Story By: Erin Zollars
Photos By: Sol Tucker
Washington, D.C–
The final box score in the game tonight against the Mavericks was not a real factor in how the Wizards played in this game, but yet it was another back to back loss for the team that is trying to secure a higher seed in the upcoming playoff push. Could it be that they were a little tired still from getting run off the court by Minnesota in the previous game? Not really, just chalk it up to Wall having to leave the game in the first half with a sprained ankle. Key note, he returned and helped the Wizards stay close.
“I just gutted it out, but it’s pretty sore,” said Wall, who isn’t sure if he will play in his team’s next game on Friday.
“I have no idea right now, to be honest,” he said.
Bradley Beal continued his scoring onslaught and scored 24 points (9-20 FG, 4-12 3Pt, 2-2 FT) with five assists, and two rebounds across 38 minutes in a 112-107 loss to the Mavericks.
So what is the common denominator for the Wizards that is missing? Defense. They just have not been able to find the proper formula to keep the team in games they need to win with great defense. Luckily they have have some great scoring from their bench since the trade deadline, otherwise this story line may read a little differently.
Harrison Barnes had 22 points for the Mavericks, who began the night tied for 10th place in the Western Conference, 3 1/2 games behind Denver for the eighth and final playoff spot.
“We’re still trying to chase the eighth seed even though it doesn’t look good after the last two losses,” Dirk Nowitzki said. “We’re going to keep plugging.”
Nowitzki, who passed the 30k scoring mark this past week, knows his team will need a good punch in the final weeks to knock off some opponents to make it in the playoffs.
The Wizards hope Wall can make the start on Friday as they welcome another team on the fringe of the playoff picture, the Chicago Bulls.
