(Photo by Jacob Kupferman, Getty Images)
The Wizards have had to manage a tough schedule lately, going up against four playoff-caliber teams within a week. However, Monday against Charlotte was a different story, as the Hornets have indicated that they will be competitive this year, but all signs point to them heading toward the lower-end tier in the standings this season. Despite the slow start, Washington was able to pull away from Charlotte late in the game with Jordan Goodwin and Rui Hachimura leading the show. Washington ultimately won 108-100. While the Wizards struggled to shoot the ball at times, the defense made timely plays and helped the Wiz pull away. Both teams were without their star guards, as Bradley Beal had to sit for the second straight night due to health and safety protocols. Lamelo Ball, on the other hand for Charlotte, remained out and hasn't played in the regular season since rolling his left ankle against the Wizards in the preseason.
The three-point shooting was lackluster, as the Wiz shot an abysmal 26.3% from beyond the arc (5/19), but were able to do most of their damage inside the painted area. Washington had 58 paint points, most of them coming from Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis. The tide of the game truly flipped in the third quarter, when Jordan Goodwin and Rui Hachimura seemingly lit a spark underneath the Wiz. The Hornets were leading Washington 48-46 at the half, but the Wizards got the "memo" and turned it around before it was too little, too late.
Jordan Goodwin made his impact felt immediately, checking in at the 4:23 mark in the first quarter for Monte Morris. Goodwin got a timely rebound and dished it off to Rui Hachimura who dunked it with authority in transition. Goodwin continued to make plays, left and right, finishing with 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists, shooting a perfect 100% from the field (7-7 on FGs). Per Elias Sports, Jordan Goodwin is only the FIFTH in the NBA Shot Clock Era History (which began in 1954-1955) to shoot 100% on at least 7 field-goal attempts with seven-or-fewer games played. Despite the lackluster play of veteran G Will Barton in the past couple of games and the major absence of Delon Wright, Jordan Goodwin has stepped up into the challenge and is truly embracing his role on the Wizards, as a major contributor to their success the past two nights.
Corey Kispert on Jordan Goodwin:
"He's a dawg... I love Jordan, and I'm so happy that he's doing everything that he's doing because no one deserves it more than him."
The Wizards wrap up their quick two-game road trip with a record of 1-1. Washington will travel back home and have an extra off-day before facing familiar friends, Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans on Thursday at 7:00 PM EST.
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