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Washington Wizards Three Takeaways: Wizards remember 1978 Bullets, but fall to Knicks

By Jen Julie Smith

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 25: Ramon Sessions #9 of the Washington Wizards goes to the basket against Luke Kornet #2 of the New York Knicks during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 25, 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 Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 25: Ramon Sessions #9 of the Washington Wizards goes to the basket against Luke Kornet #2 of the New York Knicks during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 25, 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 Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 25: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket agsint Luke Kornet #2 of the New York Knicks during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 25, 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 Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 25: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket agsint Luke Kornet #2 of the New York Knicks during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 25, 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 Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

On Sunday, the Washington Wizards hosted the New York Knicks. Although the Wizards lost, the night belonged to the 1978 NBA Championship team—the Washington Bullets.

On Sunday, the Washington Wizards hosted the New York Knicks. Although the Wizards lost, the night belonged to the 1978 NBA Championship team—the Washington Bullets. 

The Wizards organization celebrated the 40th anniversary of their world champions.

Although it was a regular season game, history permeated throughout the night. Beginning with the jersey retirement of Phil Chenier on Friday, to honoring the 1978 champions at halftime.

There was an aura throughout the arena that greatness embodies this team. Therefore, the present-day Wizards should carry that mantle and have a deep postseason run.

Unfortunately, the Wizards lost to the Knicks in a close game, 101-97, and here are the takeaways.

Halftime to History

During halftime the 1978 Bullets team were seated at center court. Starting with two members of that historic team who are no longer here—Charles Johnson and Greg Ballard.

Johnson passed away in 2007 and Ballard in 2016, due to cancer. I don’t like to write that someone “lost their battle” to cancer, because cancer may kill the body but it can never kill their fighting spirit.

So Johnson and Ballard were there in spirit with the rest of their team — Phil Chenier, Mitch Kupchak, Bob Dandridge, Joe Pace, Kevin Grevey, Wes Unseld (video address), Elvin Hayes, Phil Walker, Tom Henderson and Larry Wright.

Prior to the game, they showed this video of the Bullet’s historic run:

https://twitter.com/WashWizards/status/977909871260721152

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