The head-scratching continued this week as the Washington Wizards dropped three of four to continue their stumbling start to the young season.
John Wall has been playing at an elite level, while counterpart Bradley Beal has struggled with consistency and injuries and the Wizards’ defense continues to hurt the team. It’s been all bad for the Wizards so far despite huge promise from a busy offseason. The roster tweaks over the summer haven’t paid off, and the team sits in 14th place in the Eastern Conference as of Nov. 13. The AFRO recaps the Wizards’ woes this week.
Nov. 7: Harden, Rockets Close Out Wizards in D.C., 114-106
Washington squared off against MVP front-runner James Harden and the Houston Rockets on Nov. 7 at the Verizon Center, and Harden showed exactly why he’s one of the league’s best, scoring 32 points while collecting 15 assists and six rebounds en route to a 114-106 Houston victory. Harden’s efforts offset five Wizards who scored in double figures.
Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) dribbles the ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets, Monday, Nov. 7, 2016, in Washington. The Rockets won 114-106. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Wall led Washington with 21 points, adding eight assists and five rebounds. Beal and rising swingman Otto Porter scored 20 points each, while Marcin Gortat provided a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. The second and fourth quarters killed the Wizards, as Houston outscored Washington 63-40 in the two quarters combined. It was a dominant performance from Harden and the start of a long week for the Wizards.
Nov. 9: Porter’s Career Night Pushes Wizards over Celtics, 118-93
Washington was back in action at the Verizon Center on Nov. 9 against the Boston Celtics, and made up for a disappointing loss by making quick work of their opponent. The Wizards outscored Boston 34-8 in the first quarter and put away the Celtics 118-93, fueled by Porter’s career night.
Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) dunks against Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016, in Washington. Also seen are Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) and Wizards guard Marcus Thornton (15). (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The third-year forward recorded 34 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and three steals. Porter was aggressive from the start, nailing three-pointers and blocking shots in what could be a season-shaping performance. Beal exited the contest early with a leg injury, but Porter and Wall (19 points, seven assists) more than made up for his absence.
Nov. 11: Washington Outclassed by Cleveland in 105-94 Loss
Things didn’t get easier for Washington when they hosted the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers on Nov. 11. The talent and coaching difference between the two teams was evident from the start, and Kyrie Irving and LeBron James led the Cavs to a 105-94 victory.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) goes to the basket against Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr., right, and Marcin Gortat,left, of Poland, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Nov. 11, 2016, in Washington. Gortat was called for a foul on the play. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Wall’s 28 points weren’t enough to help an undermanned Wizards team against the talent-rich Cavaliers. Reserve guard Marcus Thornton started in Beal’s place, but scored just two points in 21 minutes of action.
Nov. 12: Shallow Wizards Bench Falls to Bulls in Chicago, 106-95
A road trip to Chicago the following night saw Washington suit up without Beal or Wall, who has been sitting out the second game of back-to-back matchups while he recovers from summer knee surgery, and the lack of depth showed in a 106-95 loss. Markieff Morris led Washington with 24 points and 15 rebounds. Five players scored in double-figures for Chicago, who were led by 37 points from guard Jimmy Butler.
Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris, left, blocks a shot by Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Chicago, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016. The Bulls won 106-95. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
With both Beal and Wall missing games due to injuries, Washington has struggled to find consistency. There’s no sign of that changing any time soon, so the Wizards’ reserves will have to bear down and find a way to dig themselves out of a 2-7 start.
