After a tough two game road trip, the Wizards returned home to dominate the Bobcats, 104-87. The Verizon Center has treated the Wizards well as they have won 12 of the last 16 at home.
The first quarter was the only part of this game that was really competitive. The Wizards started the game shooting the ball exceptionally well but turned the ball over six times so could not develop much of a cushion over the Bobcats, closing the quarter with a three point lead. The second quarter was a different ballgame as the Wizards absolutely dominated the Bobcats, using a 23-6 run to go up by 17 at the half.
From there it was cruise control for the most part, as the Bobcats would get as close as nine but the Wizards would immediately go on a 10-1 run at that point to push it back to 18. Trevor Ariza played the hero in the fourth quarter, burying the Bobcats with 14 points in the final frame.
The Wizards shot the ball very well and dominated the Bobcats on the boards, an effective formula for winning ballgames. They shot 50% from the field and 55% from three while outrebounding Charlotte 45-32. Trevor Ariza had a season high 26 points along with 10 rebounds for his second double-double of the year. Martell Webster had 20 points, Nene had 19 and Wall had 13 points and six assists. All four of those players shot 50% or better from the field.
Kemba Walker was the bright spot for the Bobcats as he went for a game high 29 points.
The Wizards get a much needed two nights off after four games in five nights before taking on the Cavs in Cleveland on Tuesday night.