Wiz of Awes
Fansided

Washington Wizards: Wizards fall to Cavs, Rise at the same time

By Jen Julie Smith

CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 5: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards goes to the basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 5, 2018 at The Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 5: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards goes to the basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 5, 2018 at The Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – FEBRUARY 22: Markieff Morris #5 and Tomas Satoransky #31 of the Washington Wizards celebrate after the Wizards defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on February 22, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Wizards defeated the Cavaliers 110-103. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – FEBRUARY 22: Markieff Morris #5 and Tomas Satoransky #31 of the Washington Wizards celebrate after the Wizards defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on February 22, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Wizards defeated the Cavaliers 110-103. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

The Wizards are ready

These are the Wizards I expected them to be.

A wise man once said, there’s only “one team”. Tonight, I couldn’t distinguish between the first and second unit. I only saw the preparation of a season of sweat and tears come together as one on the floor. I only saw the front of the jersey. That “one team” is now a reality.

Bradley Beal was scoreless in the first quarter, but he woke up in the second with 10 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Including the only three-pointer for the Wizards in the first half.

Those weren’t easy buckets for Beal, as he was being double-teamed every time he had the ball in his hand. No need to get a scouting report on him, the world already knows that he’s one of the best shooters in the league.

The All-Star guard finished with 19 points, including 4-for-6 from three-point range.

Otto Porter, as always, was efficient with his shooting, 8-for-13 from the field. He finished the game with 18 points and 8 rebounds. Porter is cool as a cucumber, no matter what team he plays.

His even-keeled persona during games is one of the Wizards’ best attributes.

While Kelly Oubre‘s defense was a sight to behold. As he hustled for steals and rebounds. Including this beautiful sequence, where he stole the basket from James and slammed it home.

Although he only had 6 points, his defensive intensity kept up the Wizards’ flow.

He didn’t let his offense dictate his defense. Something that the team has been preaching since the start of the season. His maturity and composure is to be commended.

Markeiff Morris did what he was supposed to do. Not only be a physical presence as he pounded his way to the basket, but he also kept the Wizards offense flowing with four assists.

Although he picked up two early fouls in the first quarter, he was able to stay out of foul trouble which was key for Washington. He finished with 15 points and 5 rebounds.

Going into the third quarter, one of the TNT announcers said, that ‘the Cavs allowed the Wizards to control the tempo and dictate the game in the second quarter’.

After the first quarter, the Wizards had control of the game up until the final 6 minutes. I’m going to give you the secret to those final minutes below.

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