Washington Wizards Top 10 Plays and Moments from First Half of Season

After a lackluster first half of the season for the Washington Wizards, we present the top 10 plays of the first half of the 2017-18 NBA season.

The Washington Wizards expectations were sky high entering the 2017-18 NBA season after taking the Boston Celtics to seven games and a win shy of the playing the Cleveland Cavaliers in Eastern Conference Finals last season.

However, the Washington Wizards have underachieved and ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith called them the NBA’s most disappointing team on ESPN First Take.

Most alarming may be their pitiful 12-11 record against sub .500 teams including home losses to the Dallas Mavericks (15-28), Phoenix Suns (16-26), and most recently the Utah Jazz (17-24).

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Next, the Brooklyn Nets come to Capital One Arena on Friday night, a team that’s already beat the Wizards twice this season.

The good news is if the regular season ended today, the Washington Wizards would still be a playoff team as the No. 5 seed. However, the scorching-hot Miami Heat, winners of six straight, leaped over the Wizards to take sole possession of first place in the Southeast Division.

The Wizards moved within a half-game of the Heat after their win against the Orlando Magic Friday night.

Let’s shift focus to some of the Wizards positive attributions like their collection of jaw-dropping plays and memorable moments from the first half of the season.

10. Mahinmi Sighting in Brooklyn

Wizards backup center Ian Mahinmi delivers his lone field goal of the day with a monstrous slam in the Wizards’ win over the Brooklyn Nets.

9. December Mike Scott

Despite the frigid December weather, Wizards forward Mike Scott was scorching-hot in December including three games with at least 22 points or more. For the month, Scott shot 61.5 percent from the field and averaged 11.7 points.

8. Season-Opening Win vs. Philly

The Wizards opened the season in front of a national audience on ESPN against the budding Philadelphia 76ers. Marcin Gortat proved to be the game changer as he scored 10 points in the fourth quarter.

7. Porter Delivers 29 Points, 10 Rebounds vs. Warriors

Way back in October, Wizards forward Otto Porter scored his season-high 29 points in the Wizards’ 117-120 loss at the Golden State Warriors.

6. Wall Slams on Lakers’ Lopez

John Wall throws down the one-handed jam and posterizes Los Angeles Lakers Center Brook Lopez in the process.

5. Wall, Beal Guide Wizards Past Grizzlies

When the Washington Wizards are under the national spotlight, guards John Wall and Bradley Beal show up to play. This was the case on in the Wizards’ 102-100 road win against the Memphis Grizzlies on ESPN as Wall and Beal combined for 59 points.

4. Wall Dishes Between the Legs to a Dunking Beal 

Wall defects a weak pass attempt from James Harden and races down court, delivering the between the legs assist to Bradley Beal for the slam. The Wizards ended up with a 121-103 victory in one of the most impressive wins of the season against one of the NBA’s top teams the Houston Rockets.

3. Tomas Satoransky One-Handed Slam

Another awe-inspiring moment from the Rockets vs. Wizards game at Capital One Arena. This time by guard Tomas Satoransky as he blows by former Wizard Trevor Ariza and launches the one-handed slam over Zhou Qi.

2. Beal Goes Off in Portland, Scores Career-High 51 Points

NBA All-Star 2018 hopeful Bradley Beal records a career-high 51 points to help the Wizards top the Trail Blazers.

By the way, if you haven’t voted Beal for the 2018 NBA All-Star game, use this complete guide to and discover the multiple ways to vote.

Next: The Ultimate Guide to Nike NBA Washington Wizards Edition Jerseys

1. Wall, Wizards Steal Road Win vs. Celtics on Christmas Day

No better way to spend Christmas Day than seeing the Wizards go into Boston and take down the Celtics in what was a highly-entertaining contest.