Wizards never led
The Washington Wizards and the New Orleans Pelicans met twice this weekend. After the Wizards lost on Friday, this rematch on Sunday evening was a game to answer the question: who is the worst team in the NBA? Tonight, we got a clear answer as the Pelicans led wire-to-wire to beat the Wizards, 110-98.
The Wizards came out lifeless, although they were just beat by this same team two nights ago and had a chance to avenge that loss in front of their home crowd. In #SoWizards fashion, they played soft and allowed the Pelicans to dominate the first quarter and set the tone for the rest of the match. The Pelicans led 33-22 at the end of the first 12 minutes.
The Pelicans went on to win the second quarter and third quarter was pretty much even. The Pelicans were up 60-45 at the half, and 84-70 after 36 minutes. The final and fourth quarter was played only for the protocol — at one point, Pelicans broadcaster Joel Meyers pined for a running clock. The Pelicans finished with an easy 12-point win.
CJ McCollum, who poured in 50 points Friday night, had a solid outing with just half of that tonight, 25 points while Trey Murphy III hit some timely buckets to the tune of 22 points, and Herb Jones pestered the Wizards on defense, as did Pelicans rookie Yves Missi who together with Jones had 5 blocks (and an impressive 16 points himself).
The Wizards were led by Kyle Kuzma with 28 points in a rather efficient night (in his standards) with 13-23 the field (and 2-5 from deep). Alex Sarr added 18 (and 3-6 from deep). Corey Kispert came off the bench as usual, but had an off night adding only five points on 0-for-6 shooting from three. Bub Carrington had an efficient 16 points while hitting 4-for-7 from deep.
The Wizards now officially have the worst record in the league.
They next face the Rockets on Tuesday, at home.