Beal Returns to Wizards Lineup in 116-105 Win in the Big Apple
The Wizards traveled to Madison Square Garden in the Big Apple to play against Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks. For the Wizards, Bradley Beal returned to the lineup after missing the previous 5 games. The return was a huge one as the Wizards were able to overcome a 32-point effort from Brunson, defeating the Knicks 116-105.
The win also ties the Wiz and Knicks series at one for this season. They will next face each other on February 24th in the District.
The key to the Wizards’ success was their shooting, especially from beyond the arc. Washington was able to shoot 38% from deep. This included Beal going 1-1, Morris going 3-6, Kispert going 2-3, and Avdija going 2-3. The only Wizard player to attempt a three and not hit one was Rui Hachimura, who went 0-6 from downtown.
And despite Beal only taking one 3-pointer, he finished his return game with 18 points, 4 assists, and 4 rebounds. However, Beal was not playing his usual 30+ mins, which was probably just the Wizards’ staff taking it slow so he can stay in the lineup for as long as possible.
Porzingis and Kuzma were both near triple-doubles in MSG. Porzingis netted 22 points, brought in 11 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists. Kuzma was a bit closer, scoring a team-high 27 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists. Porzingis would also get it done defensively sending 2 shots back However, an early dismissal from Mitchell Robinson, as well as Jericho Sims fouling out before the final buzzer, meant the paint was more open and a big reason the Wizards were able to block 9 shots.
The Knicks, though, did outscore the Wizards 44-66 in the paint. However, that comes with Brunson making 11 shots, and only 2 of them from beyond the arc. R.J. Barrett also made 9 shots, all coming from 2-point range, on his route to a 21-point night.
Washington will have to limit their turnovers, them having 14 on Wednesday night, and capitalize off turnovers, scoring only 6 points off the Knicks’ 9 turnovers.
The Wizards travel back to Washington D.C. to play the dominating rookie, Paolo Banchero, and the Orlando Magic. The Magic can play quickly in transition and score 20+ points off of opponents’ turnovers. That game will take place on Saturday with tip-off at 7 pm EST.
