Washington Wizards (17-55) beat Utah Jazz (21-52) 133-110 on the road on Wednesday, March 25. The final margin was 23 points.
The game, quarter by quarter
The Wizards had the better start, winning the first 33-20 to lead by 13 after one. The Wizards kept the pressure on with a 39-25 second quarter, carrying a 27-point lead into halftime.
The Wizards won the third 32-30 to create some separation, taking a 29-point lead into the fourth. The Jazz took the fourth 35-29; the Wizards held on for a 133-110 regulation win.
Why it was lopsided
The Wizards got more from their shots, finishing at 62.2% effective field-goal shooting compared with 50.5% for the Jazz. The Wizards grabbed 31% of their own misses, while the Jazz recovered 20.4%. That shooting gap supplied the clearest edge.
The Jazz did win one battle, ball security: TOV% of 12.7 against 16.4. The Wizards made up for it elsewhere.
At roughly 110 possessions per team, the Wizards produced 121.2 points per 100 possessions to 100.2 for the Jazz.
The Wizards' reserves also made a difference, outscoring the opposing bench 55-43.
Who stood out
Julian Reese was the game's biggest individual force for WAS: 26 pts, 17 reb, 0 ast on 12-16 shooting. His Game Score of 23 led everyone. His team was +7 with him on the floor.
Blake Hinson led the Jazz with 21 pts, 0 reb, 1 ast on 6-8 shooting, good for a 18.4 Game Score.
Julian Reese (26 pts, 17 reb, 0 ast) and Will Riley (19 pts, 10 reb, 5 ast) each recorded a double-double.
What it means
By our Win Meter this was an upset: The Wizards entered with about a 28% chance.
Across the last 3 meetings in our records, Utah Jazz lead 2-1.
The Wizards are now 17-55, and the Jazz are 21-52. The Wizards last five before this game: L-L-L-L-L.
Written automatically by Tip Off Live software from box score data. Ratings and probabilities are our own model estimates.