Washington Wizards Struggle In Crunch Time, Lose To The Brooklyn Nets 102-94

Recapping the Washington Wizards loss to the Brooklyn Nets 102-94.

The Washington Wizards (2-7) lost to the Brooklyn Nets (5-5) 102-94 on Sunday despite holding a five point lead with four minutes remaining.

READ MORE: Catch up on Wizards First Half Recap vs. Nets

From there, it was all downhill for the Wizards as the Nets closed on a 15-2 run that sealed the deal.

On a positive note, Washington rookie forward Bilal Coulibaly had a career-high 20 points to lead the team in scoring and added seven rebounds and four steals.

Wizards guards Jordan Poole and Tyus Jones struggled again combining for a -38 plus/minus differential and had three combined turnovers down the stretch.

A slow start in the first quarter put Washington in a tough spot before the team could really get settled into the pace of the game.

Contributing to the rough start and outcome was Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma who had 15 points on 25 percent shooting including being 0-5 from three.

Washington Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly (0) dribbles up court during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center.
Washington Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly (0) dribbles up court during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center / Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Not helping matters was Washington center Daniel Gafford injuring his thumb late in the first half.

While he was able to return he played less than six minutes after leaving with the injury and was clearly not fully available from that point on.

The Wizards need Gafford to be healthy because he is their best interior defender, rebounder, and to a certain extent their only true big-man.

It is fair to question if we should be seeing more of Washington guards Johnny Davis and Ryan Rollins.

READ MORE: Delon Wright Expected To Miss Time

Davis was the tenth overall pick in last years draft and while seeing guys like Poole and Jones struggling plus Wizards guard Delon Wright out with a knee injury, you would think it would be a great time to see what he has to offer.

Washington travels to play the Toronto Raptors next on Monday November 12th at 7:30 P.M. ET.


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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