Wizards Stun Bulls in Chicago
Despite being down double digits in the second half, the Wizards were able to rally in the fourth quarter to come back and stun the Bulls, 87-84, in Chicago on Monday night at United Center.
A 13-0 fourth quarter Wizards run was sparked by some outstanding play from Maurice Evans, Kevin Seraphin, and Brian Cook, who all played big roles in the Wizards road win. For Evans, this was his first time getting significant minutes in weeks, and he was thrilled to be able to contribute in this victory.
"It just felt great to get back out there and play. I've watched these guys battle all year. Coach had trust in me and gave me the opportunity to play, and it was great to be able to help them. The resiliency of this team really showed tonight, that also shows how this team is growing up. Everyone chipped in for this win, it was definitely a team win” said Evans.
Kevin Seraphin had another huge night, leading the Wizards with 21 points and 13 boards. This was the 10th straight game the 2nd year center has been in double figures.
John Wall finished with 16 points and five assists, while Maurice Evans added 14 points off the bench.
Brian Cook had six points and eight boards, and hit a huge three pointer during the Wizards fourth quarter rally to tie the score.
Next, the Wizards are back at home to host the Milwaukee Bucks at Verizon Center on Wednesday night at 7pm.
Your browser does not support iframes.
Highlights
Your browser does not support iframes.
Postgame
WIZARDS GUARD JOHN WALL:
Your browser does not support iframes.
On their play tonight:
“I got a great start and Mo and Shel got out and made big shots. They played big minutes for people who had not been playing a lot. Everyone contributed to this win.”
How the losing affects him:
“It makes you mentally strong. I always play hard, but the losing is tough. We beat the likes of the Lakers, Oklahoma City, and Chicago, and we can look up to those wins. Everyone wants success early, but you need these kinds of bumps and bruises in your career to grow.”
On Coach's confidence:
“Coach has talked to me and wants me to be aggressive. When I do that defensively it makes my offense much better. If you look at my best games, they are the ones where I have played good, aggressive defense.”
WIZARDS GUARD MAURICE EVANS:
Your browser does not support iframes.
On his play tonight:
“It just felt great to get back out there and play. I've watched these guys battle all year. Coach had trust in me and gave me the opportunity to play, and it was great to be able to help them. The resiliency of this team really showed tonight, that also shows how this team is growing up. Everyone chipped in for this win, it was definitely a team win”
On their future:
“This team has shown a lot of potential all year. With another good draft, and this core group, we have an opportunity to do something special in the future.”
WIZARDS HEAD COACH RANDY WITTMAN:
Your browser does not support iframes.
On their play tonight:
“They responded tonight. We talked about getting our edge back. It was good to see them respond after a couple of bloopers we've had lately. We talked that if we're going to go down, we want to got down aggressively. Tonight our defense was good, I thought that Mo Evans, for not having played much, came out ready and played well for us. This league is about opportunities and you have to be ready. I hope our young guys learn from that. B. Cook also played well and all that gave us a good team effort.”
On John Wall's play:
“We've talked and he knows he needs to be aggressive out there. That's how he gets his edge. We need him to put pressure on teams like this. We can't win getting in a half court game with teams like this.”