Blazers Blow by Wizards in DC
By Yusuf House
WASHINGTON DC - Portland broke a five-game losing streak against defeating the embattled Wizards 122-103. Washington entered tonight’s game missing a few players due to injury, notably Rui Hachimura(groin) and Bradley Beal (leg).
Fireworks erupted early as Isaiah Thomas was ejected with 10:32 left in the first quarter. This may have set an NBA season record for quickest ejection. The game was tied 4-4 when Thomas was tied up with Carmelo Anthony and Damian Lillard. A seemingly jump ball call scenario turned into a technical and ejection for Isaiah Thomas as he drew contact with the referee. The current NBA rule prohibits players from physically contacting officials. This has been an interesting few weeks for Thomas as he was recently suspended for going into the stands to address fans in Philadelphia.
The Wizards hung tough throughout the game despite Thomas’s early ejection. Washington led the game at the end of the first quarter and went up by 5 points in the second quarter. They were led by Jordan McRae, Ish Smith, and Garrison Matthews who scored 35, 18, and 16 points respectively. Notably these are all bench players as the Wizards bench combined for 76 points (73% of the teams total).
The Blazers stepped on the gas midway through the second quarter and put the game away late. Damian Lillard managed to break down the Wizards perimeter defense and finish strong around the basket as the game wore on. Portland’s pivotal 11-1 run in the third quarter provided them a lead that Washington never managed to cut. Lillard had an electric 4th quarter and finished with 35 points.
Carmelo Anthony had a strong performance finishing with 16 points, 6 rebounds, and was a +21 while on the floor. Carmelo was welcomed warmly by the Washington crown receiving loud cheers during the starting announcements and cheered louder with each basket that he made. Melo’s loudest cheer of the night came when he had an emphatic one-handed put back dunk midway in the fourth quarter to put the Blazers up by 10. Carmelo was cheered as loud if not louder than the many of the Wizards players. This could be due to the fact he has close ties to the Washington Metro area. Spending majority of his childhood in Baltimore and playing high school basketball at Oak Hill Academy in Virginia.
Hassan Whiteside also had a monster night finishing with 23 points and 21 rebounds for the Blazers following the game Whiteside called this win “major” following five straight losses also that “this was the most locked in” his team has been. Whiteside was a constant presence for the Blazers providing rim protection and 5 blocks.
The Blazers face the Heat in Miami on Sunday while the Wizards host the Nuggets on Saturday.