Continuing what seems to be an ongoing theme in the District, the Washington Wizard’s inconsistent play saw them turn in a lackluster performance and two solid ones, but just one victory, across a six-day, three-game home stand.
Wizards vs. Chicago Bull
The Wizards opened the week with a home game on Feb. 28 against the Chicago Bulls and their star guard and MVP candidate Derrick Rose. Rose’s statistics weren’t spectacular, but they didn’t have to be, as the Bulls ran through the Wizards, 105-77. Washington rookie point guard John Wall was compared to Rose before last season’s NBA draft, but didn’t do anything to justify the comparisons as he struggled on 3-of-14 shooting. However, Wall did hand out 10 assists in the loss. Chicago outscored Washington in each quarter and led by as many as 30 points before Washington shaved down the margin.
Wizards vs. Golden State
Washington returned to action March 2 with another home game and another regrettable performance against the Golden State Warriors in a 106-102 defeat. The Warriors led 91-74 at the start of the fourth quarter before the Wizards mounted a comeback. Behind guard Nick Young’s 31 points, Washington outscored Golden State 28-15 in the final quarter and pulled to 103-102 with less than 10 seconds remaining. But the comeback faltered as the Warriors converted their free throws to extend the Wizards’ losing streak to seven games. Washington operated without coach Flip Saunders, who missed the game to attend to his ill mother. Assistant coach Randy Wittman filled in for Saunders.
Wizards vs. Timberwolves
Determined not to get off to another slow start, Washington came out strong against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 5 in a 103-96 victory at the Verizon Center. Thanks in large part to a near triple-double from Wall, Washington overcame the absence of Young, who was out with flu-like symptoms. The rookie racked up 18 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists to give Washington its first win since before the All-Star break in February.
“Tonight was all about effort, we came out and we played well together,” forward Andray Blatche, who totaled 20 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, said after the game. “We scored well and we defended. We were really prepared for this game especially after the drills Flip put us through yesterday. We didn’t put our heads down and we played with confidence. We just have to bring this game out every night. I’m really happy with how everyone played tonight especially without having Nick .”
With the two losses and a lone victory, Washington’s record fell to 16-45, as the team prepared for a March 6 trip to Michigan to visit the Detroit Pistons.
