Hornets 98
Wizards 93
March 18, 2017 - Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
That was about as ugly a game as Washington has played in all year. For three quarters, both sides were playing as if they were high school junior varsity players the way shots were being missed left and right. In the end, the Wizards could not get enough stops despite the Hornets leaving the door open late. Washington was unable to win their 12th straight game as part of back-to-backs as they fell 98-93 less than 24 hours after defeating the Chicago Bulls.
Quick Hits:
Worst shooting performance of the season.
The 36.7 percent (29 of 79) shooting from the field was the Wizards worst showing of the season. Previously, Washington had shot 37 percent, 34 of 92, in a loss to Toronto earlier in the month. A major reason for the Wizards lack of scoring was just 28 points in the paint. Many Washington players were missing chip shots in the paint whether it be the House of Guards, 11 of 30, or the centers, 4 of 12. One would hope the Wizards avoid missing more bunny shots in the future, but this has been a fairly noticeable trend that has popped up in the last handful of games.
The defense on this trip has been troubling.
Through three quarters, Washington strapped up on Charlotte. Yes, Cody Zeller was dominating with 19 points on 10 field goal attempts in the first 36 minutes, but the Hornets as a whole were shooting just 37.5 percent from the field. Take away Zeller and Charlotte was shooting less than 30 percent. In the last 12 minutes, the home team shot 61 percent, 11 of 18, from the field. After a 0 of 9 start, Frank Kaminsky came out of nowhere with 11 points on 5 shot attempts in the final frame to trigger a 9-1 Hornets run early in the fourth.
John Wall technical foul watch.
For the second straight game and night, Wall picked up a technical foul, his 14th of the season, when he and Frank Kaminsky were called for double technical after Kaminsky was called for a foul. If Wall picks up two more technical in the final 13 regular season games, he will be automatically suspended one game. On every other technical foul after that will also result in a one-game suspension. The count resets for the playoffs, but it is getting to close to comfort for the team’s MVP. Last night, Wall said the reason for his 13th technical infraction was referees being “typical.” Whatever the reason this time or in the future, Wall would be best to simply bite his tongue and live to fight another game, literally.
Highlights:
Wall and Keef knew it was coming. Set it up perfectly.