March 26th Game Recap: Wizards vs. Pistons

Wizards Fall at Buzzer

A game in which the Wizards lead for nearly the entire contest, ended in heartbreak as Rodney Stuckey's shot at the buzzer gave the Pistons a 79-77 win on Monday night at Verizon Center.

The Wizards squandered another fourth quarter lead, as Stuckey's 3-pointer with 55 seconds left gave the Pistons their first lead of the second half. The Wizards did fight back and it was Nene who hit two huge shots in the final minute to once give the Wizards a one point lead and then tie the game with five seconds left. But, Stuckey would sink the dagger just before the final buzzer sounded and it was another frustrating loss for the Wizards at home.

Jordan Crawford eclipsed the 20 point plateau for the sixth consecutive game, which is the first time he's done that in his career. He finished with 20 points.

John Wall finished with 14 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists, while Kevin Seraphin had 12 points and five boards.

The Wizards now get a much needed two days off before they travel to Indiana and take on the Pacers on Thursday night.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Highlights

Your browser does not support iframes.

Postgame

WIZARDS CENTER NENE:

Your browser does not support iframes.

On the game:

“My back is sore. I’m doing the best that I can. (Trevor) Booker’s out and we were a man down.

"It was a tough game tonight. The last two games we couldn’t close it out. We will get it done. It is a part of the learning process. We are doing a lot of good things and have to keep working hard."

On the play of Ben Wallace:

“He is a veteran and a tough defender. He is a physical player who has been in this league a long time. He played great tonight.”

On Rodney Stuckey's game winning shot:

“We did a great job on the jump shot. He made a tough step back jumper. It was just a great shot.”

WIZARDS GUARD JOHN WALL:

Your browser does not support iframes.

On frustration of loss:

“We just gave it away. They made the big plays down the stretch. We got good shots and we just didn’t make them.”

On team’s play late in game:

“We are getting great shots at the end. We are just not making them. We are getting defensive stops, but giving up offensive rebounds. Teams keep making those runs. We responded well but we just have to get the ball to go into the basket.”

WIZARDS GUARD JORDAN CRAWFORD:

Your browser does not support iframes.

On his sixth straight game with 20 points:

“My teammates are taking care of me and getting me good shots. The most important thing is we have to find ways to win.”

On the loss:

“It’s frustrating. We are not consistent enough and we need to play a full 48 minutes. We just got to keep working hard and compete.”

WIZARDS HEAD COACH RANDY WITTMAN:

Your browser does not support iframes.

On the game:

“It was a carbon copy of the last two (home) games. We have to get to the point where we get a lead and we don’t play just to play. We have to put games away in the second half, especially in the fourth quarter. We haven’t learned that yet. This is three straight times so we have to really tighten the screws and buckle down to get wins. It’s frustrating and it hurts our guys, but it is a learning experience. We are going to keep trying and put ourselves in position to win. Defensively, we are better than we have ever been this season. Even last night against Boston, our defense was great even though we struggled offensively. We have to close out games.”

On missing Trevor Booker:

“Everybody helps, but we were short-handed today without Trevor (Booker). Then again it is not just one guy that can come in and save the day, it has to be a team effort. It should be everyone collectively. We missed Trevor’s energy today but our other guys did step up. That is what happens in the league when you have injuries. It gives an opportunity for other players to step up. It’s not just one guy that is going to deliver.”