Wiz of Awes
Fansided

Washington Wizards: Porter best on floor, Wizards still fall to Warriors

By Jen Julie Smith

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 28: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards shoots the ball against the Golden State Warriors on February 28, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 28: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards shoots the ball against the Golden State Warriors on February 28, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next

Managing Minutes

WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 28: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles past Tim Frazier #8 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on February 28, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 28: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles past Tim Frazier #8 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on February 28, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

The second-unit of Kelly Oubre, Jodie Meeks, Ian Mahinmi, Mike Scott and Tim Frazier gave Washington life in the second quarter and back in contention

However, it was a terrible mismatch. While Washington went with an all-bench lineup to start the second quarter, Golden State had Klay Thompson and Draymond Green running with their bench.

Yet, the Wizards’ bench helped Washington have a close game going into halftime, with the Warriors only up 58-56.

However, the third quarter belongs to the Warriors.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, after Golden State beat the Knicks on Monday:

"“It was the seventh time this season the Warriors have outscored an opponent by at least 20 points in the third. With 21 regular-season games left, Golden State boasts a third-quarter plus-minus of plus-329, easily the most lopsided margin for a quarter of any team.”"

Stephen Curry also had this to say about their win in New York:

"“I still don’t have an answer about the third quarter except we wear teams down,” Curry said. “We come out of the halftime with some juice and energy. It is winning time.”"

This time around the Warriors didn’t need to wear Washington down, they were already tired from the night before. The game against the Bucks was a playoff-type atmosphere, and then to play the defending champions. It was as if the Wizards were already in the postseason.

These two games are a perfect example of why Beal needs his minutes managed to be fresh come playoff time, and Washington still needs more help.

Beal was also doubled by the Warriors. Curry after the game:

"“We did a good job of trying to make him take tough shots. Obviously he is an All-Star. He’s capable every single night to have a big night. We sent bodies at him – you send a crowd. He missed a couple of early ones, but for the most part we did a pretty good job on everybody beside Otto Porter but to only give up 101, solid defensive effort all around”"

WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 28: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball against the Washington Wizards on February 28, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 28: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball against the Washington Wizards on February 28, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

I still believe they need rim protection, while the sentiment appears to be another backup shooting guard. They have enough shooters on the payroll.

What difference does it make that they have all these shooters? When the time comes to grab that rebound, they don’t have someone who can crash the boards to kick it back out to the shooters for those second and third chance points.

Does Washington only want one bite at the apple a possession? That’s not going to cut it in the postseason.

Washington didn’t have an answer in the third frame, only scoring 14 points in that stanza.

An absolute positive about this loss is that Washington didn’t give up and fought to the end. They left everything on the floor when they beat the Bucks, but didn’t have enough in the tank to take on the Warriors.

So it was a good loss in the sense, that the Bucks was the more important matchup due to playoff seeding.

Also, a valuable lesson was learned, Beal’s minutes have to be managed so he’s fresh for the postseason.

Washington signed Ramon Sessions. Against the Warriors was as good as any to put him on the floor. He could at least get to the basket, and give Beal a bit of rest, since Sessions can play both positions. Hopefully, Sessions sees the floor on Friday. I’m not saying he’s the answer, but Washington has to try something different.

It’s not a race, but a grueling marathon before the Wizards reach the postseason. Washington has to pace Beal.

Yes, he had an off night, but it seems like he needs a night off. There’s no time to rest in the postseason.

Ok, back to the game that was played.

Markieff Morris had a strong showing with 16 points, 7 rebounds and two 3-pointers.

Oubre who always has a lot of energy, finished with 17 points and two shots from deep. He also made his physical presence known, making 7 of his 9 free throws.

Tomas Satoransky also had a good showing with 11 points and 3 assists.

Marcin Gortat (2 points, 3 rebounds).

Meeks who attacked the rim, not as much as he could, but he did a good job of changing up his game, finished with 8 points.

Brooks on Meeks getting quality minutes in the fourth quarter:

"“I felt like we just needed an extra shooter. He hasn’t shot the ball well from thee this year, but he gives a threat, and everybody knows that you have to guard him. We just needed that extra scoring because that third quarter we didn’t have much scoring. But in the fourth quarter we came back and scored 31.”"

On the other end of the floor, Kevin Durant (32 points), Curry (25 points), and Draymond Green (11 points).

On Friday, the Washington Wizards take on the Toronto Raptors.

Home/Wizards News