On Friday, the Washington Wizards hit the road to play the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pels came into the matchup with a 10-game winning streak, and were looking to notch another win to beat their franchise record. However, Washington had other plans, blowing out the Pelicans, 116-97.
On Friday, the Washington Wizards hit the road to play the New Orleans Pelicans. This was the first game of a back-to-back for Washington, who play the Heat on Saturday.
While the Pelicans came into the matchup with a 10-game winning streak.
New Orleans was without their five-time All-Star Anthony Davis, who sprained his ankle on Wednesday against the Kings.
After Davis’ injury during the Kings matchup, Nikola Mirotic closed it out, finishing the game with 26 points and 10 rebounds. The backup center started for Davis against Washington.
But Washington rendered Mirotic ineffective, holding the center to 9 points, but he chipped in 12 rebounds.
Although the Pelicans are battling injuries, they were also fighting for a piece of history against Washington. With a win tonight, it would have been the Pelican’s 11th consecutive win, beating their franchise record.
But the Wizards had other plans, blowing the Pelicans out of the water, 116-97.
Washington led New Orleans, 55-38 going into halftime. They outrebounded the Pels 27-18 for the first half.
The Wizards would extend the lead to end the third quarter, 83-62. Since they’re playing the Heat on Saturday, the blowout allowed the starters rest in the final stanza.
The theme in this game is that Washington has learned to play smarter not harder. They controlled the tempo and didn’t commit silly fouls.
Kelly Oubre continues to shine
Kelly Oubre has such a giving spirit. I know that’s not a basketball term of art. Recently he shared his personal story on mental health and athletes. Before the game, he handed out 10 college scholarships to students from his hometown of New Orleans.
On the court against the Pelicans, he wasn’t so charitable. He gave Washington a spark with 11 points, 6 rebounds and 4 steals.
He also had a key three-pointer, which would send the Pelicans into a timeout to stop the bleeding.
Otto Porter was on fire
Otto Porter started the game off strong, he had 8 points in 8 minutes for the first quarter.
During the second quarter, Bradley Beal in an unselfish play, could have floated it in. But spied Porter out on the perimeter, kicking it out for the three-pointer.
Porter led all scorers going into hafltime with 16 points, and was the only player at the time in double digits.
There were times where Porter pushed the ball up the floor, and kept everyone engaged. He also took his time to plant his feet before launching the three.
The way Porter plays the game in such controlled measures, whether it’s on or off the ball, is an uncommon discipline, which he has taken to new heights this season.
He finished the game leading all scorers with 19 points and 7 rebounds.
Mike Scott has the Pelicans number
In the second quarter, Kelly Oubre would pick the pocket of Rajon Rondo, and alley-oop it to Mike Scott for the finish.
In seven minutes, Scott would have nine points, shooting 4-for-4 from the field, before taking his seat in the second frame.
The last time these two teams met, Scott had a season-high 24 points. For this matchup, he had 14 points, shooting 6-for-8 from the field. He was locked in, and helped the Wizards stretch the lead in the second quarter.
Markieff Morris also finished in double digits with 17 points and 6 rebounds in 26 minutes. He was the main reason why Mirotic couldn’t get into any type of flow.
Against the Kings, Mirotic and Holiday combined for 49 points. Against Washington the combo was held to 13 points.
Holiday finished with four points and two assists.
Bradley Beal (16 points, 7 assists), Tomas Satorasnky (8 points, 5 rebounds), Marcin Gortat (7 points, 6 rebounds), Ramon Sessions (7 points, 6 rebounds), Jodie Meeks (10 points, 4 rebounds) and Jason Smith (8 points).
The most important stat, Beal was able to get some rest.
After beating Miami in overtime on Tuesday, the Wizards would play the Heat again on Saturday.
Tipoff is at 7:30 pm.