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1. Wizards look sluggish, lose 102-80 to Brooklyn Nets
Last night wasn't pretty. What was expected to be a lopsided victory turned into a blowout loss, and reality hit the Wizards hard after emotionally exhausting back-to-back wins against San Antonio and Chicago. Luckily for Washington, they'll get another shot at the Nets tonight in Brooklyn. But to flip the script they'll need to wake up and realize that no game is a cakewalk; they're still playing a tough NBA team.
Here are your recaps from the loss:
2. For Wizards, defense is key to success
...which is why they were very far from being successful last night. They gave up so many wide open shots to Brooklyn simply due to lack of effort that I wasn't sure if I was watching the 2014-15 Wizards or the 2010-11 version. But enough about last night. We need to keep our eyes of the bigger picture. And in order for this team to go further than last season's second-round playoff exit, they'll need to pride themselves on a stellar defense to create their dynamic offense.
3. Otto Porter needs to develop now for the Wizards' future
Ernie Grunfeld and the Wizards have shot themselves in the foot numerous times with their lack of effective drafting until John Wall and Bradley Beal fell into their laps. Otto Porter was probably the safest bet in a draft class lacking superstar choices, but he was always expected to take time to produce his best. But for the Wizards, whose depth at the wing positions are filled with aging vets, they may need to see his best come earlier than expected.
4. Hear from the team
5. Wizards look for revenge tonight
The Wizards (27-13) will look to get payback for last night's home loss to the Nets (17-23), as the teams face each other again, this time in Brooklyn. The Wizards' bigs need to play tighter and tougher against Mason Plumlee and Brooke Lopez, who exploded in the second half last night. Basically, Washington needs better displays from every single player in a Wizards uniform if they want to get a win tonight. It's obvious they have the capabilities to beat, even dismantle, this Nets team. Now they just need to show it.
Tip off is set for 8 p.m. at the Barclays Center. You can watch live on Comcast SportsNet+ and listen on 99.1 WNEW.