Washington Wizards Blow Another Big Lead, Lose to Phoenix Suns

The Washington Wizards went cold down the stretch from three-point range and blew a 16 point lead in 112-108 loss to the Phoenix Suns.

Well the Washington Wizards blew their fourth 16-plus point lead of the season, this time to the Phoenix Suns.

The Wizards kept the game close and were down one point with 41 seconds to go.

READ MORE: Catch up on the Action from the First Half Here!

But then Suns forward Kevin Durant drove past Washington forward Kyle Kuzma and dunked on center Daniel Gafford plus the foul putting them up by four.

With 16.8 seconds left after a couple missed shots a foul was called on Phoenix guard Devin Booker.

The foul was challenged by Suns coach Frank Vogel however, and reversed which awarded Phoenix the ball.

By making their free throws down the stretch Phoenix was able to close the game out, winning 112-108.

Got Sacramento tomorrow. #ForTheDistrict | @Ticketmaster pic.twitter.com/A4Wr8tmkop

— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) December 18, 2023

The Wizards went 0-10 from three-point range in the fourth quarter after shooting it really well the first three quarters.

They continued to force up shots from long range even though they weren't going down.

The shooting struggles gave the Suns the ability to make a run and take the lead.

Another big difference in the second half was that Phoenix got to the free throw line 23 times compared to 7 in the first half.

Even in the loss, it was two great performances by Washington guard Tyus Jones and center Daniel Gafford.

Washington Wizards guard Tyus Jones (5) drives to the net against Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the first quarter at Footprint Center / Mandatory Credit: Zachary BonDurant-USA TODAY Sports

Jones had 22 points and nine assist while Gafford had 26 points and 17 rebounds.

Down the stretch Gafford was dominant with 11 fourth quarter points and eight rebounds.

It is a disappointing loss for the Wizards because they controlled most of the game but they stayed competitive in the last five minutes of the fourth quarter and didn't give in which is a very good sign.

Washington Wizards Officially Set to Leave DC

Washington continues it's west coast trip with a game tomorrow night against the Sacramento Kings.

It is the first of two back-to-back's on this four game west coast trip and it should be a fast paced high scoring game.

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