The Washington Wizards take their fifth straight loss, in a 107-92 heart breaker to the Houston Rockets.
The Wizards were heavily out-rebounded in the loss. And failed to cover the premititor and get back on defense in transition. Offensively the team was decent overall, as the entire starting five scored double figures.
Kyle Kuzma finally enters the starting lineup, after dealing with a groin injury he suffered against the Atlanta Hawks. And in his first game back he scored 18 points, on seven of 18 shooting
With the loss there are still some positive and important factors from the game.
Alex Sarr struggled offensively and defensively
This year’s No. 2 overall pick, Alexandre Sarr, has had his fair share of struggles on the offensive end. However, against the Rockets, he also struggled defensively.
The rookie allowed 14 points. Houston’s center Alperen Sengun scored a game-high 27 points. The Turkish star’s strength and savviness caused trouble for Sarr throughout the night. Sengun outrebounded Sarr 17-6. Sengun has developed into a marquee post-player. Sarr is just a 19-year rookie. Playing against a force like Sengun will help Sarr earn his stripes.
Sarr finished with a pedestrian five points on 2-of-9 shooting from the field. He added two blocks.
Sarr’s jump shot remains inconsistent. He shot 0-of-3 from three. Sarr is shooting 18.6% from three. Teams are leaving him wide-open on those shots. The more he misses, the more defenders will sag off him to clog the paint. Posting up in the paint against fellow bigs is a hurdle for Sarr to overcome.
Sarr expects to have growing pains. His potential is glaring, but he must become more consistent and find rhythm throughout the season.
Bub Carrington showing flashes at point guard
Surprisingly, rookie guard Bub Carrington was available despite right knee soreness from the previous game against the Orlando Magic.
Carrington started hot, missing just one of four shots in the first half. He tapered off in the second half and finished with 10 points, six assists and two steals.
His ability to move the ball has been showing lately. He has averaged 6.4 assists in the last five games.
He is seemingly the point of the future. The absence of veteran point guard Malcolm Brogdon (hand) has allowed Carrington more playing time. Carrington has flashed early on. Hopefully, he can keep it going and become more consistent.
Wizards marred by second-chance points and bad rotation
Securing rebounds is a must in basketball. However, the Wizards struggled to accomplish the goal against the Rockets. Washington had a minus-24 margin in rebounds. The Rockets scored 19 second-chance points with 17 offensive rebounds.
Houston presented a challenge, as the Rockets lead the league in offensive rebounds per game. However, the Wizards rank last in opponents’ offensive rebounds per game. Washington has allowed 28 offensive rebounds and 48 second-chance points in the last two games.
Rotating on defense to compete on the glass was an issue. Sarr oftentimes challenged shots outside the paint, and no Wizards player rotated to the paint for rebounds.
The Wizards also didn’t rotate to match the Rockets’ ball movement. Late rotation has been a problem for the Wizards on the defensive end all season. Opponents have consistently created open shots.
The Wizards next contest is on the road against the San Antonio Spurs. Washington will look to snap a five-game losing streak before playing in the NBA Commissioner Cup.
