The Washington Wizards started off strong in their recent match-up against the Cleveland Cavaliers, taking an early 13-8 lead with a quick tempo offense and fast transitions. However, the Cavs fought back and relayed their way into halftime with a 12-point advantage.
Wizards guard Garrett Temple stepped up to the comeback challenge in the third quarter in a major way, going back and forth with Cleveland perennial All-Star forward Lebron James. Both men hit four three-pointers and secured 14 points in the quarter. Washington was able to close the gap to two points, coming back from as large as an 18-point deficit.
Early in the fourth quarter, as a result of a dunk by Wizards guard Ramon Sessions, the game was tied 95-95. Guard John Wall also exhibited some extraordinary play in the quarter, sinking every three-point shot he attempted. Unfortunately, Cavalier point guard Kyrie Irving was too hot to handle with many of the Wizards defensive starters resting due to injury and he went on a 10-0 run to once again propel Cleveland to a significant lead. He scored 19 points in the fourth quarter.
The Wizards ultimately finished the matchup with all five healthy starters in double figures. Temple led the team with 21 points, followed by Wall with 20 points and 12 assists. Forward Otto Porter, center Marcin Gortat, and guard Gary Neal all finished with 12 points each.
Washington shot 55 percent of field goal attempts and hit 14 three-point shots.
James put on a clinic leading the court with 34 points and 10 rebounds. Irving followed close behind with a season-high 32 points and forward J.R. Smith rounded out the Cavs top three finishers of the night with 25 points.
Wizards center Nene and Neal, both struggling with injuries, returned to the lineup. The former showed promise and aggressiveness, even after having missed the last 20 games. His defensive efforts were felt by the opponent and will only continue to get stronger as his injury wanes and he gets more playing time.
In the end, the Wizards just couldn’t match the combination of James and Irving and lost the contest 121-115. It was Washington’s fourth loss in the last five games.