Brooklyn used a strong second half to top Washington
The Washington Wizards lost to the Brooklyn Nets 115-112 on Saturday despite a late-game comeback led by AJ Johnson.
Washington started the first quarter with more defensive intensity after allowing a franchise-record 162 points to Indiana the last time out. Alex Sarr paced the Wizards with eight point and three blocks as they took a 28-23 lead into the second frame.
Brian Keefe’s squad continued to attack the rim, shooting 23 first-half free throws and making 20 of them to grow a 17-point lead before a Brooklyn 3-point barrage cut the lead to just eight at halftime.
Washington opted to play its end-of-the-bench guys for most of the second half. Colby Jones enjoyed an efficient night, scoring 20 points on 7-11 FG. The Wizards led 85-82 entering the final quarter.
Johnson, who’d be struggling all night, came alive in the 4th quarter, scoring 14 of his 20 points to bring the Wizards back late. Johnson drove baseline and slammed home an emphatic dunk before sinking the go-ahead 3-pointer with 23 seconds remaining.
Drew Timme stepped up late and sunk a layup to give Brooklyn a one-point lead, and Washington couldn’t convert late as it lost a close contest at home, 115-112.