Stats. Analysis. Commentary. All while Kevin Broom is on a work trip.
The Washington Wizards lost 104-98 to the Indiana Pacers yesterday. Kevin Broom is still out on a business trip. Let’s look at the Four Factors, then discuss some of the game’s positives and negatives.
Positives
• Alex Sarr’s Performance: Sarr showcased his potential with a double-double, recording 20 points and 12 rebounds. He was particularly dominant in the first quarter, scoring 16 points on 7-of-8 shooting. While Sarr cooled down after that quarter, it’s still a sign of things to come from him in what we hope is a long NBA playing career.
• Justin Champagnie’s Contribution: Forward Justin Champagnie also posted a double-double, contributing 20 points and a game-high 13 rebounds, demonstrating his value on both ends of the court. Champagnie also made four three pointers in the game. Not bad!
Negatives
• Second-Quarter Struggles: After a strong start, leading 35-21 after the first quarter, the Wizards managed only 13 points in the second quarter, allowing the Pacers to tie the game at halftime.
• Bench Production: Washington’s reserves were outscored 33-17 by Indiana’s bench, highlighting a lack of depth and secondary scoring.
• Free Throw Discrepancy: The Pacers attempted 37 free throws, converting 29, while the Wizards only had 15 attempts, making 11. This significant difference impacted the game’s outcome.
• Late-Game Defense: In the final minutes, the Wizards’ defense faltered, allowing crucial baskets, including two key layups by Pascal Siakam and three-pointers by Aaron Nesmith and Myles Turner, which sealed the Pacers’ victory.
While there were standout individual performances, the Wizards’ inconsistency and bench struggles contributed to this narrow defeat. Hopefully Washington can take this momentum into today’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers and turn that into a win.