The Washington Wizards returned to play their first game in 13 days Sunday against the San Antonio Spurs due to the NBA’s coronavirus protocols. And it showed. After an energetic start, the Wizards appeared to run out steam, falling 121-101 to the Spurs.
Spurs guard Patty Mills had a team-high 21 points. Dejounte Murray dropped a triple-double in his return from an ankle injury with 11 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Meanwhile, Wizards star Bradley Beal led all scorers with 31 points.
The loss drops the Wizards to 3-9 on the season.
Here’s four takeaways from the disappointing game
1. Russell Westbrook returned
Lost in the headlines of the Wizards’ coronavirus outbreak was the fact Russell Westbrook was nursing a quad injury. The point guard was set to miss at least one week with the injury that would have resulted in four games missed. However, the silver lining of the Wizards’ health issues was the fact Westbrook only missed two games.
In his return, Westbrook looked rusty even more so than his teammates who hadn’t played since Jan. 11. Of course, that may be because he is not 100%. He gutted out the game, finishing with season lows of nine points and six assists in 25 minutes. He added eight rebounds, but was a -20.
2. Final minutes got away from Wizards
The Wizards got off to an energetic start. They jumped out to a 21-11 lead in the first eight minutes of the game. In large due to a frantic pace. However, as the game went on, it was apparent Washington’s legs faded and the Spurs slowly took control.
As the Spurs controlled the pace, the Wizards tried to keep the game close. However, it got away during a two-minute stretch in the fourth quarter. A Beal three with 5:40 remaining cut the Wizards’ deficit to five at 101-96. However, they didn’t make another field goal for the next four minutes and 10 seconds. In that span, San Antonio went on a 15-1 run before the Wizards waved the white flag, sitting Westbrook, Beal and Robinson.
3. Alex Len’s first game as a Wizard
Former Maryland Terrapin’ Alex Len made his Wizards debut. He signed with Washington after being waived earlier in the week by Toronto. The big man had 11 points, five rebounds, an assist and steal in 21 minutes. He had some downs, but flashed that he can be a suitable factor to Washington’s frontcourt.
4. Jerome Robinson gets the start
With six players out due to the NBA’s health and safety protocols, and Raul Neto out with a groin injury, Jerome Robinson got the start alongside Westbrook and Beal. Robinson made good on his opportunity. He scored 16 points on 6-of-15 shooting, including 3-of-10 from three. It wasn’t gaudy numbers, but he was aggressive on both ends of the floor which was what the shorthanded Wizards needed. That’s especially with Westbrook not being 100%.
It’s unclear how many more games any of the COVID-affected players will be out. In the meantime, Robinson will get his chances to impress.
