in December, Washington couldn’t hold home court, falling to the sub-.500 team.

Although the Wizards beat the Pistons on Friday, that blowout loss to the Hornets last week left a bitter taste. This matchup was a chance to see if the Wizards were getting back on course.

The Mavericks entered the game with a 15-31 record, sitting second-to-last in the West.

Prior to the game, John Wall was listed as a game-time decision due to migraines. Although he suited up, the Wizards were shut down.

The Mavs would blow out the Wizards, 98-75, sweeping the season series. As a matter of fact, the Wizards have lost their last 15 of 16 games to Dallas.

It’s like the Mavs circle the Wizards on their calendar. No matter how many games they lose, they at least know they’re getting a W against Washington.

After this game, the Wizards are way off course. Although they’re the same team from last season, continuity, they don’t have the same drive or determination.

Mahinmi, the only bright spot

After coming in for Marcin Gortat during the first quarter, Ian Mahinmi would have four points and one rebound in three minutes of play. He would leave the court temporarily after getting a cut on his chin. Jason Smith came in to start the second quarter in his place.

Things fall apart in the second quarter

They would end the first quarter knotted at 22. However, the Mavs second-unit would break away, taking the lead, 34-22. Coach Scott Brooks would go small, putting the starters back in along with Kelly Oubre.

However, the starters couldn’t stop the bleeding, and the Mavs would strengthen their lead going into halftime 53-37.

Markieff Morris would pick up a technical, and Brooks would also pick up a tech in the final seconds of the second quarter.

Wesley Matthews had a field day at the three-point line, knocking down three shots from deep. While Harrison Barnes also had one from downtown, ending the first half with 14 points.

The Wizards only had two shots from 3-point range, and 14 points in the paint to the Mavs 26 paint points. Washington was allowing Dallas to shoot from everywhere on the court.

Wall was the only Wizard player in double-digits with 11 points, while Morris had 0.

Wizards offense was offensive

The Wizards weren’t making their shots, and they didn’t stop Dallas from making theirs.

Washington finished the game only shooting 30.6 percent from the field and 21.9 percent from the three-point line.

The Wizards threw up some desperation threes in the third quarter, instead of going for guaranteed singles, digging a deeper hole for themselves.

Otto Porter would go to the locker room with less than two minutes left in the third. He was ruled out for the rest of the game with a right hip strain. He appeared to be playing with injury throughout the game. Porter would have four points in 22 minutes.

In addition, Washington had no interior defense or offense whatsoever. They would end the game being outscored in the paint 42-20.

Free throws have been the Wizards’ Achilles Heel this season

Washington hurt themselves badly at the line. They missed too many of their shots from the charity stripe, only making 16 of their 27 free throw attempts. While Dallas made 70.6 percent of their free throws.

Also, during the third quarter, the Wizards missed free throws which could have kept them in the game.

Although Bradley Beal got to the free throw line, he only made 7 of his 12 attempts.

Coach Brooks after the game said, ‘it was the Wizards’ offense, they couldn’t make shots. They had good looks, but they still couldn’t make uncontested layups and uncontested free throws.’

Once again Wall and Beal were the only Wizards starters in double-digits. When that occurred last week, Washington lost to both the Bucks and Charlotte.

Wall ended with 11 points and five assists. While Beal had 18 points, including three 3-pointers.

Morris (5 points, 8 rebounds), Gortat (6 points, 10 rebounds) and Oubre (7 points, 4 rebounds).

Harrison Barnes recorded a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. While Matthews finished with 14 points, including four from the 3-point line.

Dallas rookie Dennis Smith, Jr. had 17 points, and two from behind the arc. Off the bench, Yogi Ferrell had 14 points, also two from deep, including the buzzer-beater three in the third quarter.

On Thursday, the Wizards continue their road trip against the Oklahoma City Thunder.