Story By: Sol Tucker
Photos By: Sol Tucker
Washington, D.C–
After the game against the Mavericks on Friday night, there was a lot of hope that the core young group of Wizards players would make the naysayers go away when they talked about how many games, they would win this season… well after the second half of the game tonight, it appears the Wizards have some work ahead of them.
The big problem tonight started after halftime, when the Charlotte Hornets were able to shoot a blistering 67.4% in the second half, including 12 of 16 from 3-point range.
LaMelo Ball had his way to the basket and also was able to get it done dishing the ball for big buckets that by the fourth quarter put the game out of reach for the Wizards. Ball finished the game with 38 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists to lead the way for the Hornets.
Going into the locker room at the half the buzzer beating shot by Alex Sarr gave the Wizards a 62-51 lead and what appeared another strong showing early in the game similar to the Mavericks game.
So, what actually went wrong tonight for the Wizards, because it was more than a close game that was winnable before the half. Big turnovers led to key runs late in the game including 20-3 run in the fourth quarter for the Hornets.
Charlotte keyed in on Kyshawn George tonight and go him in early foul trouble which limited his scoring presence tonight. The Hornets held him to just 6 points in 25 minutes. He was also 0-4 from long range tonight.
Washington continued to struggle off the bench. Both Cam Whitmore and Wizards first round draft pick Tre Johnson kept the Wizards in the game tonight with 28 combined points off the bench. Corey Kispert, who the Wizards have expected to be a big hit off the bench hit the big goose egg tonight in 20 minutes.
One of the big problems for Wizards Head Coach Brian Keefe is he needs to find a way to spell his starters with guys who can give the needed minutes that turn into points off the bench. With George being held to just 6 points as a starter and Kispert with 0 off the bench, the late run the Hornets made it tough for Keefe to find a balance of starters and bench players that could match the Hornets bench.
Charlotte has found a good balance of scoring from their 4th pick in the draft this year in Kon Kneuppel, who scored 11 of his 20 points during that third quarter run.
Washington has a few days to regroup to face the up-start Sixers on Tuesday night. The Sixers are off an 2-0 start and averaging 121 ppg on the season behind Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.
