On Saturday night, the Washington Wizards defeated the Utah Jazz in the heat 121-112.
Jazz was a feel-good story early in the season. Heading into tonight they held a 10-3 record, the best in the Western Conference. This was despite the fact that the property was supposed to have been replaced in the summer.
The face of this unexpected powerhouse for the Jazz team is sixth-year Finnish forward Lauri Markkanen. Lauri Legend, the Finn, or whatever affectionate nickname you want to call him, is eyeing his first career All-Star appearance, but in his arena at Capital One, Markkanen has been one of the most low-key of the season. He recorded the stats and finished with just 17 points and 5 rebounds.
Markkanen is neutralized by Kristaps Porzingis and the Wizard’s superior internal defenses. Six different Wizards scored blocks, and Washington excelled in defense without fouling. Utah had only 11 free throws against Washington’s 20. The Jazz did not attempt a free throw until Mike Conley lined the line on his 3-second violation on a Wizards defensive late in the second quarter.
A three-point shot was the catalyst for this decisive win for the Wizards. The team was accented by his 3-to-7-7 squad of Corey Kispert and Jordan Goodwin, and over the arc he shot a scorching 44%. This performance was a much-needed Heat check on him for a team where he was only shooting 31.4% from downtown by tonight.
Porzingis led all scorers with 31 points. Kyle Kuzma and Kispert scored 23 and 18 points respectively, but no Jazz member surpassed his 18 points. The Wizards lit up the home crowd with several highlights from his play, including a monster putback by Porzingis, a steal and transition bucket by Denia Vudia, and a giant Jordan Clarkson poster by Wil Burton.
The Wizards will try to defend their home court again tomorrow night at 6pm against the Memphis Grizzlies. Expect Desmond Bane’s shooting clinic. But hopefully, Porzingis and the Wizards can take over their stingy internal defenses tonight and smother Ja Morant.
