Bucks, Wizards need their defenses to step up (Dec 10, 2016)
WASHINGTON -- The Wizards finally got defensive after largely suspect work on that end of the court this season. Expect some tinkering from the Milwaukee Bucks in that area before facing the backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal after an epic collapse in advance of facing Washington.
Wall nearly outscored the Denver Nuggets in Washington's 92-85 win Thursday even though the point guard's nine points were hardly an astounding total. The Nuggets only had 12 in the final period -- four over the last 10 minutes -- and 33 in the second half as the Wizards (8-13) eventually overcame a 14-point hole in the first quarter.
Washington forced 29 turnovers and held Denver to 7 of 32 on 3-point attempts. All of this came after the Orlando Magic scored a season-high 124 points in Tuesday's road win over the Wizards, who rank 28th this season in 3-point shooting defense.
"It's proven. That should be our M.O. moving forward. Pride ourselves on our defense," said Beal, who led the Wizards with 26 points. "No matter what is going on (offensively), we get stops and control what we can control. When we have that mentality, we're going to be really good."
The Bucks (11-10) were really good early in Friday's matchup against the Hawks before falling 114-110 despite leading by 20 at halftime.
"It just can't happen," Bucks center Greg Monroe said, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "Just a total letdown, both ends. I can't even point to one thing.
"Especially at home, you're up by 20 in the first half. It just can't happen."
Atlanta scored 40 of its 70 second-half points in the third quarter.
"For them to score 70 in a half, that's not what we've done in the last two weeks," Bucks coach Jason Kidd said. "Being up 20 doesn't mean the game is over, and this is a good lesson for us."
Jabari Parker led the Bucks with 29 points while Milwaukee received 49 points from its bench against the Atlanta led by 14 each from Monroe and Michael Beasley.
Washington's second unit has been a major weakness this season, but recent signs of growth provide hope. Second-year forward Kelly Oubre, who had eight points, five rebounds and two steals, remained on the court with the starters to close out the Nuggets.
"It was not the prettiest game but we fought, we battled, we battled, we stayed in front of our men," Wizards coach Scott Brooks said. "We made them miss a lot of shots. I thought a lot of guys chipped in. I thought Kelly (Oubre Jr.) did a great job of staying in front of a couple really good basketball players and staying down on their shot fakes."
Washington will remain without center Ian Mahinmi. The free agent addition has played in only one game this season due to issues with both knees. Brooks announced Friday that right knee soreness will keep Mahinmi out at least one more week.
