Wizards still hot at home, down Grizzlies

WASHINGTON, US – John Wall and Otto Porter scored 25 points apiece on Wednesday, January 18 (Thursday morning, Manila time) as the Washington Wizards notched their 13th straight home NBA win, 104-101 over the Memphis Grizzlies.

Wall’s night included 6 points in the final 2:11. He also handed out 13 assists for the Wizards, who were able to celebrate yet another home win when Memphis reserve James Ennis missed a potential game-tying 3 pointer as time expired.

The Grizzlies beat Washington earlier this season after forcing overtime with a long-range basket.

That defeat in the second game of the season was part of the Wizards’ 0-3 start under new coach Scott Brooks. But after opening the season 2-8, the Wizards are 16-7 since December 5.

“Back then, it was early. We were figuring each other out,” said Porter, who drained a career-high six three-pointers. “New coaches, new players. Right now, we’re starting to figure things out.”

Markieff Morris finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds for the Wizards, who never trailed and led by as many as 19.

But there were some tense moments at the end, as Memphis trimmed the deficit to 97-95 with 2:34 to play.

Wall answered by blasting past Memphis big man Marc Gasol for a layup and, after a Grizzlies turnover, outmaneuvering Gasol for another basket.

Vince Carter’s 3-pointer with 9.9 seconds left to play pulled the Grizzlies within 104-101. But after Memphis forced a jump ball and regained possession, Ennis missed.

“We got a great look at it,” Memphis coach David Fizdale said. “I think even James was surprised he was so open.”

The Wizards’ home streak is the club’s longest since the then-Washington Bullets won 15 straight at home in the 1988-89 season. – Rappler.com