It was a short week for the Washington Wizards as the team only played two games this week, both at home, while they prepare for the NBA All Star break next weekend. Typical of the Wizards’ season so far, Washington endured mixed results, with a win against the Milwaukee Bucks quickly deflated by an embarrassing loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
Washington snapped an eight-game losing streak with a 100-85 win over the Bucks on Feb. 9 at the Verizon Center. After nearly two weeks of consecutive losses, Washington finally broke through thanks in part to big days from its young stars. Guard Nick Young scored a game-high 26 points and center JaVale McGee added 16 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks.
Star rookie guard John Wall filled the stat sheet with 15 points, seven rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block. It was an efficient night for the Wizards as the team shot 62 percent from long range, 90 percent from the free throw line and outrebounded Milwaukee 51-39.
For everything that went right for Washington against Milwaukee, everything went wrong against San Antonio in a 118-94 loss on Feb. 12. The Spurs led 37-18 after the first quarter and continued to pound Washington en route to a 72-45 halftime lead. San Antonio stretched their lead to as much as 41 points late in the third quarter as portions of the sold-out Verizon Center began to file out.
After an impressive performance from their backcourt against the Bucks, the Wizards’ duo of Young and Wall combined for just 12 points and seven turnovers. Forwards Andray Blatche and Cartier Martin tied for a team-high 16 points each, but it was no match for a Spurs team that put six players in double figures.
The loss dropped Washington to 14-38 overall, giving them the second worst record in the Eastern Conference. The Wizards returned to action with a road trip to Cleveland on Feb. 13.
