{"id":63161,"date":"2024-02-04T21:50:26","date_gmt":"2024-02-05T02:50:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=63161"},"modified":"2024-02-04T21:50:26","modified_gmt":"2024-02-05T02:50:26","slug":"wizards-lose-to-suns-in-bradley-beals-return-to-dc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/02\/04\/wizards-lose-to-suns-in-bradley-beals-return-to-dc\/","title":{"rendered":"Wizards Lose to Suns in Bradley Beal’s Return to D.C."},"content":{"rendered":"

The Phoenix Suns (29-21) and Bradley Beal<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Wizards Lose to Suns in Bradley Beal’s Return to D.C.<\/h2>\n

Washington was without leading scorer Kyle Kuzma<\/a> and Marvin Bagley III<\/a> against the Suns due to injuries. The starting lineup consisted of Tyus Jones<\/a>, Jordan Poole<\/a>, Deni Avdija<\/a>, Bilal Coulibaly<\/a>, and Daniel Gafford<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> (16 points and 10 rebounds), Corey Kispert<\/a> (15 points), and Landry Shamet<\/a> (13 points).<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The Wizards’ Defensive Woes Continue<\/h3>\n

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<\/a> (18 points) and Devin Booker<\/a> (14 points) had an “off night.”<\/p>\n

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Sunday Funday \ud83d\ude01 pic.twitter.com\/R3GUP994On<\/a><\/p>\n

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) February 4, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n