After a thrilling overtime battle with the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers, the Washington Wizards barely defeated the team Brooklyn Nets who have the worst record in the league by a final of 114-110.
As expected, the Wizards came out with a chip on their shoulder from the loss to Cleveland. They came in the first and outscored the Nets 31-22. Coming off a 41-point night, Bradley Beal dropped 14 in the first period. The Wizards stayed aggressive and went into halftime with a 10-point lead.
Second Half Woes Continue
With Markieff Morris out with a calf injury, Washington was forced to start their best bench player in Kelly Oubre, Jr. The good news was Ian Mahinmi played in his first game since November 26. Oubre did not come up for the Wizards going scoreless in 32 minutes. The Nets took advantage of this by outscoring the Wizards 51-41. This could have been a fatigue problem due to the overtime game with the Cavs two days ago. Bojan Bogdanovic hit a jumper with 46 seconds left in the 4th to tie the game. After a couple of misses by both teams, Washington was going into their second consecutive overtime game. In overtime, the Wizards ended the game on a 14-10 win to win the game.
Beal scored 31 points to lead Washington. All-star John Wall had 23 points and 12 assists. Otto Porter, Jr. continues his best season finishing with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Marcin Gortat added 14 points and 14 rebounds. Jason Smith led the Wizards bench with 15 points eight rebounds. Mahinmi had two points and five rebounds in 12 minutes. Brook Lopez led the Nets with 20 points. Former Wizard Trevor Booker 14 and 11 rebounds off the bench.
Wizards Look to Get Back on Track at Home
The Wizards 17 win streak at home ended, but they can get back on track against the Indiana Pacers. The Wizards are tied with the Pacers for the season series at one game apiece. Last time they met, which was in Washington, the Wizards won by six. Wall led Washington with 36 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists. Both teams may be without key players that could make a huge difference. Washington may not have Morris again, while the Pacer may be without Thaddeus Young.
Last game Paul George and Jeff Teague led the Pacers. These two will be the same players to look out for Friday night. If they can contain these two on the offensive end, they should win. Myles Turner also played a big role on the boards and defensive end. The Pacers have moved up the ranks in the Eastern Conference. They only trail the Wizards by two games in the standings.
Washington is coming off two overtime games in a row and only have one day to rest. Fatigue might set in and may cost them. Although they beat the Nets, it was very a disappointing win for them. Defeating the Pacers at home would be a confidence booster.
