The Wizards completed their season series sweep of the Nuggets, scoring their second most points this year and never trailing in winning 119-113 at Verizon Center. For the first time in 2012-13, seven Wizards finished in double figures in the balanced scoring effort.
The scoring was early and often in this one and it was clear from the get go that it was going to be a track meet. By the six minute mark, the Wizards had already scored 19 points and were on their way to 33 in the first quarter, and a five point lead. The second quarter was more scoring with the Nuggets putting up a 36 spot and the Wizards 31, tying their highest scoring second quarter of the year. The 64-64 half time score was the most points the Wizards have had in a first half and also the most points they have conceded in either half this year.
After an extremely competitive first half, something changed at the opening of the second. The Wizards jumped all over the Nuggets, opening the half on a 13-0 run and mustering up a 16 point lead by the time the quarter was done. The Nuggets did not score their first points of the quarter until five and a half minutes in. The fourth quarter was once again a different story line, as after the Wizards would stretch the lead to 18, the Nuggets would run off an 18-4 run to cut the lead to four with six minutes to go in the game. The two teams went back and forth over the next five minutes and the Nuggets found themselves within two with less than a minute to go. John Wall though would hit a 19-footer for the dagger with 13 seconds to play to push the lead to four and close the game.
The Wizards got their ninth win in their last 11 contents at Verizon Center but did lose their streak of holding opponents under 100 points. The streak lasted 11 games, dating back to their 114-101 victory over the Timberwolves on January 25th. Rebounding and three point shooting were big differences in this one. The Wizards outrebounded the Nuggets 49-36, including 18-8 on the offensive glass. The Wizards also were 11/24 from three point range, while the Nuggets were just 4/22.
Seven Wizards finished in double figures and three had double-doubles. Emeka Okafor had 17 points and 13 rebounds, Bradley Beal had 17 points and 12 rebounds and John Wall had 14 points and 10 assists. Trevor Ariza had 16 points, Martell Webster 15, Nene 14 and AJ Price 12 to all finish in double figures.
Ty Lawson led all scorers with 27 points on 8/20 shooting and Wilson Chandler, Andre Miller and Corey Brewer all came off the bench to finish in double figures for the Nuggets.
The Wizards will be back home Saturday night against the Rockets. Tip-off is at 7pm.
