Washington Wizards: Player Grades from OT win over Houston

The Washington Wizards beat the Houston Rockets in overtime, 135-131. The team seems to be turning a corner…

Despite James Harden’s 54 point night, the Washington Wizards were able to pull one out in D.C. against the Houston Rockets. It took an overtime period to do so, but it was another positive sign that the team is heading in the right direction.

The All-Star backcourt had another steller performance. John Wall scored 36 points, 11 assists and Bradley Beal added 32 points. Markieff Morris contributed nicely off the bench with 22 points and 10 rebounds as well.

The Rockets opened up the game with a 27-10 lead. By the end of the first,  Houston was leading the Wizards by 12. Otto Porter and Wall combined for 21 points in the second, outscoring Houston 37-23.

The Rest of the game was pretty much back and forth. Both teams had an opportunity to win the game at the end of regulation, but failed to do so.

Washington then went on an 8-1 in overtime to seal the game. Wall came up big with two big jumpers.

Washington showed great poise and togetherness throughout the entire game. Usually being down that big in the first quarter would have only trickled on for the rest of the game, but the team answered perfectly.

You wouldn’t be able to tell by the score, but in the end defense is what won it for the Wizards. Harden is a tough matchup and usually causes opponents to wear down. However, Washington showed intensity on the defensive side throughout the entire game.

With that being said, let’s take a look at the player grades for the game.