Wizards vs Bulls Recap: Wizards blow out Bulls 117-96, inch closer to the last playoff spot

Where was this team during the five-game losing streak?

John Wall notched his third triple-double of the season with 29 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds as the Wizards ran past the Bulls, 117-96. This was another blowout win against a team sitting right in front of them in the standings.

For the second game in a row, the Wizards jumped on the Bulls early, storming out to a 15-6 lead. Nene got the start for Gortat who experienced back pain during warm ups. Nene didn't disappoint as he scored 12 points to go along with four rebounds in his starting role.

The Wizards used a 10-0 run to take a 30-16 lead late in the first quarter but the Bulls answered back. Doug McDermott scored 13 of his 20 points in the first half as the Bulls would regain the lead 34-32.

The Wizards ended the half on a on a 25-9 run led by Garrett Temple who connected on all five three-point attempts in the half as the Wizards led 63-52 at halftime.

The Wizards jumped on the Bulls again to start the second half with a quick 8-2 run. John Wall played a little antsy in the third quarter committing too many turnovers on forced passes as he could sense the triple-double coming, but got out of his funk in the closing minutes of the quarter to help the Wizards widen their lead.

The Wizards led 92-74 after three quarters and this game was all but over. Doug McDermott went on a 7-0 run by himself to cut the lead to 12, 101-89 midway through the fourth quarter but the Bulls wouldn't get any closer as the Wizards went on to win 117-96.

John Wall triple-double: John Wall turned in another fantastic performance notching his third triple double of the season with 29 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds. Wall shot 11-19 from the field (2-3 from three-point range) and knocked down 5-6 free throws. Wall had an absurd +/- of +38 tonight in one of his best games of the year.

If we're going to nitpick, John was loose with the ball in the second half. Wall committed eight turnovers, six of which coming in the second half. But the Wizards got the win and that's all that matters.

Wizards get off to a fast start: During their five game losing streak and specifically during the tail end of the recent road swing, the Wizards were getting off to slow starts. They flipped the switch against Detroit the other night and also started tonight's game fast.

The Wizards led 15-6 in the blink of an eye. Nene, Beal, and Morris were swinging the ball from side to side as four of the first five Wizards' made baskets were assisted. The Wizards led 30-16 at one point in the first quarter but let the Bulls climb back in. The Wizards are a different ball club when they get out to a fast start versus when they dig themselves an early hole.

The Wizards jumped on the Bulls 8-2 to start the second half which gave them a comfortable cushion the rest of the game.

Wizards were on fire from three-point range: The Wizards were on fire from three-point range knocking down 8-10 shots from distance in the first half. Garrett Temple warped into Ray Allen tonight hitting his first five three-pointers off the bench. Morris and Porter joined the party knocking down threes of their own for the Wizards but Jared Dudley ruined the party going 0-2 from distance (kidding). The Wizards ended the night 13-21 (62 percent) from three-point range.