Wizards Fall to Bucks
The Wizards were once again without their starting power forward and center, as Trevor Booker and Nene missed their second straight game with plantar fasciitis in their left feet. They nearly overcame the injuries on Sunday night, but tonight, they could not control the paint and fell 112-98 to the Bucks at Verizon Center.
It snapped the Wizards streak of consecutive games holding opponents below 100 points at nine, as the Bucks had no problem eclipsing the 100 point mark against the undermanned Wizards.
The Wizards were able to get within seven in the fourth quarter, but the Bucks offense was too much and the game was out of reach in the closing minutes.
Jordan Crawford led all scorers with 23 points, while John Wall added 14 points, six rebounds, and nine assists.
Kevin Seraphin dropped in 15 points making the start at center, while Jan Vesely had a career-high 14 points also making the start.
Next, the Wizards are back at home to host the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night at Verizon Center.
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Highlights
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Postgame
WIZARDS GUARD JORDAN CRAWFORD:
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On missing Trevor Booker and Nene:
“It hurt us. We had some big pieces out, but we always feel that we should be in the game. You have to give the Bucks credit. They played well tonight.”
On Wizards’ defense:
“They are a high scoring team. They have a lot of guys who can hurt you from different angles. We gave up a lot of pick and roll buckets so we have to improve on that.”
WIZARDS GUARD JOHN WALL:
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On the game:
“We didn’t have a lot of energy, but we also got back into the game to start the third quarter. They just went on another run and we weren’t able to fight our way back. They just played harder than us tonight.”
On the Bucks:
“They just made open shots. They were great at penetrating, moving the ball and they got to the line.”
On staying aggressive:
“It’s just playing basketball. I’m just attacking and trying to do what I can to get my teammates involved. Tonight, the shots didn’t go my way. You just have to move on and look toward the next game.”
WIZARDS GUARD ROGER MASON JR:
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On the game:
“We finally gave up a hundred points after a long streak and we’ll get back to doing what we have been doing the past ten games. We just couldn’t overcome their depth in the front court. I think our bigs got a little winded. They were out there trying and working as hard as they could, but you have to give Milwaukee credit. They played well.”
On the loss:
“The game was lost in the paint today. We were playing undermanned. Our starting power forward and center were out so that hurt us. That’s where the game was lost.”
WIZARDS HEAD COACH RANDY WITTMAN:
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On the game:
“We are undermanned but we are ready to play. Tonight, our legs looked heavy and with this stretch we’re going through we have to understand that this might happen. We have to get back on track though, especially since we have three games in a row coming up. I didn’t see our usual energy. We were down eight at the half but then they went on a 12-0 run on us. It took the wind out of us. I don’t think it has anything to do with our lack of effort. We play this team one more time at home and we just have to get our rest.”
On Wizards’ injuries:
“Hopefully we can get our injured guys back as soon as possible, but if not, we have to find a way to pull through. It is hard being in this situation with some new guys. Some players are not used to certain plays, but that’s the nature of this business. From the coaches point of view it is really great to see a player who can step up and play in a different position to support the team.”