Washington Wizards center Nene, right, looks on as teammate forward Markieff Morris, center, contacts New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson with a forearm as he shoots the ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
The Washington Wizards returned from a two-day break with a renewed focus on making the playoffs and they took a few steps this week in that direction. After three consecutive games on as many nights late last week, Washington enjoyed a brief two-day break before returning to action. The Wizards used the week wisely as they added a couple of wins to their record and signed veteran big man J.J. Hickson to the roster. The AFRO recaps the week that was for the Washington Wizards.
Feb. 23: Wizards Corrall New Orleans’ Davis in 109-89 Win
Washington opened the week on Feb. 23 at home against the New Orleans Pelicans and Anthony Davis, who was fresh off of a 59-point, 20-rebound night. Davis duplicated his rebound total but the Wizards defense clamped down the rising superstar on their way to a 109-89 win. John Wall’s triple-double paced the way with 16 points, 11 assists and 12 rebounds, while Davis scored just nine points on 3-of-9 shooting. The Wizards led by just three points at halftime but a 31-14 third quarter iced the game for the home team before the final period even started.
Chicago Bulls’ Doug McDermott, (3) goes for the dunk against Washington Wizards’ Markieff Morris (5) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016, in Chicago. Chicago won 109-104. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Feb. 24: Bulls Trample Wizards 109-104
The Wizards took to the road the following night to square off in an ESPN-televised game against the Chicago Bulls. Washington couldn’t dig their way out of a 15-point deficit and ultimately fell 109-104. Washington has had good success against Chicago in recent play but the Bulls were just two steps ahead of Washington all game. The Wizards led after the first quarter but couldn’t maintain their momentum. Chicago took the lead into halftime and never relinquished it. The Wizards narrowed a sizable deficit to a 93-90 game with 8:05 left in the fourth quarter but Chicago pulled away with three straight baskets from sophomore forward Doug McDermott.
Feb. 26: 5 Wizards Make Double-Digit Scores in 103-94 Victory over 76ers
Washington Wizards’ John Wall (2) goes up for a shot as Philadelphia 76ers’ Robert Covington (33), Jerami Grant (39), Nerlens Noel (4) and Hollis Thompson (31) watch during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Feb. 26, 2016, in Philadelphia. Washington won 103-94. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Washington used an open roster space to sign center/power forward J.J. Hickson on Feb. 25 and it should help the Wizards going forward. Washington always needs a backup big man behind the injury-prone Nene and it helps that when on the court, Hickson is active and agile inside the paint. Hickson didn’t play in Washington’s road game against Philadelphia on Feb. 26 but the Wizards didn’t need him in a 103-94 win. Five players scored in double-figures, led by Wall’s 23 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds. The Wizards signed Hickson to add more punch to the front court but Washington’s front line of Marcin Gortat, Nene, Otto Porter, Jared Dudley and Markeiff Morris all had their moments throughout the night.
Next: Washington will return to action to Feb. 28 with a home stand against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
