Bradley Beal’s Wizards Coast By Rebuilding Pistons

Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards, NBA Trade Rumors
NBA Analysis Network

During the Tuesday night NBA slate, the Washington Wizards beat the Detroit Pistons 117-97 to snap a three-game losing streak. Bradley Beal scored 36 points.

In the first quarter, the Wizards jumped out to a 22-point lead in spite of Kyle Kuzma’s absence, and although they have problems maintaining such leads so far this season, the last-place Pistons posed little threat. Detroit was led by 20 points from Killian Hayes.

As the Eastern Conference play-in spot approaches, Washington (32-37) moved ahead of Chicago (31-36) with a needed victory.

“It’s up to us. We could kind of control our own destiny,” Beal said. “I know it starts with me, so I just make sure I’m locked in, make sure I’m ready to go and make sure guys are ready to go too and understand that every game is important, every possession is important.”

The Wizards jumped out to a 16-7 lead and managed to further the early momentum they had established with a 20-2 run, pushing them ahead 38-16. The Pistons never recovered.

“I think the biggest thing is defensively, we were engaged, locked in,” Beal said. “I just make sure I try to set the tone on either end of the floor and get guys shots, get us going as best we can.”

NBA SCORES & NEWS: Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards & Detroit Pistons Updates

A sore right knee kept Kuzma out of the game, prompting Beal to take over. One point shy of his season high, Beal went 13 of 15 from the field. The guard also grabbed six rebounds and dished out seven assists.

“Just being aggressive,” Beal said. “I always credit my teammates for moving, setting screens and just being active. The ball was moving around. We were just playing for each other.”

As for Washington, Kristaps Porzingis scored 18 points, with Corey Kispert adding 16 more. There was more than enough scoring production to make it a simple path to victory for the Wizards.

NBA SCORES & NEWS: Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards & Detroit Pistons Updates

Compared to their last meeting with Detroit, the Wizards found this game much more relaxing. Daniel Gafford’s buzzer-beater won them the road contest last week, 119-117.

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