USA Today via Reuters
Dec 29, 2020; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook (4) reacts after a shot against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: POOL PHOTOS-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 29, 2020; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook (4) reacts after a shot against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: POOL PHOTOS-USA TODAY Sports
The Washington Wizards and the Chicago Bulls were in the same sinking boat when they clashed on Tuesday night. However, Zach LaVine’s phenomenal play ensured that Russell Westbrook and his men did not find their life jackets. As a result, the Wizards tasted their fourth straight loss of the season.
It is quite surprising and agonizing to see how the talents like Russ and Bradley Beal cannot bring a W for the Wizards. Against the Bulls, they lost the first three quarters in the game, despite genuine efforts from Westbrook.
When Russell Westbrook tried very hard to bring about a change in play
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Just as the third quarter began, the Wizards bounced back with a 4-0 run which made the scores 50-52. However, that’s when Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan felt the need for a timeout. But, it was Russ on the bench who took the advantage of the situation and tried to coach the Wizards. Take a look:
Russ doing some coaching on the sidelines 📋 pic.twitter.com/KxufTtlMMO
— ESPN (@espn) December 30, 2020
The Chicago Bulls almost took all the chances away from the Wizards at the beginning of the fourth quarter when they scored 9-0 to begin with. The Wizards tried to close in the gap but to no avail. Zach LaVine’s 27-foot three-pointer late in the game canceled out the win for Washington.
Can the Washington Wizards bounce back from here?
The nine-time NBA All-star in Westbrook scored 21 points but struggled from behind the arc against the Bulls. He made just one three-pointer with 25% accuracy and had six turnovers. That being said, this also became his third triple-double of the season that went in vain. The 32-YO secured 15 rebounds and 11 assists, and that is all he could humanly do.
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Despite falling to 0-4, Russell Westbrook becomes the first player since Oscar Robertson in 1961-62 to record a triple-double in each of his first three games in a season.
– 21 Pts
– 15 Reb
– 11 Ast pic.twitter.com/MmvdyMRThK— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 30, 2020
He received good support from Bradley Beal, but Isaac Bonga going scoreless in his 16 minutes of play was a major blow. Plus, forward Deni Avdija is yet to score in double figures as the Wizards lost their fourth game.
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For head coach Scott Brooks, the combination of Troy Brown, Ish Smith, and Raul Neto is not proving worthy at all. This line-up is not helping them as the bench scorers are failing to be effective.
The Wizards will have a chance to overturn their fortunes as they once take on the Bulls in their next fixture. Do you think they can make it 1-4?
