Wizards blow another big lead in their first game since a major announcement about a new arena.
The Washington Wizards blew a 15 point lead and lost to the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night, 142-122.
The lead evaporated almost as quickly as it appeared. The Wizards came out hot through the gates to the tune of 10-of-20 from three in the first half, and led by 15 in the first quarter.
The problem? Alvardo, Murphy, III, and the second unit of the Pelicans sparked a 2nd quarter come-back (which the starters then joined — Ingram and McCollum combining for 25 in that quarter) and the Pelicans scored 47 in that period to take an 11-point lead to the locker-rooms, 75-64 at the end of of the first half. By the way, the Pelicans shot 10-from-21 from deep in that half, so the threes completely balanced out. However, the Wizards turned the ball over 10 times in the first half, and the Pels out-rebounded the Wizards, with the Wizards having no real answer to Valenciunas.
Also, it was interesting to hear the Pelicans assistant coach at half-time describe their main problem: over-helping on defense that creates open shots for the Wizards sharp-shooters.
As usual, playing the Wizards is a great opportunity for opponents to get season highs, career highs, etc. Well, Brandon Ingram had a season high in points already in the 3rd quarter.
The Wizards hung around at around 10 points behind for most of the whole 3rd quarter, but at no point did it seem as if they were overly sweating to get a W. Moreover, towards the end of the 3rd they were down 17, with the Pelicans already at 110—93.
Let’s just not discuss the last quarter.
Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 40 points. Kuzma led with 27 points for the Wizards.
The Wizards next play the Indiana Pacers at home on Friday night.