In their last two meetings against the Mavericks in the 2014 season, the Wizards fell, losing the first match up by three points and the latter game by 27 points. Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal and center Dejuan Blair helped jump start things early in the game with back-to-back scoring drives. The play by Washington in the first quarter gave the impression that this could be the game during which the Wizards might finally come out victorious.
The last time Washington beat Dallas at the Verizon Center was in October of 2009.
Beal came out playing very aggressively, still riding the wave of his recent break out game against the Phoenix Suns in which he scored a season-high 34 points.
The Wizards did an excellent job in the second quarter, staying low and moving quickly on defense. Disciplined defensive play and excellent anticipation resulted in several Dallas turnovers. The second quarter saw a lot of scoring action from guard John Wall and point guard Gary Neal.
But immediately following halftime, the Mavericks took a more decisive position, led by Dallas forwards Wesley Matthews and Dirk Nowitzki.
While Wall continued to dominate the scoring throughout the third period for the Wizards, the Mavs were hitting their shots. They finished the third quarter up by three, 84-87.
Matthews finished the game with a career high 36 points. He hit 10 three pointers against Washington.
In the fourth quarter, Wall ended up knocking his knees with Dallas forward Rashad Evans. The All-Star injured his right knee — one that he had actually bruised prior to this collision — and had to be assisted off the court with 1:14 remaining. He did not return to the game, finishing it with 28 points, 10 assists, four rebounds and five steals. In an MRI that Wall underwent after the game, it was found that there was no structural damage to the knee.
“With the way we are right now, I want to play and compete and help these guys as much as possible,” Wall said about whether he will play in the upcoming game against the Miami Heat, “but it’s also understanding your future and not jeopardizing it all early in the season. So if it’s something that will make me sit out, I will. If it’s something that’s fine and I can play through it, I will.”
In the end, the Wizards were defeated by Dallas 104-116. This is the their 11th straight loss to them. Washington heads to Miami for a 7:30 p.m. tip off Monday night.