(Photo: Washington Wizards)
Washington 110
Sacramento 83
October 29, 2017, Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA
Coming off of disappointing losses to the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, there was no way the Washington Wizards were going to drop the ball against the Sacramento Kings to finish up their first of two West Coast road trips. As predicted, Washington dominated the home team from the initial jump ball on their way to a 110-83 demolishment to improve to 4-2 and back into a tie for first place in the East.
Taking Care Of Business
The Wizards had themselves an impressive coast-to-coast win over a Kings team that was resting their starting point guard and power forward in George Hill and Zach Randolph. If that does not read tanking, I do not know what does. Regardless, Washington took care of business and did not give the young team any hope. Sacramento did not score until 4:50 into the game, while Washington was firing on all cylinders on offense. The Wizards’ largest lead of the game was 37 as they completely dominated the Kings to restore faith in some of how good they are.
Nice End To Road Trip For Starters
Before the game, the Wizards got good news that neither Bradley Beal nor Kelly Oubre Jr. would be suspended for their actions in the fight with Draymond Green on Friday. It probably would not have mattered as Washington was able to rest most of their starters because of the lead they had built up. No Wizard played more than 30 minutes, so they were able to get prepared for a nice, potentially relaxing, two games off as they travel back to the D.C. area.
Three-Point Shooting Was En Fuego
Through the first four games of the season, the Wizards were a miserable 27 of 95 (28.4 percent) from beyond the arc. They began to get back on track with a 15 of 33 (45.5 percent) showing against the Warriors and that hot shooting traveled to the California capital. The Wizards made 17 three-pointers, tied for second most in franchise history, on 34 attempts (50 percent), which is part of the reason the Kings were out of it as soon as the game tipped. John Wall tied his career-high with five triples and even began the game 5 of 5 from deep after shooting just 4 of 21 from three in his first five games of the season.
Mike Scott Proving His Worth
After trading for Tim Frazier and signing Jodie Meeks to a BAE level deal, Washington finished their offseason signings with Mike Scott agreeing to the veteran’s minimum. With the loss of Markieff Morris so far in the season, he was expected to play a significant role but has been kept in a role off the bench. Coming off of a game with 14 points and 7 rebounds on Friday, Scott scored 13 points on 6 of 9 shooting against the Kings. The Wizards’ second unit is lacking someone who can get his own shot in an isolation situation, but Scott could turn out to be that guy.
Tim Frazier Is Indeed A True Point Guard
Upon trading for Frazier from the Pelicans, Scott Brooks complemented his nature as a “true point guard” in a league filled with scoring point guards. Although Tim Frazier has just 15 points in 89 minutes through six games, he has been Optimus Dime Jr. to John Wall with 29 assists good for 11.7 assists per 36 minutes average. Any scoring from Frazier would be gravy, but if he continues to facilitate for the bench at this rate, Washington’s backup point guard woes could have a solution.
Next Game: Washington will travel back home for a Wednesday night matchup with the Phoenix Suns who will be without Eric Bledsoe after their quick spiral downward to begin the season. Markieff Morris is expected to practice on Tuesday and even if he is not ready to play on Wednesday, the team should hope that he can pass a physical from an independent physician so that he can serve his one-game suspension for coming off of the bench during the Beal-Green fight.