It can be extremely hard to find positives from a six-game losing streak when, before the season, the team had pretty high expectations. However, despite their double overtime 144-140 loss to the Detroit Pistons, the Washington Wizards finally played to their capabilities, especially offensively.
Obviously, giving up 144 points isn't ideal, but at the same time, when Cade Cunningham is playing the way that he was, you just have to tip your cap because that was an MVP-level performance. But the Wizards' trio of Anthony Davis, Trae Young, and Alex Sarr combined for 97 points, and this game was by far the most synchronized the offense has looked all season.
The Wizards finally got an offensive performance they can build on
The Pistons are a top team in the Eastern Conference, and their defense is their calling card, making the Wizards' offensive performance in this game all the more impressive. Young and Sarr both had their best individual offensive performances of the season, given their respective struggles at the start.
Young finished with 37 points and 14 assists; he shot only 8-for-23, but he was 4-for-8 from three, including the game-tying one that sent the game to overtime. He converted all 17 of his free throws. Sarr's performance was especially encouraging, given how much he's struggled to find his role in this new-look offense.
Before Thursday's game, Sarr was only averaging 9.5 points, and his season high was only 18 points after averaging 16.3 points last season. However, against the Pistons, Sarr exploded for 30 points and nine rebounds while shooting a ridiculous 12-for-14 from the field. After being in the background of the offense for the majority of the season, Sarr made his presence known in a big way.
Then Davis did what he's done all season: dominate. He finished with 30 points and 15 rebounds before unfortunately fouling out of the game in overtime. Davis has played at an All-NBA level this season despite the Wizards' struggles, and if he's getting help on offense like he did tonight, they could be on the cusp of turning their season around.
There are still some big areas of improvement
It's unfortunate because it seems like when the Wizards' offense is flowing, they can't get any stops. Then, when they're playing solid defense, they aren't able to score. It was an off-game for AJ Dybantsa, who, despite hitting the game-tying shot to send the game to double overtime, finished with only five points on 2-for-10 shooting.
Saying the bench is still an issue is just beating a dead horse now. They're giving people little hope that it's going to turn around without moves being made. It's been back-to-back games in double figures for Tre Johnson, but in this game, he shot only 5-for-14 and 1-for-9 from three, including missing a really good look to tie the game at the end.
The Wizards can't afford for the number on this losing streak to keep growing, but there's a lot of season left, and despite the loss, this game should be a loss that's easier to stomach, given the circumstances.
Add us as a preferred source on Google