Story By: Erin Zollars
Photos By: Sol Tucker
Washington, D.C–
After returning from a tough road swing, the Wizards hoped that coming back home would have some difference than the last week, well that’s when Russell Westbrook and crew changed things for the Wizards after the first quarter.
Tonight also marked the first time for Dwight Howard hitting the floor for the Wizards and while he didn’t disappoint, the remainder of the team did. They allowed Westbrook and company to score at will and by the time the fourth quarter came around, their bench players were all they would need to finish the Wizards off, 134-111.
Westbrook led the way for the Thunder with 23 points, 12 assists, and 4 steals. Jerami Grant had a big night with 22 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals. George (17), Dennis Schroder (16), and Steven Adams (15) joined them in double-figures. For the game, OKC shot 57 percent from the field, 47 percent from long range, and dished out season-high 34 assists.
After the game Wizards Head Coach Scott Brooks addressed this mess of an outcome.
“We have to do better. There was a lot of dominance in this game by OKC, they just were able to score at will. We had a great first quarter and after that, we just could not find any answers for their offense,” said Brooks.
If there was a bright spot for the Wizards in this one, it was Dwight Howard’s strong play in his season debut. Howard scored 20 points on 7-of-8 shooting — and really looked phenomenal in the first quarter.
The next question remains what happens after Sunday’s match-up against the Knicks, is Ted and Ernie going to give Brooks one more chance? If his squad doesn’t emerge victorious, don’t expect Brooks to make the trip on the road against Dallas, Orlando and Miami next week. Or should the Wizards make a trade? Anyway you look at it, something has to happen come Monday before this ship becomes permeant fixture on the shore and Wall and Beal look like Captains of an expensive ship to no where.
