Wizards Can't Overcome Shooting Struggles Against Nuggets

A rather frustrating night for the Washington Wizards as they fall 108-98 to the Denver Nuggets Thursday night at Capital One Arena, dropping to 10-33 on the season. 

Denver controlled a majority of the game, even without their superstar center Nikola Jokic. 

Fourth year player Peyton Watson led the way for Denver, as he notched a game high of 35 points tonight on stellar shooting. Watson continues to shine for this short staffed Denver team. 

Although Washington failed to slow down Watson, they challenged Denver defensively, as they held their opponent to 45% from the field, and 35% from three.

However, Washington failed to find an offensive rhythm, a blemish that proved critical in tonight’s loss. 

Washington got minimal production from key players Alex Sarr and Bub Carrington, stalling their success offensively. 

Sarr seemed physically outmatched by his former teammate and Washington Wizard, Jonas Valanciunas. However, Sarr ramped it up towards the end of the game, but finished with only 15 points on 5-13 shooting -- a subpar night for the frenchman. 

Carrington continued to display his heavy three point shot diet, but failed to find any sort of consistency as he went 4-14 from the field, and 3-13 from deep. The volume of three point attempts by Carrington could be alarming at times, especially when shots aren't falling, but he continues to shoot it at a 40% clip which is rather encouraging. 

Continuing on the topic of encouraging, Kyshawn George stuffed the stat sheet with 20 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists. George has now scored 20 or more points in three of his last five outings, further showcasing his scoring upside as a primary ball handler. The sophomore displayed his elite rebounding and playmaking for his position, further showcasing why he is a rising star in this league. 

Tre Johnson continues his trend of strong performances, as he flashed his ability to create for himself off the dribble.

Johnson finished with 19 points on 7/14 shooting on 3/7 from behind the arc. The rookie is slowly evolving into a legitimate scoring threat for Washington's young nucleus. 

Johnson's rookie counterparts Will Riley and Jamir Watkins played meaningful minutes tonight and were impactful when the opportunity presented itself. 

In 21 minutes, Riley scored 13 points on 4-10 shooting, but held his own defensively against Watson and Aaron Gordon as he had a team high of +5 when on the court. 

Unlike Riley, Watkins was a non-factor offensively, but was a key component in Washington's success on defense. Watkins tallied two blocks and one steal tonight. 

Washington is back in action on Saturday, January 24 where they take on the Charlotte Hornets on the road.