Washington Wizards: John Wall Scores 52 Points, Wizards Still Lose To Orlando Magic
Washington Wizards got 52 points from John Wall on Tuesday night against the Orlando Magic, but still managed to lose at home.
John Wall crosses over, gets by Elfrid Payton and kicks the ball out to Jason Smith, who knocks down a mid-range jump shot.
On the next possession, he pushes it up the court following an Orlando Magic miss and tosses the ball to Marcus Thornton on the perimeter.
Those are his options.
On Tuesday night, the Washington Wizards had an opportunity to gain some momentum at home following a comeback victory against the Brooklyn Nets.
The Magic, who averaged 93 points per game, lit the Wizards up from deep early and Scott Brooks‘ club found themselves in a double-digit hole within minutes.
Wall continued to drop buckets, hitting a number of contested shots from three to keep the Wizards in the game.
But whenever he hit a shot, it seemed like the Magic would come back with a made shot of their own. Washington failed to rotate properly and Orlando found a rhythm.
Elfrid Payton had 22 points at halftime, making all 8 of his shot attempts. Jodie Meeks, who missed the last game against Washington, checked into the game and scored 18 points in 16 minutes.
The Magic scored 40 points in the second quarter.
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Wall poured in buckets and the Wizards went on a mini-run late in the fourth quarter.
They cut Orlando’s 20 point lead to 9 with about three minutes remaining in the game.
Bradley Beal, who scored 19 points, missed a breakaway dunk and that essentially sealed the win for Orlando.
Wall, even with the game in the books, still continued to score.
He scored a career-high 52 points on 18 of 31 shooting from the field.
He played 42 minutes, but like his scoring output, his effort and time on the court went to waste – just as his entire season did last year.
If anyone needed proof that Wall is alone in D.C., just take a look at Tuesday’s game against the Magic. Washington allowed 124 points in regulation.
Washington was at home – albeit playing in front of an empty arena. Their best player scored 52 points and they still lost.
Wall is sharing the court with players – like Smith and Thornton – who shouldn’t be on NBA rosters, let alone closing games.
Brooks has been relying on his veterans, even though they’ve done nothing to warrant playing time over the rookies. With that said, he hasn’t had much to work with either.
It’s a different season, but it’s the same story.
Wall is alone and he’s been that way since 2010.
Washington will take on the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night.
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