Good Effort, Bad Results

Written By Jeremy Batka @EastCoastAssn

It was a game that at times was very slow paced and ugly, just the type of game the Wizards can win. But unfortunately for Washington Atlanta held on in overtime handing the Wizards a 100-95 loss.

Despite their second overtime loss to the Hawks this season the Wizards overall played well and had many bright spots on the night. The biggest being the play of Jordan Crawford.

Crawford had a triple double on the night leading the team in points with 27 to go with his 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Crawford seems to get more confidence with each game and while at times he still forces questionable shots it's clear that for this Wizards team to win, Crawford has to be heavily involved in the offense.

The Wizards did a good job of moving the ball on offense and finding the open man, something they've had trouble with for most of the season. As a team the Wizards had 28 assists and it seemed like the improved ball movement would be enough to get the win.

Bradley Beal was one of the players to benefit from the improved team offense, he had 17 points on the night. He also had a scary moment in the third when landed on his back and head after trying to dunk over Josh Smith, no foul was called. Beal spent the rest of the third in the locker room before returning to the bench and eventually the game.

The Wizards seemed to outplay the Hawks for most of the game but as the game wore on it was clear Atlanta had more weapons than Washington. The game was essentially sealed in overtime when former Wizard DeShawn Stevenson drained a three with just two minutes to play.

Earl Barron hasn't seen many minutes for the Wizards this year but saw substantial playing time tonight including starting the second half and overtime. Barron had 14 rebounds and four blocks on the night to go with four points including his first basket of the game which came with 23 seconds left in regulation tying the game at 90.

Randy Wittman claimed after the game that he made the move to Barron for "activity." Said he wasn't happy with the activity he was getting from that position. Possibly a dig at Kevin Seraphin who had just four points and five rebounds.