The Baltimore Wire
Fansided

Washington Wizards’ second half dominance fuels win over Hornets

By Christopher Church

Apr 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) celebrates with forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (12) and guard John Wall (2) against the Charlotte Hornets in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 118-111. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) celebrates with forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (12) and guard John Wall (2) against the Charlotte Hornets in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 118-111. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

After a lackadaisical first half, the Washington Wizards score 36 third quarter points to snap a three-game losing streak.

Slow starts have haunted the Washington Wizards on several occasions this season.

It occurred again Tuesday night at Verizon Center against the Charlotte Hornets, a team fighting for their playoff lives.

However, behind John Wall‘s 50th double-double of the season, the Washington Wizards erupted for 36 third quarter points, including 14 points from Wall, completing the second half comeback 118-111.

The undervalued Jason Smith added 17 points, including a career-high five three-pointers in Tuesday night’s win to help the Wizards total a season-best 17 three-pointers.

Most importantly, the Wizards ceased a three-game skid after returning from a grueling five-game road trip. Furthermore, the win Tuesday night was the Wizards 30th home win of the season, something that has not been accomplished since the 1988-89 season. The Wizards join the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs as the only NBA teams with 30 or more home wins.

Must Read: 5 worst draft picks in Washington Wizards history

The Wizards now sit at 47 wins with four games remaining in the regular season as the team looks to obtain 50 wins in a season for the first time in 37 years.

With the victory Tuesday night, the Wizards move into a tie with the Toronto Raptors for the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. As a result, both the Wizards and Raptors sit three and a half games behind the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers for the top two spots in the East.

The Wizards close out the regular season with three of their four remaining games on the road. Thankfully, the Wizards remaining opponents are all under the .500 mark, which could ultimately help the Wizards regain the third seed in the East.

Top plays of the game

Wall dishes it to Bradley Beal for the massive one-handed slam.

Wall joins the slam dunk party with a driving one-handed slam.

With Wall earning his 50th double-double, it is only right to show one of his 13 jaw-dropping assists.

Next: Ravens trade defensive lineman and draft pick to Eagles

Home/Washington Wizards