Wizards 112
Bulls 107
March 17, 2017 – Verizon Center, Washington, D.C.
The Washington Wizards have not had a three-game losing streak since they fell to 2-8 in November of this season, which feels like a decade ago. That statistic remains true as the home team snapped a two-game losing streak thanks to a career night from John Wall. Jimmy Butler and Robin Lopez combined for 53 points, but it was not enough to stop the Wizards who had six in double-figures in their usual balanced scoring attack. Washington ensured themselves a winning season after a 112-107 win to get their 42nd victory on the season.
1st quarter
With Markieff Morris out dealing with an illness, fan favorite Jason Smith got a chance to start alongside Marcin Gortat. Smith provided his usual hustle with five points, including a three-pointer, and four rebounds in the first quarter. The real story in the first quarter however was John Wall’s eight assists, which got his team into a good offensive flow.
Jason Smith, Mr. All Purpose:
The defense, a talking point for much of the last week, was slightly improved to begin the game from the three-point perspective as they held Chicago, the association’s worst three-point shooting team, to 1 of 4 from beyond the arc. On the down side, Robin Lopez came out of nowhere with a 6 of 7 shooting first quarter to account for over half of the Bulls points. At the end of twelve minutes, Washington led 29-23.
2nd quarter
Lots talk more about Jason Smith because he is simply the definition of awesome. By halftime, Smith had 15 points and 6 rebounds to lead the team in both categories. Smith drilled three three-pointers, which tied a career-high, and also surpassed his career-high for threes in a season with his 16th on the year. Without Morris, Smith provided everything and more for Washington tonight.
Here's Brandon Jennings to Kelly Oubre on the fast break:
A great defensive effort was given in the second quarter to round out a sound showing in the entire half. Chicago was held to 8 of 22 shooting, 36.4 percent, and just 17 points in the second quarter, which allowed the Wizards to stretch out their lead. The Wizards also forced 12 turnovers in the first half, which they converted into 19 points. 19 was the margin at halftime as Washington enjoyed a 59-40 lead at intermission.
3rd quarter
Following a Nikola Mirotic three, just Chicago's second of the game, the Bulls were within single-digits with a 17-9 run to begin the third quarter. Not to worry as Washington would answer. Bradley Beal scored a bucket and Marcin Gortat had back-to-back scores to regain the Wizards double-digit lead.
Washington ended the quarter up 84-72, but the bigger news was John Wall picking up his 13th technical foul of the season. On his 16th, Wall would be given a one-game suspension. Luckily, that does not carry over the playoffs. After the game, Wall called the technical foul “typical” on the part of the referees, but hopes to get one of the 13 rescinded by the league.
4th quarter
Following a Bojan Bogdanovic three, Chicago responded with an 8-0 run that cut the Washington lead to six for the first time since the start of the second quarter. Brooks quickly called timeout and the possibility of John Wall getting a fourth quarter off went out the window.
John Wall's career-high 20th assist:
With 49.7 seconds to play, Jimmy Butler cut the Wizards lead to one and the life was sucked out of the sold-out Verizon Center. Otto Porter has not been great from beyond the arc post All-Star break, but his hustle will never be questioned. Following a Bradley Beal missed 10-foot jumper shot, Porter aggressively got into the paint and was able to rip away a rebound before drawing a foul on Denzel Valentine. Porter sank a couple of free throws, Butler missed a potential game-tying shot thanks to superb defense from Kelly Oubre Jr., and Washington escaped with a 112-107.
Scott Brooks on Kelly Oubre Jr.’s defensive effort:
“He came in with focus on the defensive end. That’s simple with me and Kelly – if he comes in active defensively, he gets opportunities. Bojan [Bogdanovic] has come in and done a great job, so the minutes are going to be a little up-and-down. You’re going to get opportunities by playing with great effort and focus on the proper things that you need to do your role. I thought he was really good tonight. Hopefully that can continue.”
#WizBulls in a Tweet
The Game’s Top Performer
John Wall - 14 points, 20 assists.
This honor could have gone to Jason Smith, but Wall getting over the hump to break his career-high in assists was remarkable. It was insane given that he was playing on a sore left foot that forced him to get non-stop treatment for the past 48 hours. We will let the head coach describe his game:
“John - it’s hard to say this because he’s had so many good games and good halves – that first half was almost flawless, the defensive effort. Rondo is obviously a prober, and he can handle the ball, and he can manipulate screen-and-rolls – but John was there. Twelve assists and just – I know he scored the three right at the end of the quarter -- there’s only a few guys in the league that can dominate a game with passing only, and he’s one of them. That’s a good asset to have and I’m happy to coach him. I thought he was remarkable throughout the game – 20 assists.”
Kelly Oubre also had an important take on his point guard:
A forgettable night for…
Michael Carter-Williams.
Fred Hoiberg knows his team will need someone to step up with the loss of Dwayne Wade for the season after a fracture in his elbow. MCW is not that guy. In 15 minutes off the bench, Carter-Williams had six turnovers and three fouls. That is not a recipe for success.
Key Stat of the Night
The Washington Wizards had a season-high 34 assists, which was much in part because of Wall’s 20, but do not forget Brandon Jennings contribution of eight off the bench. In 126 minutes with the Wizards, Jennings has 43 dimes, which is an insane 12.3 assists per 36 minutes. Should his jump shot be ready by playoff time, which many players on the team will come, he will be a deadly weapon off the bench for Washington.
What’s next?
Washington will fly to Charlotte tonight for the penultimate matchup with the Hornets this season. The Wizards have already won the two previous meetings by scoring 109 in each game. Unlike Washington, the Hornets will not be on the back end of a back-to-back, which makes them dangerous despite their 29-39 record. All-Star point guard Kemba Walker will surely be the biggest point of concern for the Wizards.