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: Michael Beasley #8 of the New York Knicks dunks 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: Michael Beasley #8 of the New York Knicks dunks 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) /

Wizards third straight loss

This was the Wizards’ third straight loss. After the game, coach Scott Brooks said, “we’re struggling with scoring right now”.

When Washington tries to “run-and-gun” that leads to a lot of missed shots, and that’s what happened in the first quarter.

Both Tomas Satoransky and Marcin Gortat were scoreless in the first stanza.

On the defensive end, the Wizards gave up 42 points in the second quarter. During that time frame, the Knicks were 5-for-8 from the three-point range, and perfect from the free throw line, 7-for-7.

New York shot 68.2 percent from the field to Washington’s 41.7 percent.

The Knicks weren’t playing for anything tonight, while Washington was playing for playoff positioning. However, at the same time one could argue New York was playing for pride.

Coach Brooks on why they lost:

"‘We missed a bunch of shots in that first quarter. I thought the defense was good. We did a great job defensively. That second quarter we didn’t defend – 42 points after holding a team to 19. In the third quarter we couldn’t score again, missing a lot of easy shots—layups, tip-ins, dunks. Those are things that you gotta make, those easy ones. When you do that the basket becomes bigger and you gain confidence. When you miss those putbacks and easy bunnies that puts a lot of stress and pressure on our defense. Our defense was good in the second half. We’re just struggling scoring the basket right now. Some nights the ball don’t fall your way, referring to Bradley Beal being 1-for-6 from three. Defense in the second quarter, giving up 42 points, really hurt. We can’t continue to give and-1s. We probably lead the league in giving up three a game. Up one and Kelly Oubre attempts a three, [Brooks] probably would’ve liked to hold the ball, so it’s another teaching moment.’"

Otto Porter, Markieff Morris and Oubre all finished with 13 points apiece.

While Beal had 14 points and was 3-for4 from the free throw line.

Satoransky had nine points, including a key three-pointer, in 35 minutes of play.

Sessions had a good game with 11 points in 16 minutes. Only because of Burke’s speed coming out the gate in the first quarter, I thought Sessions should have received more playing time. Just for this one game.

Not setting the pace is what lost the game for Washington. It was their house and they’re the better team. Whenever the Knicks had the ball in their possession, they could run-and-gun all they want, but Washington had to defend.

However, when the ball is in the Wizards possession, that means Washington has control of the ball and control of the pace. Nonetheless, the Wizards still ran at the Knicks’ pace.

Sessions tried to slow the pace down by getting fouled, and he saw the free throw line seven times.

Run your own race Washington, otherwise you’ll be running to the airport for an early summer vacation.

The positive to this is that the mistakes made tonight are fixable. Beal just had an off-shooting night, while the Wizards have learned that they have to set the tempo.

On Tuesday, the Wizards host the Spurs.

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