Bradley Beal scored 21 of his 27 points following halftime to help the Wizards outlast a feisty Kings team. Washington beat Sacramento 121-115 to open a crucial home stand in their chase for the playoffs.
Jabari Parker and Bobby Portis pitched in as well, scoring 18 and 17 points respectively. Bobby also grabbed 13 rebounds while Beal nearly missed a triple double with nine rebounds and nine assists.
The Kings were led by De'Aaron Fox and his 23 points, like Washington they're also trying to make a push for the playoffs. Last night's loss has them four games back, while Washington is now three and a half games back of the eight spot.
The Wizards were able to build double digit leads twice in the game, but each time the Kings were able to erase them. Washington had seven players score in double digits, much of their issues came due to turnovers.
Up next for Washington are the Orlando Magic, they're currently in ninth place and will be at Capital One Arena Wednesday night.
Notes
Beal. He's really hit another level in his development this season. In the past, he may not have rebounded from a six point first half as well as he did last night. Brad's all around game has really been on display this season and he doesn't get enough credit for the plays he's made defensively. A key stretch last night was when he had back-to-back steals in the second half, on both occasions looking like a defensive back breaking on a pass. Washington's going to need everything he has and more to make the playoffs.
Fox. He's on the way. The kid plays both ends and he's electric, there were several times last night where after a Washington make he beat them down the floor as if the Kings were in transition. He's also impactful on the defensive end, coming up with two steals and several other times getting his hands on passes. Whether they're able to make the playoffs this season or not, the Kings are in very capable hands with him at point guard.
Parker & Portis. Bobby recorded his sixth double-double since becoming a Wizards while Jabari continued to be a matchup problem for an opposing defense. They give Washington a different dimension in versatile bigs with size that can stretch the floor and score in the paint in their own way.
Rebounding. One of the barometers for the Wizards all year has been defense and rebounding. They were able to tie the Kings on the glass with 47 rebounds a piece. It's imperative that Washington at least hold their own if not win that category for the rest of this crucial home stand.
