Wall scores 30, Wizards hand Nets 6th straight loss (12-1-18)

By:Ryan Fowler

Headline Graphic Credit: Darrell Owens-LMS Network

WASHINGTON– Since starting the season with seven losses in eight games, the Washington Wizards have stabilized. They’ve gone 8-7 since then, but haven’t been able to make up ground in the Eastern Conference.

After the Wizards’ 102-88 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night, they improved their home record to 7-5. But, they’ve lost nine of 11 on the road, and with a four-game road trip beginning Monday night at Madison Square Garden against the Knicks, they know they’ll have to play much better away from the Nation’s Capital.

”In order to be a good team, a great team, we have to be able to win on the road,” Bradley Beal said.  After their game in New York, Washington plays at Atlanta, then they visit the Lebron-less Cavs, then Indiana. Of the four, only the Pacers currently own a winning record.

The Wizards won handily, their fourth double-digit win. John Wall had 30 points, and Beal added 22. It was Brooklyn’s sixth straight loss.

”We weren’t sharp,” Nets Coach Kenny Atkinson said.  Allen Crabbe led Brooklyn with 14 points. At 88 points, the Nets – coming off a double-overtime home loss to Memphis on Friday night – had their lowest-scoring game of season. It also was the lowest total the Wizards have allowed.

BEYOND THE ARC:

G D’Angelo Russell, who attempted 70 field goals in the previous three games, was 3 for 8 from the field.

Wizards: F Jeff Green was out with lower back spasms which allowed G Tomas Satoransky to get his first start of the season…DC United standout Wayne Rooney was in attendance. … Didn’t attempt a free throw until 5:01 remained in the second quarter.

MORRIS PROVIDING SPARK OFF THE BENCH:

Washington F Markieff Morris rebounded from a 1-for-10 shooting night Friday in a loss at Philadelphia to score 20 points on 9-for-12 shooting. He had 15 points in the fourth quarter. Coach Scott Brooks began using Morris off the bench in a win against the Los Angeles Clippers on Nov. 20, and likes what he sees.

”He’s been terrific in this role,” Brooks said. ”He accepted it, and he understands that it’s best for the team.”

UP NEXT:

Nets: Host Cleveland on Monday night (Dec 3) in the first of a three-game homestand.

Wizards: At New York in the first of a four-game road trip on Monday night (Dec 3.)

[R.F]