Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone was apologetic, saying “Sorry you had to watch that,” after the Wizards hammered the Nuggets 128-114.
The 11-24 Wizards were without their leading scorer, Bradley Beal. That was to go with other key players out such as Thomas Bryant, Rui Hachimura and Mortiz Wagner. However, the Wizards bench scored 92 points.
Wizards guard Ish Smith had a career-high 32 points along with eight assists. Troy Brown Jr. added 25 points and a career-high 14 rebounds.
Following the embarrassing loss, Nuggets guard Jamal Murray was blunt about Denver overlooking the Wizards. He also respectfully say Washington “might be the hardest playing team” in the NBA.
The Wizards are in a development season with so many young guys playing key roles. That’s coupled with the number of injuries that include six-time All-Star John Wall, who is expected to miss the entire season.
Hearing an opponent tip his hat at how hard to play may be the biggest compliment the Wizards could get. That overrides the “didn’t think we respected our opponent” sentence Murray said.
Washington’s bench is second in NBA in points, scoring 50.1 points per game. They never quit and are building a competitive and hard-working culture with their young players.
Wizards head coach Scott Brooks certainly deserves a pat on his back in that regard.
