The game of the week for the Washington Wizards was their Wednesday night showdown with Oklahoma City and hometown star Kevin Durant. Washington has another chance to “recruit” Durant to return to D.C. when his free agency arrives in the summer of 2016, and never misses an opportunity to show Durant just how far the team has come over the years.
Washington Wizards forward Paul Pierce (34) steals the ball from Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
The Wizards took a business-like approach in facing the other teams among their weekly lineup, but they exhibited a little something extra when they squared off against Durant. The AFRO recaps the week that was for the Washington Wizards.
Jan. 19: Wizards Rout Sixers in One-Sided Matchup
Washington Wizards forward Paul Pierce (34) steals the ball from Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Washington opened the week with a shellacking of the lowly Philadelphia 76ers in front of a jubilant crowd at the Verizon Center on Jan. 19. The visiting 76ers entered the night as one of the bottom three teams in the NBA, and the dominant Wizards treated them as such in a 111-76 victory. Seven players scored in double figures for the Wizards and reserve forward Kevin Seraphin continued a stretch of impressive play, notching 14 points and nine rebounds off the bench. Washington jumped ahead early, fast-breaking their way to a 27-14 advantage after the first quarter. They led by 23 points at halftime before closing the door on the Sixers later in the second half. Wall added a double-double with 11 points and 10 assists. Washington shot over 50 percent from long range and out-rebounded Philadelphia 53-30, as four players collected six or more rebounds.
Jan. 21: In Marquee Matchup, Thunder Drop Wizards in OT
The buildup to Washington’s home game against the Thunder on Jan. 21 had the storylines of a popular novel. Between Durant’s return home, Wall’s All-Star caliber play and the blossoming overall success of the Wizards squad, all eyes were on the ESPN-televised showdown. The visiting Thunder snuck out a 105-103 overtime victory, but it was a hard-fought affair by both teams. Washington held a double-digit lead at halftime, but Durant used a strong second half to finish with a game-high 34 points. Teammate Russell Westbrook backed his efforts with 32 points. The Wizards simply couldn’t contain the two-man tandem, which fueled the Thunder by scoring all 13 of the team’s points in overtime.
Washington Wizards guard John Wall, left, shoots against Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015. (AP Photo/Don Ryan)
Washington enjoyed a team effort, with five players scoring in double figures and two other players scoring nine points apiece. But the team shot the ball poorly, especially from beyond the arc; the Wizards shot just 3 percent from long range with Bradley Beal and Paul Pierce each clanking their way to 2-of-9 shooting nights from behind the stripe. Wall once again collected a double-double, recording 18 points and 13 assists while adding six rebounds and four assists. The Thunder made every key play down the stretch in front of a pro-Durant crowd.
Jan. 24: Wall’s Efforts Fall Short Against Portland
Washington dropped a second straight game, falling to the Portland Trail Blazers, 103-96, on Jan. 24. Wall scored 25 points with nine assists, but the Blazers were buoyed by the return from injury of forward LaMarcus Aldridge, who scored 26 points with nine rebounds.