After snapping their 10-game skid Tuesday in Phoenix, the Wizards put collectively a robust first half. And for the sport, they shot 56.1 p.c — not far off their season-best mark of 57.7 in a win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Nov. 2. Bradley Beal (30 factors) and Kyle Kuzma (21) continued to do the heavy lifting with Kristaps Porzingis (non-covid sickness) lacking a second consecutive sport, however Utah made 16 three-pointers.
Washington (12-21) and Utah (19-16) went forwards and backwards for a lot of the evening, however the Jazz put collectively a run that spanned the top of the third quarter and the start of the fourth that put the Wizards in an 11-point gap. Washington by no means recovered as its deficit grew to 16; an offense that was buzzing for 3 quarters went chilly on the worst time.
Utah’s Jordan Clarkson was an issue all through, making quite a lot of robust photographs as he scored 23 factors. Malik Beasley completed with a team-high 25 off the bench, and Lauri Markkanen had 21. Collin Sexton added 18.
The Wizards led 66-60 at halftime after a hot-shooting half wherein they received out in transition and had been environment friendly within the paint. Beal had 14 second-quarter factors after being held to 2 within the first. Jazz Coach Will Hardy stated beforehand that he was apprehensive in regards to the Wizards’ transition sport, they usually had a 19-3 halftime edge in fast-break factors. Washington added 32 factors within the paint earlier than the break, however Utah had the reply late.
Right here’s what else to know in regards to the Wizards’ loss:
Wizards ahead Rui Hachimura performed for the primary time since Nov. 18; he had been out with a bone bruise in his proper ankle. He checked in with 5:06 left within the first quarter and received his first factors on a three-point play. Coach Wes Unseld Jr. had him on a minutes restriction, and he completed with seven factors in 24 minutes.
“I will help this group once more,” Hachimura stated. “And simply the sensation — I can really feel that everyone’s, like, ready for me. We’d like some vitality. I can deliver that vitality — defensively, offensively, rebounds, something. I will help this group win.”
Porzingis remained out with an sickness, however Unseld is hopeful he can play Friday at Sacramento.
Deni Avdija was dominated out after the morning shoot-around. He got here down awkwardly and was identified with lower-back soreness. Unseld referred to as him day-to-day. Corey Kispert (12 factors) and Daniel Gafford (13) began rather than Advija and Porzingis.
Delon Wright (proper hamstring pressure) remained out, however Unseld stated the Wizards will consider him once more Friday and he might play towards the Kings.
Kuzma received a pleasant ovation firstly of the sport as he returned to town the place he performed in school. He and Wright had been teammates on the College of Utah, they usually sat courtside because the Utes misplaced to TCU on Wednesday.