Inside The Wizards

Washington Wizards Halftime Update Against the Phoenix Suns

The Washington Wizards lead the Phoenix Suns at halftime 58-46.

Gage Sheets

Washington Wizards Halftime Update Against the Phoenix Suns
Washington Wizards Halftime Update Against the Phoenix Suns /
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The Washington Wizards (4-20) are on the road and leading the Phoenix Suns at halftime 58-46.

Looking to keep momentum going from the win over the Indiana Pacers, the Wizards got off to an extremely fast start in the first quarter.

Washington outscored the Suns 21-9 in the opening 8 minutes behind an all-around scoring effort with every starter contributing in the points column.

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The Wizards are closing out on shooters and because of that Phoenix is struggling mightily from three-point range, going 2-18.

This is the best defense we've seen them play all year.

They've forced Suns guard Devin Booker and forward Kevin Durant into five combined turnovers and only 23 points.

Booker started 1-7 from the field but heated up at the end of the half and ended with 10 first half points.

For Phoenix the bench has really kept them in the game as all their runs to close the gap has been with them in.

This includes veteran guard Eric Gordon who led the second unit for the Suns.

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (33) talks with Wizards head coach Wes Unseld Jr. (R) against the Boston Celtics in the third quarter at Capital One Arena.
Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (33) talks with Wizards head coach Wes Unseld Jr. (R) against the Boston Celtics in the third quarter at Capital One Arena / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Gordon ended the half with nine points and is shooting 57 percent from the field.

Washington is playing fast and forcing Phoenix to have to get back and set the defense, which they're struggling to do.

The Wizards are taking advantage by getting open shooters and rim runners.

Washington's leading scorer is guard Tyus Jones who has 15 points, six assist and three steals.

Jones is coming off a triple-double in the Wizards win against the Pacers.

In order for Washington to keep this lead they need to continue to close-out shooters and keep the Suns from getting to the free throw line.

Offensively the Wizards need to keep pushing the pace and take care of the ball.

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If the game is close down the stretch Washington needs to make sure to close out possessions with defensive rebounds.

They're the worst defensive rebounding team in the NBA during clutch minutes.

If the Wizards do these things they can leave Phoenix with their second straight win.

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Gage Sheets
GAGE SHEETS

Gage is entering his first season covering the Washington Wizards and brings a lifetime of passion for sports with him. He is a veteran of the United States Navy and a proud husband and father of two. You can follow or reach out to Gage on X @SheetsG23

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