Wizards over Pistons 101-87 on MLK Day (1-21-19)
By: Drew Willingham
Headline Graphic Credit: Darrell Owens-LMS Network
For the 283rd time, The Detroit Pistons went head to head with the Washington Wizards on January 21stat The Capital One Arena. The Pistons leading the series overall (154-128). This was not an ordinary match-up as this was held on Martin Luther King, Jr Day and both teams were missing key components. The Wizards technical staff put together a fantastic video to commemorate the importance of this historic day and the man who’s notorious name is affiliated with it.
The key components missing from this game were John Wall and Dwight Howard for Washington, as we won’t know Howard’s status until after the All-Star Break and Wall is out for the remainder of the season. The Pistons were missing Andre Drummond, who was under concussion protocol after a shot to the nose in a win against the Miami Heat. Both teams were also missing a variety of bench players too and up to five players per team.
Winners of six of their last nine games, the Washington Wizards have rejuvenated their season, now with restored hopes of making the playoffs. Washington began the game 10th in the East, while Detroit would be one game ahead in 9th. A win by the Wizards would move them in to a tie with the Pistons for 9th as the as we are nearing the All-Star Break. The Pistons won the previous contest against the Wizards on December 26th in a 106-95 Home victory. However, the Wizards were undefeated going in to this contest when LMS Network is in the building with a record of 4-0.
The Wizards are giving themselves a chance to revive their season, aside from the rhythm they have found on offense in the wake of point guard John Wall’s season-ending heel surgery, they have also fully committed themselves to defense in their past ten games.
The Wizards would also demonstrate why they are one of the most improved defenses in the league as they would accrue forty defensive rebounds and six blocks in this game. Trevor Ariza, along with Thomas Bryant would both earn a double-double by scoring totals and rebounds to lead this team to a 101-87 victory.
Washington (20-26) moved into a tie for ninth place in the East with Detroit (20-26), which shot just 30 percent in the first half, gave away 17 turnovers and collected just two offensive rebounds, about nine short of its season average. The 87 points were the fewest Washington has allowed this season.
The Wizards are now 5-0 when LegacyMaker Sports Network is…IN…THE…HOUSE!
