The Phoenix Suns (29-21) and Bradley Beal defeated the Washington Wizards (9-40) 140-112 in his return to Washington. Beal spent 11 seasons with the Wizards and was traded to Phoenix during the offseason.
Wizards Lose to Suns in Bradley Beal’s Return to D.C.
Washington was without leading scorer Kyle Kuzma and Marvin Bagley III against the Suns due to injuries. The starting lineup consisted of Tyus Jones, Jordan Poole, Deni Avdija, Bilal Coulibaly, and Daniel Gafford.
Avdija led the way by scoring 24 points (team-high) and shot 10-13 on the field (77%). Poole had a rough evening, shooting 1-7 from the field and contributing only four points. The Wizards bench contributed heavily with the help of forward Eugene Omoruyi (16 points and 10 rebounds), Corey Kispert (15 points), and Landry Shamet (13 points).
Kuzma’s scoring and Bagley’s energy on both ends of the floor were missed. The Wizards couldn’t keep up with the Suns’ offensive firepower, led by Beal’s 43 points.
The Wizards’ Defensive Woes Continue
The Suns collectively shot an astonishing 61.4% from the field and 44% from three-point range. Washington gave up 79 first-half points when Kevin Durant (18 points) and Devin Booker (14 points) had an “off night.”
Sunday Funday 😁 pic.twitter.com/R3GUP994On
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) February 4, 2024
In this clip, Suns center Jusuf Nurkic is at the top of the key being defended by Gafford. Nurkic fakes like he’s going to hand the ball to Beal, but Beal cuts instantly to the basket for a wide-open two-pointer with no defender near.
This play is giving Globetrotters 🫰 pic.twitter.com/icvcnIqSFI
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) February 4, 2024
In this next clip, 35-year-old Eric Gordon receives a behind-the-back pass from Booker. Gordon is at the corner three-point line, drives straight into the paint with little resistance from Wizards defenders, and scores two points.
Washington gives up 124 points per game this season (worst in the league).
Jordan Poole Continues to Struggle
As mentioned, Poole contributed only four points as a starter against Phoenix. Poole’s defense is nonexistent, and the effort overall is absent.
Since Kuzma was inactive, it was a chance for Poole to potentially carry the offensive load and perhaps lead the team overall, but shooting 14% from the field and 0-3 from three-point range will not suffice.
Poole has a +/- of -349 on the year, which sums up his first season in Washington. Poole’s low level of play could potentially land him on the bench. Kispert, who plays 21.9 minutes per game, has shot 48.2% from the field, along with an average of 19 points in the last three games. If Kispert continues to prosper, Poole’s starting spot could be in jeopardy if he doesn’t improve.
Bilal Coulibaly Impressive on Defense and Avidija Shines
Coulibaly had a quiet game offensively by scoring zero points in 25 minutes of action. Defensively, however, he contributed to containing Durant to 18 points (28.3 season-average). Durant had high praise for the 19-year-old rookie and Avidija.
Kevin Durant on the challenges posed by Deni Avdija and Bilal Coulibaly on defense today:
“I respect dudes that play physical, that just don’t give a sh*t what my name is.” 👀
Says he respects young guys playing hard against players like him. pic.twitter.com/SaymA11k8s
— Bijan Todd (@bijan_todd) February 4, 2024
Avdija stepped up in Kuzma’s absence offensively and was efficient. The former No. 9 overall pick effectively scored inside and beyond the perimeter (3-5 from three-point range).
The Last Word on the Wizards’ Loss
Phoenix had too much offensive firepower for the Wizards to handle. The Suns rank seventh in the association in offensive rating, while the Wizards sit in 28th place in defensive rating, a recipe for a one-sided affair.
Interim head coach Brian Keefe falls to 2-4 at the helm. Hopefully, with the return of Kuzma and Bagley, the Wizards could perhaps defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers at home on Wednesday.
