Heat backcourt too much in 94-87 Washington loss
The Washington Wizards’ quest for a promising combination, a spark, a finishing touch — anything — continued to no avail last night.
With the exception of a few spectacular JaVale McGee alley-oops, it was another fruitless exercise as Washington fell to Miami, 94-87, before 15,102 lethargic fans at the Verizon Center.
Surrendering big nights to starting guards Dwyane Wade (19 points, 10 assists) and Mario Chalmers (15 points, 6 assists) as well as backcourt reserves Daequan Cook (13 points, 5 assists) and Chris Quinn (10 points), the Wizards had no answer for the Heat on the perimeter.
The Wizards starting unit continued to struggle, falling behind 10-2 in the first quarter and yielding the first 12 points of the second half. The Wizards worked hard, but the holes were too big to overcome.
With the loss, Washington (1-7) matched its worst start since 1999-2000 when the team finished 29-53 under Gar Heard and Darrell Walker.
After trailing 85-72 with 8 minutes left, Washington rallied, cutting the lead to 90-87 on a putback by forward Antawn Jamison (25 points, 12 rebounds). But after Shawn Marion hit a shot from the lane with 67 seconds left, the Wizards committed turnovers on consecutive possessions, including the backbreaker — a cross-court pass by Nick Young that was intercepted by Wade.
DeShawn Stevenson fouled Wade intentionally to prevent a breakaway. Wade hit two free throws with 32 seconds left and Miami (6-5) retained possession.
Jamison and Caron Butler (21 points, 12 rebounds) were the Wizards’ leaders but their teammates hit only 16 of 48 shots. Young (12 points) was the only other Wizard in double figures.
The search continues tonight for Washington in Atlanta.
After ending its eight-year playoff drought last season, Atlanta (6-3) was off to a strong start going into last night’s game at Indiana. Guard Joe Johnson (26 points per game, 4.9 apg) is the top threat, alongside point guard Mike Bibby (14.6 ppg, 5.0 apg). Forward Josh Smith (ankle) is out until December, leaving Marvin Williams (12.9 ppg, 5.9 rpg) and Al Horford (10.4 ppg, 9.0 rpg) to lead the frontcourt.
UP NEXT
Wizards at Hawks
When » Tonight, 7
Where » Philips Arena
TV » CSN
Radio » 980 AM
