Wiz of Awes
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Washington Wizards: 3 takeaways from Wizards’ Big Win vs. Lakers

By Andrew E. Johnson

WASHINGTON , DC - DECEMBER 16: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball during the game against Lance Stephenson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers on December 16, 2018 at Capital One Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON , DC - DECEMBER 16: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball during the game against Lance Stephenson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers on December 16, 2018 at Capital One Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Washington Wizards, John Wall
Washington Wizards, John Wall (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Strong Start by the Wizards and Wall

The Wizards came out hot against the Lakers and never looked back.

In the blink of an eye shortly after tip-off, Washington had shot out to a 14-0 run to go up 16-4. They extended that into a 22-4 run. The Lakers didn’t break double digits until 3:31 left in the first quarter, trailing 26-10. At that point in the game, Wall alone was outscoring the entire Los Angeles team with 12 points of his own. The largest first-quarter lead was ultimately 18 points.

The Wizards were able to get out to an early lead thanks to some very hot shooting, knocking down 13 of their first 18 shots (72 percent) compared to the Lakers going 5 for 19 (26 percent). Wall and the crew were aggressive on both ends of the floor, pushing it in transition and forcing turnovers on defense.

Despite the big early lead, Los Angeles closed the first quarter on a run of their own, keeping it within reach after 12 minutes with Washington up 33-23. Although the Lakers sneaked within 6 points early in the second quarter, they were never really in the contest after that. Wall exploded for 28 points on 12-for-18 shooting and 8 assists in the first half, helping set the tone for what the rest of the night would look like.

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