SPORTS INSIDER – Memphis snaps Wizards’ six-game win streak; Tiger Woods withdraws from Honda Classic
March 3, 2014Ceci Ferrara
Sports Writer
Sports Insider
The Wizards were riding a season high six game winning streak when they hosted the Memphis Grizzlies Monday night at the Verizon Center. Unfortunately, plagued by injuries and an inconsistent offense, Washington was unable to extend it to seven, falling to Memphis 110-104.
“We knew this was going to be a tough game coming in, John Wall said. “You definitely wanted to win to keep the streak going, but don’t let one game stop you from getting on a roll. I think we’re on the right path. Got to keep going this way.
Though they trailed by just five points at halftime, the Wizards found themselves in a 19-point hole in the second half. However, they went on an incredible run in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit down to two. But after Bradley Beal’s 3-point jump shot put the game at 104-106, personal fouls by John Wall and Marcin Gortat gave Memphis the free throws they needed to put the game away.
While the loss was disappointing, it shouldn’t derail their progress. “We can’t get discouraged right now, Gortat said afterwards. “We battled. I believe that if we had at least one injured player healthy, we would be better. We’re not going to make drama now because we lost one game.
At 31-29, they are still second in their division and third in the Eastern Conference overall. They will next face two relatively easy opponents “ the Jazz (21-39) and the Bucks (12-47), before taking on LeBron James and the Heat on the road next Monday.
PGA Tour
Back pain caused the No. 1 golfer in the world to make an early exit from the Honda Classic on Sunday. Tied for 17th place after all of Saturday’s rounds, Tiger Woods struggled on the final day; he was 5 over par when he withdrew after 13 holes.
“It’s my lower back with spasms,” the star golfer said.
It’s not the first time Woods has had back issues. Last August, he experienced similar back pain at the Barclays Tournament. Woods played through it then, finishing in second place. This time, he obviously felt he could not continue. It is just the sixth time in his PGA career that Woods has withdrawn from a tournament.
Woods is scheduled to play at the WGC-Cadillac Championship in Doral, Florida beginning this Thursday. However, it’s currently unclear if he’ll be able to participate. “It’s too early to tell, Woods said. “I need treatment every day until Thursday to try and calm it down. We’ll see how it is.”
If his injuries sideline him, his standing as the No. 1 golfer could be in jeopardy. If No. 2 Adam Scott wins and Woods doesn’t participate or finishes low, Scott could become No. 1 for the first time in his career. Like Woods with his injury, we’ll just have to wait and see.
American Russell Henley came from behind to win the Honda Classic. Starting the final day two shots behind Rory McIlroy, Henley shot 2 over par 72 to finish at 8 under and first place in the tournament. McIlory, Ryan Palmer, and Russell Knox all tied for second.
