Washington Wizards: Wizards top Orlando Magic for second straight win

The Washington Wizards beat the Orlando Magic, 117-109 to help achieve their first win streak of the season.

This was the win the Washington Wizards needed to build momentum. It started off their five-game homestead the correct way and did some patching up for the rough start to the season. The Orlando Magic are a decent team this year and this win should boost Washington’s confidence.

John Wall impressed once again with 25 points and 10 assists for his third double-double of the season. Despite going 2-10 from beyond the arc, Bradley Beal contributed 21 points and 8 rebounds. Dwight Howard had a quite, yet productive,17 points and 8 rebounds.

The most significant performance of the night came by Jeff Green, who had 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 6-7 from the floor. He was very efficient and helped close the game for the Wizards in the fourth quarter.

In the first three quarters there wasn’t much breathing room as both teams were tied heading into the final period. Washington started pulling away with under five minutes left in the fourth, which was largely due to Wall and Green.

Wall had 9 points and 4 assists in the last 12 minutes of the game. All the criticism surrounding him has really lit a fire under him and it’s been glorious to watch. This is the All-Star point guard the city wants and needs.

He was virtually unguardable the entire game, but especially towards the end of the fourth quarter. The Magic gave him multiple looks, but Wall had each and everyone of those defenders dancing on skates. Wall’s defensive performance has been second to none. When he decides to play defense he’s a top 5 point guard in the league.

The defense is slowly progressing, which is huge for this team. Washington was able to hold Orlando to under 30 points for the last three quarters. Holding the Magic to 109 points is a substantial win for the Wizards, compared to their usual defensive outings of allowing opponents to score around 120 points.

Scott Brooks made some smart decisions at the end of the game by going with small with the lineup of: John Wall, Bradley Beal, Kelly Oubre Jr., Jeff Green, and Markieff Morris. Otto Porter Jr. was not in the lineup simply because Oubre plays better defense.

In fact, the team looks better when Porter isn’t on the floor. Oubre, Green, and Austin Rivers fill the in the gap just fine. Unfortunately, Porter is starting to look like an a player that is overpaid. I wouldn’t be shocked if he ends up being traded this season or loses his starting job to Oubre down the stretch.

Chemistry and communication have been vital issues throughout the beginning of the season, but it looks as though the team is slowly turning things around. The Wizards are now 4-9 and face the Cleveland Cavaliers, Brooklyn Nets, Portland Trail Blazers, and the Los Angeles Clippers for their next four games at home.

These matchups are very winnable. If Washington can be victorious is 3 out of the 4 games, then D.C.’s faith will be restored in the team moving forward.

To stay up to date on all things Wizards this season, be sure to follow Wiz of Awes throughout the season.