Washington Wizards Three Takeaways: Wizards fall in the standings and to the Spurs
The Washington Wizards played San Antonio on Wednesday. Led by LaMarcus Aldridge, the Wizards fall in the standings and to the Spurs, 98-90.
After clinching the season series against the Pacers on Saturday, the Washington Wizards had a few days “rest”, before heading out to San Antonio on Wednesday.
The Wizards were also looking for their first win on the Spurs homecourt since December 11, 1999.
However, they would have to do battle without Mike Scott and Jodie Meeks, who were both battling the flu.
While the Spurs were still without Kawhi Leonard, who only played nine games this season (quad injury).
Earlier in the day, San Antonio had team pictures with Leonard in attendance, and he also sat on the bench for tonight’s matchup.
Manu Ginobli had this to say about Leonard’s return:
"“He is not coming back,” veteran guard Ginobili said. “For me, he’s not coming back because it’s not helping [to think Leonard is returning]. We fell for it a week ago again. I guess you guys made us fall for it. But we have to think that he’s not coming back, that we are who we are, and that we got to fight without him. That shouldn’t be changing, at least until he is ready for the jump ball.”"
Washington will have to wait till next year to get that elusive win in San Antonio. Led by LaMarcus Aldridge, the Spurs beat the Wizards, 98-90.
Rest or Rust
Although the Wizards had a few days off since their last game on Saturday, it was unclear why they couldn’t find any rhythm.
However, Bradley Beal started off hot and never cooled down. He opened the first quarter with 11 points in 12 minutes, shooting 5-for-6 from the field. Finishing the game with 21 points.
In fact, Beal and Otto Porter were the only starters who showed up and had any signs of life. They were also the only starters finishing in double figures.
Porter had 12 points, including two shots from three-point range.
While Kelly Oubre, Jr., off the bench, started and finished with energy. He had 21 points.
After the game Oubre said, he plays “every game like it’s his last game”.
Most of Washington had the day off due to snow, maybe some of the Wizards were following suit. All jokes aside, it was frustrating to see the team not try.
Aldridge battled Gortat
LaMarcus Aldridge beat Marcin Gortat on the boards but also outside the paint, with a nice jump shot.
Markieff Morris and Gortat can’t go back to that disappearing act from the first half of the season. They have to be consistent.
Gortat had a good game on Saturday with 18 points, but he was a no-show tonight.
The Polish Machine had seven points and five rebounds. While Keef had five points and three rebounds. The duo combined for 12 points.
Aldridge was all over the court and led all scorers with 27 points and nine rebounds.
The Wizards need better rim protection, it’s their biggest weakness.
Maybe there was no one available on the open market. Yet, the team as it stands can make a deep playoff push, but Keef and Gortat just can’t disappear.
Because San Antonio didn’t get second and third chances for an offensive rebound on a single play, but four chances.
Wizards fall to the sixth spot
“Maybe” Cleveland didn’t want to see Washington last season. But if the Wizards land in the sixth spot in the East, they don’t want to see the Cavs in the first round this season.
The Wizards were shorthanded, but this should be a wake up call. Washington can’t afford to take anymore nights off.
On Friday, the Wizards return home to take on the Denver Nuggets. It will also be a special night as they retire Phil Chenier’s jersey.