The busiest week of the season for the Washington Wizards was also the most frustrating, as the team suffered a five-game losing streak. Thanks to the lockout-shortened season, teams around the league have been forced to play three games in three nights, and this time, it was the Wizards’ turn. With newly acquired center Nene out with plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot), it was a long week for Washington.
April 1—Toronto 99, Washington, 92: Starting in place of Nene in one of a handful of starts this year, reserve forward/center Kevin Seraphin made the most of a rare chance, scoring 16 points and adding seven rebounds. Showing solid post moves and playing tough on the defensive end, Seraphin was solid enough to keep the Wizards close on the road. But his efforts weren’t enough to spark a lackluster Wizards offense which couldn’t capitalize on opportunities in the second half. Six Wizards scored in double figures, while Jordan Crawford led the team with 18 points and John Wall added 11 assists.
April 2—Milwaukee 112, Washington, 98: It isn’t just Nene that’s missing, it’s Wizards starting power forward Trevor Booker as well. And when the Bucks invaded the Verizon Center, the shortage of capable and able bodies was glaring against a high-flying Milwaukee squad. The Bucks are fighting for the final slot in the postseason, and made mincemeat of a vulnerable Wizards front court, averaging nearly 28 points a quarter in a blowout. Crawford led Washington with 23 points and six assists.
April 4—Indiana 109, Washington 96: The last time the Wizards hosted the Pacers at home they led by as many as 22 points before blowing a big lead and losing by a point. Indiana eliminated any chance of drama this time around by jumping on an injury-ravaged Wizards team from start to finish. “I just think they’re depleted,” Indiana coach Frank Vogel told reporters. “They have injuries and they have youth, and it’s tough to win in the NBA in situations like that.” Crawford again led the team with 28 points, but couldn’t halt the hot-shooting Pacers who blistered Washington in the first and third quarters for a combined 71 points.
April 5—Detroit 99, Washington 94: Washington put up a better fight the next night on the road against Detroit, seeing a 28-point, 10-assist effort from John Wall, but Detroit built a double-digit halftime lead and never relinquished it, placing five players in double figures.
April 6—New Jersey 110, Washington 98: Tired and ready to enjoy their Easter break, the Wizards barely bothered to make an appearance on a road trip to New Jersey, letting a below-average Nets team run circles around them for four quarters. The Nets led by 13 points after one quarter and cruised from there. Wall led the team with 18 points, but opposing point guard Deron Williams won the battle with 19 points and 13 assists.
