For 12 minutes, we understood why the Wizards have only won two games this season. Between a Tyus Jones who rushes into the pile, a Kyle Kuzma who takes shots out of rhythm and players who do not block the rebound, this first quarter gives an ugly image of the Wizards who are trailing 30-15. Opposite, Mikal Bridges is as elegant as ever, and Nic Claxton makes an interesting comeback.
But the Nets release the pressure, and the Wizards’ “second unit” takes advantage with Bilal Coulibaly who takes his chance at 3-points, and Deni Avdija who goes to the circle. In less than five minutes, Washington signs a 15-5 to get back on track. The return of Bridges offers a breath of fresh air to the Nets, but there is no longer the rhythm of the first quarter. Bridges even does too much (2 out of 14 from 3-point range!), and Washington remains in contact despite Jordan Poole being much more sober than usual (49-41 at the break).
The Coulibaly spark
Upon returning from the locker room, a surprise, the presence of Coulibaly in the five, instead of Danilo Gallinari. A profitable option since the Frenchman signs his third 3-pointer of the evening (57-48), while doing very good things in defense on Bridges. The Wizards tightened the screw, and they even came back to -4 (60-56). The Frenchman is so essential that Wes Unseld Jr. leaves him on the field during the first substitutions. And he does well since the Wizards rookie is on the tap then on the pass to maintain the suspense (66-62).
He is still on the field when Cory Kispert equalizes (80-80) at the start of the 4th quarter. There are nine minutes left and Jacque Vaughn puts the Bridges-Dinwiddie duo back into play. But it’s Coulibaly, again, on a dunk that gives the Nets the advantage. This is the first time in the match! And it’s him again, on a 3-pointer in the corner, who drives home the point (85-82). Wes Unseld brings Jordan Poole and Tyus Jones into play, and Coulibaly is still on the field.
Unfortunately, the Wizards foiled at the start of “money time”, and Poole, twice, then Coulibaly lost stupid balls. A boon for Bridges which gives the advantage back to the Nets (95-92). Claxton then covers Kyle Kuzma, with a ball that ends in the stands. The Nets’ experience got the better of the Wizards’ clumsiness, and Vaughn’s players won 102-94 with 27 points from Bridges and a “double-double” from Claxton.
