Story By: Sol Tucker
Photos By: Sol Tucker
Indianapolis, IN–
In a tale of two teams heading in different directions to the end the season, the Wizards weren’t about to fold to the playoff bound Pacers, but like in so many situations this season, the early hard fought Wizards lead was squandered at the end and resulted in a Pacers 104-98 victory.
The Wizards continue to get some solid play from their bench which tonight included Justin Champagnie, who had 20 points and 13 rebounds. Allex Sarr had 20 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks as the Wizards lose their third in a row and for the sixth time in its last seven games.
The Pacers who have one of the strongest backcourts going into the playoffs were led by Pascal Siakam’s 24 points and had 10 rebounds, Tyrese Haliburton had 22 points.
The Wizards return home to face the Sixers tomorrow night and then head on the road for their final two games of the season.
One of the biggest differences in the entire game was how many times the Pacers were able to get the free throw line tonight. They finished 29 for 37 to the Wizards 11 for 15.
Washington was more than in this game until the final minute when Bub Carrington hit a two-point shot cutting the Pacers lead to 97-94, but in the end the free throws kept the Pacers just far enough away to close out the game and take their 5th straight victory.
So, what do the Wizards have to look forward over the next 3 games? Two losses in their final three games would give them the second-worst record in franchise history, better than only last season (15-67). Let’s hope they can at least avoid another franchise low point and get ready for the upcoming draft where they can hopefully get a top pick again this year and grab someone to add to the young talent that seems to keep getting it done in these final games.
