Rookie Jamir Watkins ignites a crucial defensive stop, sealing a hard-fought victory and snapping the Wizards' nine-game losing streak.
Late in the fourth quarter, the Wizards found themselves in a spot they’ve been plenty of times this season. A tightly-contested game in the closing minutes had typically brought disheartening results this season. Tonight, the youngest team in the NBA took a massive step forward.
With a two-point lead and 15 seconds remaining. Brian Keefe summoned Jamir Watkins from the bench. It was clear who was taking the shot for Portland. Shaedon Sharpe, who finished with a game-high 31 points, gave Washington issues all night, especially in the fourth. Watkins took the assignment – and the former second-round pick won the battle. Sharpe’s heavily contested middie drew the front-iron, sending Washington to an impressive win.
The Wizards snapped their nine-game losing streak, knocking off former Wizard Deni Avdija and the Portland Trail Blazers, 115-111. Alex Sarr led the way for the Wizards with 29 points, 6 blocks, and two steals.
The Wizards made life difficult on their former first-rounder, Avdija. He was held to just 17 points after turning the ball over six times. Washington found a way to string together stops late in the game and get the win.
Portland outrebounded Washington 69-46, but somehow the Wizards found other ways to match Portland's physicality.
The Wizards fell behind 8-2 in the opening minutes, but they responded quickly.
Alex Sarr missed his first shot but went on to knock in his next three in two minutes. He bumped bodies down low for an and-one, cashed in a floater, and knocked down a triple as the shot clock expired.
His run cooled as he missed his next five shots. The Wizards kept pace, grabbing an early lead. Portland kept pace and took the lead back by the end of the first.
Deni Avdija’s second appearance back at Capital One Arena started fast. He scored nine points in the opening frame on 75% shooting. Jamir Watkins was brought in early to serve as a defensive stopper on Avdija. One instance, he picked his pocket and took it all the way for a slam.
The Blazers came out firing in the second quarter and sparked an 8-0 run. Washington’s bench lineup had a tough time offensively..
The Wizards punched right back. Led by multiple Tre Johnson and Sarr, the Wizards put together a fiery 16-0 run to push ahead by nine.
Sarr’s second quarter was dominant. He scored 11 points on 4/6 shooting. He led the way with 19 at halftime. The Wizards outscored the Blazers 34-25 in the second quarter, taking a seven-point lead into halftime.
Portland and Washington went back and forth in the third, with Portland grabbing a one-point lead heading into the final quarter.
After shooting abysmally in the third quarter, Sarr got going again in the fourth. He reached seven combined steals and blocks early in the frame.
After trailing by six, Washington grabbed the lead with five minutes to play. As it went back and forth in the final minutes, Washington found ways to string together stops. Watkins’ defensive stop on Sharpe sealed the win for Washington.
The Wizards are back in action on Thursday, as they celebrate John Wall at Capital One Arena against the Milwaukee Bucks.