Wizards blow second straight 20-point lead, this time against the Nets

For the second time in two days, the Washington Wizards let a role player averaging nine points or less go off against them. This time, it was Cam Thomas of the Brooklyn Nets. An embarrassing weekend for the Wizards.

First a loss against the Portland Trailblazers where they let Trendon Watford and Josh Hart combine for 42 points in a comeback. Now they let Cam Thomas explode for 44 points in an even worse outing.

The Nets came into the game with only 10 available players, then Markieff Morris and Seth Curry leave with injury early. To add to their disadvantage, multiple players like Edmund Sumner and Nic Claxton were in foul trouble for most of the game.

With no Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, or Ben Simmons in the lineup, the Wizards were heavily advantaged going into the game. Apparently, they didn’t get the message.

Despite the loss, the forward rotation was fantastic for the Wizards.

Between Kristaps Porzingis and Deni Avdija, there was a player actively scoring at the power forward position all game long. They combined for 61 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, two blocks, and four steals. They shot 50% from the field, 57.1% from three, and 76% from the free throw line when combined.

While he didn’t play much and he didn’t make a single shot in his 11 minutes, Kyle Kuzma had five assists, two points, and two rebounds before leaving with an injury. The only other player to play heavy minutes at a forward position was Corey Kispert who had 15 points and two rebounds on his normal elite efficiency.

Daniel Gafford also pitched in a double-double with some monstrous dunks on their way to a loss.

Despite their front and midcourt players playing well, they started fouling and allowing easy looks in the third and fourth quarters while not making up for it on offense, ultimately leading to another frustrating loss.

This has been horrible to watch.