Finally, Dallas did not stay on the Western Conference podium for long. After three straight wins, Luka Doncic’s teammates felt the full force of the Wizards’ enthusiasm, winning 135-102 in front of their home crowd for their first match “for butter”.
Eliminated since the day before the race for the “play-in”, Washington was keen to offer a great success to Kristaps Porzingis against his former team, and they did the trick.
In particular Kentavious Caldwell-Pope who achieves his best game of the season. The former Laker planted 12 points in the first quarter against a late defense on all rotations. Facing Dwight Powell, Kristaps Porzingis is enjoying himself, like on this six-meter step-back, and the Wizards take off (41-30).
The Mavericks will never enter the game, and the Wizards will roll to count up to 34 points ahead. It is their 4th victory in five matches, but they are already on vacation.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The expulsion of Jason Kidd. For the first time this season, Jason Kidd joined the locker room before anyone else. More annoyed by his players than by the refereeing, he received two technical faults in quick succession. No electric shock since the Wizards will double their lead…
– 3-point defense. This season, Dallas has the best 3-point defense in the NBA. But tonight, their passes in the zone were completely missed, and they were behind on all rotations. Result: Washington signs a 17 out of 33 from afar.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. With 35 points, he signed his best performance of the season, and rarely had we seen him so enterprising. It was he who put his team on the right track, and he never gave up.
✅Kristaps Porzingis. No animosity or angry attitude from the Latvian. He signs a full match without really forcing. He has a blast in this team where he can sweep the entire attack, and take the shots he loves. Upon arrival, 24 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 1 against.
✅Luka Doncic. The only one to float but he was cut off from his teammates. He put on his usual show but except for Jalen Brunson, no one really helped him.
⛔Le duo Dinwiddie-Bertans. It was a reunion as well for Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans, and the two were transparent.
THE FOLLOWING
Washington (34-43) : Sunday trip to Boston
Dallas (48-30) : continuation of the Sunday road trip near Milwaukee
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