Washington Wizards’ Paul Pierce (34) looks to pass away from New York Knicks’ Iman Shumpert (21) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Despite the early season losses of Bradley Beal and Martell Webster, the Washington Wizards are off to their best start since 2005. Elevated play from John Wall (19 points, 9.5 rebounds per night) and Marcin Gortat (14 points, 9 rebounds) and some veteran experience from Paul Pierce and Nenê paved the way for a 3-1 week. Washington capped the week with their second win in four days over the Indiana Pacers, drawing a bit of revenge from last season’s playoff exit.
Nov. 4 : Wizards Rout Knicks, 98-83
Washington started the week with an impressive rout of the New York Knicks, who arrived fresh off their defeat of the heavily favored Cleveland Cavaliers. The Washington trailed at halftime, but a 32-15 third quarter pushed the visiting Wizards into a comfortable lead on their way to a 98-83 win. Paced by Pierce and Garrett Temple, who both scored 17 points apiece, six players scored in double figures for Washington, which shot 44 percent from deep. The Wizards moved the ball around consistently which spread apart a struggling Knicks defense all night. Solid defense was able to keep Carmelo Anthony in check as he struggled his way to an 18-point night on 8-of-23 shooting.
Nov. 5: Wizards Outlast Pacers, 96-94
Each game against the Pacers played out in similar fashion as Washington jumped out to big leads before holding on to the end. Wednesday night’s game went into overtime before Wall’s huge night (31 points, 10 assists, six rebounds and three steals) carried the team to a 96-94 home win. Washington led by as many as 12 points in the third quarter before the Pacers came scrapping back. The teams’ next outing in Indiana on Saturday featured another early lead by the Wizards who jumped out to a 32-14 first quarter. Washington led by as many as 22 points in the second quarter before seeing its lead cut to three in the final period. But Washington didn’t flinch and came up with big shots and clutch free throws during the stretch, as it edged Indiana again 97-90. Nenê led the team with 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
Nov. 7: Wizards Lose to Raptors, 103-84
A Friday night trip to see the Toronto Raptors turned into a disaster for the visiting Wizards as they were routed 103-84. The Raptors cruised to a 24-point halftime lead and never looked back. Washington struggled shooting the ball all night. The starting five shot just 11-of-48 from the field. Otto Porter came off the bench to lead the team in scoring with 13 points. Toronto gave the Wizards trouble last season and appeared to be on the way to setting that trend again this year. Washington simply couldn’t keep up with the wing talent of Kyle Lowry (13 points, 10 assists and 11 rebounds), DeMar DeRozan (25 points), Terrence Ross (18 points, five rebounds, 4-of-6 from deep) and reserve combo guard Lou Williams (13 points). The Raptors rode their guards to domination and Wall alone was no match for the athletic quartet.
Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) drives to the basket past Indiana Pacers guard Donald Sloan (15) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Nov. 8: Wizards Close Out Week with Win over Pacers, 97-90
The Wizards bounced back from their embarrassing defeat against the Raptors by clipping the Pacers, 97-90, on Nov. 8 in Indiana. Wall led Washington with 18 points and four assists, while Nene followed up with 17 points and seven rebounds. Five difference players scored double digits in a well-balanced attack against Indiana’s defense.
Washington enters a three-day break and won’t play again until it hosts the Detroit Pistons on Nov. 12. After five games in seven nights the break comes at a good time. Washington is off to a good start and should come out fresh for a four-game home stand.