A Dagger From Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Snaps Washington’s Four Game Winning Streak
Bradley Beal’s return game looked like it was going to be a blowout in the 1st quarter. However, the young Thunder team stayed in the fight, chipping away at the Wizards’ lead. Then, with only a few seconds left on the clock, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spoils Beal’s return game with a 3-point dagger for his 42nd point of the night.
Brad opened the game with the Wizards’ first five points and finished the first quarter with 10 points. He then went dormant for the second and third quarters before exploding for 15 points in the final frame, including the shot that was thought to win the game for Washington. Beal also was active defensively with 2 steals, pushing him past Elvin Hayes for 3rd on the franchise’s all-time steal list.
another milestone for @RealDealBeal23 ?
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) November 17, 2022
with 2️⃣ steals tonight, he passes Elvin Hayes to move into 3️⃣rd on the franchise’s all-time steals list. pic.twitter.com/sfErK2MESI
Porzingis had himself a night, going for 27 points while shooting 53% from the field and 57% from deep. The 7-footer hauled in 9 boards, including 2 key offensive ones. Along with Porzingis, all of the Wizard’s starters scored double-digit points.
The Wiz as a team continued to shoot well from deep, shooting 50% from beyond the arc. Those opportunities came from good ball movement, where the Wiz thrived, tallying 32 assists as a team.
The loss came for a couple reasons. First, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored with such ease that he was able to score 42 points while shooting 66% from the field. Talk about efficiency. The second reason for the loss was because turnovers plagued the team. The Wiz turned the ball over 19 times, many of those coming in the second half. These turnovers led to a second half collapse for Washington.
The Wizards took another blow when Deni Avdija landed awkwardly on Jordan Goodwin’s leg, causing Goodwin to head to the locker room.
Washington moves to 8-7 and their next game is on Friday at 7 pm against the Miami Heat. It will be the second to last home game before they go on a 3-game road stand.
