Washington Wizards week in review

A Disappointing start to the week

The Wizards were coming off a two-game winning streak and were looking to push it to three with the Sacramento Kings in town. Unfortunately, Harrison Barnes had other ideas as his near-perfect night from the field 7-8 shooting with 26 points helped the Kings hold off DC 113-106. The Wizards closed their homestand at 2-1.

The Wiz then took their talents on the road to the Mile High City to square off with Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. For the second straight outing, the Wizards were held well below their season average of 118 scoring just 104 points. Bradley Beal had his worst night of the season scoring just 14 points. Denver’s stifling defense led the way as they won comfortably 117-104.

Shootout in the desert

Game two of the trip saw the offense return. In a shootout, in the desert, the Wizards prevailed 140-132. This win was even more impressive considering it was the second night of a back to back. Beals 35 points and 6 assists outdueled Devin Booker’s 27 points and 8 assists to lead the way. All together seven players scored in double figures for DC.

The Wizards also buried 19 threes and went 19-20 at the free-throw line. As a result, Washington looked to build momentum heading out to LA.

LA stars too much to handle for DC

Last Friday Washington played its first of two games at Staples Center. The Clippers and Lakers are hard enough to beat as is. Having to play them in a back to back in their building is a tall task. And both games showed that the Wizards have a long way to go to be serious contenders. Lebron and AD had their way with the Wizards. Both registered double-doubles through three quarters as The King had 23 points and 11 assists while The Brow had 26 points and 13 rebounds. LA led by as many as 37 points in the 125-103 blowout victory.

Things were even worse on Sunday as Kawhi and Paul George got their turn. Kawhi poured in 34 points while PG13 added 31points (27 of which came in the first half). Montrezl Harrell also contributed 23 points and 15 rebounds. At Halftime the Clippers were up 82-57 as they cruised to a 150-125 win.

The Wizards week ahead

Following the brutal four-game trip the Wizards return to DC on Tuesday night where they will take on the eighth-place Orlando Magic. This is a big opportunity as The Wizards sit just one and a half games out of the playoffs. The Magic are also just 1-7 on the road this season. Also on tap this week are games against the Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, and a rematch with the Clippers. Beal has been held below his scoring average of 28 points per game in four of the last five games which have resulted in losses. Let’s see what this first week of December brings.

All stats via ESPN.com