(Photo: Washington Wizards)
Wizards 109
Nuggets 104
October 23, 2017, Pepsi Center, Denver, CO
This was one of those games where the Wizards did just enough right to eliminate their wrongs and win a basketball game. The game was choppy; both teams having their share of good and bad spurts. The difference was that the Wizards had their good spurts when it really mattered. When it mattered enough to secure the impending win. However you want to put it, this much is true. The Wizards are just three games into the season and have already reached a significant milestone: going 3-0 for the first time in over a decade. Yes, we are in Gilbert territory, and that's not a terrible place to be.
Here are five important takes from the win.
Not a good night for the bench. Or was it?
If there is one component of this team that gives us the most fits, one would argue it's the second unit. Last night in the first half, the bench looked great. They checked in when the team was down 5 late in the 1st quarter and helped finish the period tied up. And how about that Satoransky sighting? It always feels good to see even a minute or two of the team's 2014 draft and stash appointee contributing in some fashion. Sato hit both of his shots in the 1st including a 3 and finished with 5 points. Tim Frazier also had a decent start, scoring 6 points in the 1st quarter, including this buzzer beater:
The 2nd quarter was the polar opposite, with the Nuggets pouncing ahead by as many as 8 before Wall eventually checked back in for Frazier. That was nearly at the halfway mark of the quarter.
Two prime contingents of the bench that were added this past offseason were Jodie Meeks and Mike Scott. The two struggled mightily last night on the offensive end, combining for 2-for-12 from the field and 1-for-8 from 3-point. Meeks, who was brought in to be the offensive spark plug for the second unit, simply cannot struggle this bad
Otto.
One of the key factors to Otto's growth is his increased comfort and poise while on the floor. He's no longer a mere branch off of the offense, but rather in full control of his own game. He finds his own shot, he's a manager on defense, and he remains an all-purpose utility - with upgraded firmware.
After signing his massive deal this past summer, it's been Otto's business this season to prove he's worthy of it. And through three games, it's hard to argue against the notion that he is. Otto finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds last night; hit 3-of-6 from downtown; had 4 steals and 3 assists; committed just one turnover and was a game-high +12.
The Wizards prove they can survive an off-night from John Wall.
As weird as the game was, this one thing is true: as 'rough' of a night John Wall had, for the Wizards to overcome that and win a game on the road is means for a good omen.
A lot of offensive possessions went unproductive due to an influx of John's missed shots. Wall started the game 0-for-5, 1-for-7, before finishing 3-for-13. But luckily for the Wizards, Wall's game is the furthest thing from being just a one-dimensional scorer. While his shots were bricking, Wall still managed to rake in 19 points thanks to his 13 made free throws. Of course, Wall's prowess as a passer in no way gets hampered because he's not shooting well. Wall made several nifty plays throughout the game and was critical on defense down the stretch.
Remnants of last year's road trip.
Despite the earliness of the West coast road trip, the Wizards seem poised for a successful one. Last night's game was filled with ups and downs, lead changes (13) and ties (7). Yet the Wizards, away from home and fully immersed in the hostility by the Nuggets fans, overcame, much like they did in last year's first road trip. Whether it was resiliently coming back from large deficits, or fending off comeback attempts, the Wizards found a way to come up with enough plays so to not blow it. That type of attribute is character-defining, and tone-setting. Again, here's to good omens because the Wizards look like they have a few.
What's Next?
This wasn't totally expected, but nevertheless the least surprising: Lavar Ball calling out the Wizards and Marcin Gortat responding with a John Wall name drop. As if John isn't already plotting his rage against Lonzo and the Lakers. As if John Wall hasn't already made Lonzo's wacky face his phone wallpaper as a reminder for how he's going to tear into the soul of a father and son. Lakers-Wizards in the L.A. limelight on Wednesday night.