Wizards Cruise Past Bobcats
The Wizards came out of the gates firing on all cylinders and never looked back, as they cruised to a 113-85 win over the Bobcats on Monday night in Charlotte. Before you could even settle into your seat, the Wiz jumped out to an 8-0 lead and forced the Bobcats to call a quick timeout. The rest of the first half would be more of the same, as two of the newest members of the team, James Singleton and Cartier Martin led the Wizards to a 20 point halftime lead (60-40). Singleton had 14 points and eight rebounds at the half, while Martin had 13 off the bench.
The second half was no different, and there was never a doubt that the Wizards would finish off the Bobcats for the third time this season. They were able to build such a big lead that many of the starters were able to rest in the fourth quarter. John Wall was held to just two points, but did pass out a game-high 12 assists before resting in the fourth.
Jordan Crawford led the Wizards with 20 points; Jan Vesely recorded his first career double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds; James Singleton ended with 18 points and 12 boards, Cartier Martin had 19 (4-8 from 3-pt range); Roger Mason had 17 (5-9 from 3-pt range); and Kevin Seraphin added 10 points.
It was a true team effort and one of the better performances the Wizards have put on this season. They now are 3-0 on the season against the Bobcats.
Next, the Wizards return home and host the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night at Verizon Center.
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Highlights
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Postgame
WIZARDS GUARD JOHN WALL:
(On his impact to the game despite only scoring two points)
“I think I just impacted the game. When you’re a good player you try to make an impact, you don’t have to score. I had shots out there but they didn’t fall for me. I think I impacted the game with my defense, moving the ball, finding my teammates, and some nights it’s just like that. I think tonight I really grew and matured because I didn’t force it even though my team was up. I could have tried to get more shots but it was just the smart thing to do to keep playing and finding my teammates.”
(On the effort shown by Cartier Martin and James Singleton tonight)
“They were great. I would like for those guys to be on the team next year and I wish we would have had them at the beginning. We knew Cartier (Martin) could make shots in his last year when he came and James (Singleton) is somebody that knows how to play the game, a veteran that is athletic and wants to do the little things and does not really care about scoring. You need somebody that can come in and do those little things.”
WIZARDS FORWARD CARTIER MARTIN:
(On getting a road win)
“It always feels good to win and the wins feel even better when you’re away from home. We came out tonight and the starters set the tone and we played well tonight.”
(On playing against one of his former teams)
“This team was one of the first that I ever played for coming into the NBA. I felt relaxed being here and comfortable shooting on the rims. It felt good being back here in Charlotte and it definitely felt good to get a win.”
WIZARDS HEAD COACH RANDY WITTMAN:
(On tonight’s game)
“We knew we had to come out with a better start than them in the first quarter. The guys were focused. I thought our defense to start the game was impressive. Our defense was the difference maker in the game. It got us out and got us going. We had seven guys in double figures. Our two 10-day guys did really well too. There were a lot of good things that took place tonight. They guys are happy, as they should be.”
(On John Wall’s impact on the game)
“The thing that really impressed me, and it might not look that impressive, was I thought John had as big an impact on the game with two points than he has had in a while. He started it for us by getting pressure on the ball. He was active defensively. He was in help defense, deflections. He spread the ball out early where guys got shots in rhythm. That was good.”
(On Jan Vesely’s play tonight)
“(Vesely) has started to get more aggressive offensively, which we’ve talked about, he and I, and I want to see him continue to do that. It was his first double-double of his career. We had a lot of good things (tonight).”