Wiz of Awes
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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: Trey Burke #23 of the New York Knicks reacts against the Washington Wizards 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: Trey Burke #23 of the New York Knicks reacts against the Washington Wizards 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) /

Burke and changing of the guards

Former Wizards player Trey Burke ran point for the Knicks. While Ramon Sessions, a former Knick, has returned to Washington.

Wizards fell into the trap of letting their opponent control the pace. Burke was flying up and down the court for easy layups. Washington didn’t attempt to slow down the pace, and played to the Knicks’ level.

However, Sessions would stop the Knicks’ offensive flow whenever he drew a foul. He was fouled back-to-back on two attempts during the second stanza. The second one being an and-1.

When John Wall is not in the lineup, the Wizards are not a run-and-gun team, and opponents play to that weakness. There was no attempt to slow down the pace, and the Wizards tried to keep up with New York, instead of the other way around.

Burke would lead all scorers with 19 points. He was just too fast for Washington.

However, the fastest team is not going to win the game, defensive stops are key. Washington slowed down the pace in the second-half, but they were playing from behind at that point..

If the Wizards can remember to play at their own pace and not their opponents’, that’s half the battle.

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