Rookie Tre Johnson III shines with 24 points, but Washington's valiant effort is ultimately overcome by the Suns' potent offense.
The Washington Wizards fell short against the Pheonix Suns, losing 115-101 on Monday, Dec 29.
Washington kept tonight's game close, as they faced a slim seven point deficit heading into halftime, and an eight point deficit heading into the fourth quarter.
Forward Dillon Brooks wrecked havoc offensively tonight, as he lead Pheonix in points with 26 on 8/20 shooting. Pheonix also had key contributions from guards Devin Booker and Colin Gillespie.
Gillespie caused lots of problems for Washington tonight as his off ball movement and craftiness got Pheonix a lot of good looks. The guard had 25 points, six assists and four rebounds on 10/14 shooting and 5/8 from deep.
Booker had a modest 22 points on an inefficient 8/23 shooting night, as Washington's Bilal Coulibaly was matched up against Booker for a majority of tonights action. Another strong defensive performance from Coulibaly.
With starting forward Kyshawn George sidelined once again tonight, Washington had to depend on other players to put the ball in the basket, and man did they find someone to do so.
Rookie guard Tre Johnson III led the way for Washington in scoring with 24 points on stellar 9/12 shooting and 5/5 from deep. Johnson has now recorded at least ten points in six consecutive games.
The rookie's development this season has been evident -- the game has seemed to slow down for Johnson and his confidence continues to rise, even knocking down a shot from the logo!
Washington got solid production from their bench (once again) as the unit combined for 42 points in tonight's contest.
The core of bench players in Carrington, Riley, Champagnie and Bagley continue to light a fire offensively for Washington. Their average of 42.2 bench points per game ranks third in the whole NBA.
Justin Champagnie lead the bench in points with 11, Bub Carrington and Will Riley each poured in 10, Marvin Bagley III scored seven and Malaki Branham had four.
Alex Sarr had an underwhelming evening, as Pheonix's size caused Sarr problems.
Pheonix out rebounded Washington 51 to 43, with only two of Washington's rebounds coming from Sarr. Their physicality fared to be too much for Washington on the offensive glass, out rebounding them 20 to 9.
Sarr finished the night with only two points, a pair of rebounds and four assists.
However, the bright spots for Washington have only continued to sparkle throughout the first half of this season. The Wizards are back in action on Wednesday, Dec 31 against the Milwaukee Bucks on the road.