Ceci Ferrara
March 2, 2016
Sports Writer
Sports Insider
After a rough season start, the Wizards are 6-2 since the All Star Break and have won three straight. Though they are still second to last in their division, their recent win streak has them just four games behind the division leading Miami Heat.
While three consecutive wins is an accomplishment, two of them came against the hapless 76ers, who have won just eight games all season, while the other was against a depleted Cleveland Cavaliers team; LeBron James sat out to rest. Still, if the Wizards can keep up this momentum, they could have a shot at a playoff berth.
Washington (29-30) showed both their strengths and weaknesses on Monday night, when they beat Philadelphia 116-108. After taking a commanding 12-point lead into the half, the Wizards stumbled. They were outscored 34-19 by the 76ers in the third period, and by the fourth they trailed 82-79.
Under Pressure, John Wall emerged as the team’s leader. The star forward scored 16 of his 37 points in the final quarter, in which his team went on a 16-0 run and rallied for the victory. But Wall acknowledged that it shouldn’t have taken that much to win against the worst team in the league. “You always appreciate a win but it’s not the way we wanted to win,” he said. “I feel like we took a step back.”
Marcin Gortat also came up big late in the game, scoring 13 of his 18 points in the fourth. He also grabbed a career-high 20 rebounds on the night. In his first start since the trade deadline, Washington’s newest addition, Markieff Morris, proved his worth as well, adding 16 points and 13 rebounds in his first double-double with the Wizards. With stats like that, it’s understandable that Wall wasn’t happy the game was as close as it was.
“We came out nonchalant, didn’t defend, didn’t move the ball, overdribbled,” Wizards coach Randy Wittman said. “I almost called the Commissioner to see if I could buy a couple more timeouts to use.”
Despite it not being Washington’s best game, their improvement since the All Star Break has moved them from irrelevant to within 1 1/2 games of four teams tied for the last three Eastern Conference playoff spots. But it will take more than just half-hearted victories for the Wizards to nab a playoff spot. They will have to start playing like they really want it.
Capitals
Just like the Wizards last week, the Capitals made some surprising moves ahead of the trade deadline on Monday. They acquired forward Daniel Winnik and defensemen Mike Weber; in exchange, they traded away their longest-tenured player, Brooks Laich, as well as some draft picks. Laich, along with a 2016 second-round pick and defensemen Connor Carrick went to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Winnik. For Weber, they sent a 2017 third-round pick to the Buffalo Sabres.
“We were trying to add some depth players,” general manager Brian MacLellan said of the moves. “I’m comfortable with where we’re at as a team. I like where we are. We’re well balanced. I like our four lines. I like our eight D, so I’m comfortable going forward.”
Webber and Winnik have yet to make their Washington debut, but Laichs got right to work on Monday. Just hours after the trade was official, Laichs took to the ice in his new uniform. After the Maple Leafs’ 2-1 loss to Tampa Bay, reporters asked Laichs if the change of scenery had sunk in yet.
“I really don’t know,” the veteran player said. “There’s certain times where a little wave of emotion comes. For me, I think the best thing was getting into the game tonight and getting to know my teammates. I think that’s the best way to move on past it. Twelve terrific years in Washington. A big part of my life, but very excited to be a Maple Leaf now.”
