Every morning, we will give you five things from the night before in the NBA to start your day.
1: Wizards without wins
Two weeks into the season and nearly 10 games in, the Washington Wizards are still without a win. The Wizards had a two-point lead at the half against the Jazz.
That is when Al Jefferson began to take over and turn the tide of the game. Jefferson scored 17 of his 21 points in the third quarter. The Jazz held off the Wizards 83-76 to send the Wizards to 0-8.
The Wizards played good defense holding the Jazz to 37.8 percent shooting. But the difference was Utah getting to the line for 27 free throw attempts, making 19 of them. Washington hit on only 36.5 percent of its shots.
The Wizards are averaging fewer than 90 points per game at 86.6 points per game and a 94.1 offensive rating, last in the league. Washington is also shooting a league-worst 40.1 percent from the floor. The Wizards have been able to keep scores low but have not been able to do much with that.
When could Washington break this streak? Without Nene and John Wall, it will be tough. Washington has a home-heavy schedule to end the month. Getting a win in November would be critical to this young team's confidence.
2: Rondo-tastic
No one was sure if Rajon Rondo would even play after spraining his ankle Wednesday and missing Thursday's game against Brooklyn.
Rondo played. Sorry Toronto.
Rondo continued his amazing streak of games with at least 10 assists by recording 20 assists in a little more than 32 minutes. With a mixed up lineup that featured Jason Terry and Rondo in the back court, the Celtics had a balanced scoring attack and shot 56 percent from the floor.
The Raptors did not have a chance.
3: HIGHLIGHTS!!!
Another LeBron half-court lob
Larry Sanders saves the game
Blake Griffin does it again
4: Line of the Night: Anthony Davis — 28 points, 11 rebounds
Davis scored a career-high 28 points and matched his season high with 11 rebounds in a 117-113 loss in Milwaukee. Davis hit on 10 of 14 shots and 8 of his 9 free throws.
5: You can quote me on that
We’re playing as if we’re 1-8. We’re not trying to act like we’re big. We’re taking one game at a time.
–Zach Randolph on the Grizzlies win streak
When the shots are falling, the game is easier.
