Takeaways from Wizards vs Magic tank off
By Cory Nelson
Without Bradley Beal (knee), Kristaps Porzingis (illness) and Kyle Kuzma (ankle), the Washington Wizards were handed a 116-109 loss by the Orlando Magic. They were unable to build a two-game winning streak for a fourth straight time. The last time they won consecutive games was on Feb. 28 and Mar. 2.
Trouble guarding Paolo Banchero
It’s safe to say Banchero dominated the game. He finished with 30 points and 12 rebounds but he did most of his work inside the paint. Since Banchero, who is 250 pounds, was being guarded by 210-pound Deni Avdija most of the game, he took advantage. He spent most of the time pushing past Avdija for easy two-point field goals.
The first-quarter output by the Wizards
Right after the ball tipped, the Washington Wizards were in full effect. They got out to a 17-8 run before Magic’s center Wendell Carter made a layup to finally get them above 10. With Beal, Porzingis and Kuzma leading the Wizards in first-quarter points, the Wizards were able to finish the first ahead 32-24. They were led by Kendrick Nunn’s seven points off the bench.
The Wizards’ rebounding
Missing their leading rebounder in Porzingis didn’t stop the Wizards from grabbing a season-high 59 rebounds. Daniel Gafford, who was inserted into the lineup for Porzingis, led the way with a career-high 13 rebounds. It was the most rebounds he had since Feb. 28 when he recorded 12 in a victory against the Atlanta Hawks.
No problem scoring
The Wizards were able to rack up a decent amount of points, despite all three of their top scorers being out. Corey Kispert led all Wizards scorers with a career-high 27 points, getting all of them from the 3-point line. He finished with a career-high nine 3-pointers.
The Magic’s fourth-quarter ending secured the loss for the Wiz
Many thought the Washington Wizards were in a good position to win after the third quarter. But the Magic, who are ranked fifth in the NBA in fourth-quarter scoring, outscored the Wizards 31-13 to secure the victory.