Category: Washington Wizards Blog

Here’s the Washington Post blog reporting on key Wizards big dude Nene, who continues to play while recovering from injury:

On Friday night, Nene posted his best performance since coming back from a five-game absence because of plantar fasciitis in his right foot earlier this month. He posted 20 crucial points on 8-for-10 shooting in 26 minutes off the bench, as the Wizards came back to beat the Miami Heat on the road.

The showing indicated the Brazilian big man is getting closer to reclaiming his spot in the starting lineup. But though he believes he belongs in the starting five, pain remains in the foot and Nene isn’t in a rush to increase his workload

“Until I see improvement, I’m going to stay on the bench because the season is long,” Nene said. “I don’t want to do crazy stuff.”

Here’s CSN Washington with a look at veteran Paul Pierce, as he and his new team, the Washington Wizards, continue to adapt to each other. So far, they’re off to a good start, as the team is 11-5 to begin the season:

Pierce is averaging a career-low 12.5 points. Watching the small forward on a regular basis, the sense he’s waiting for the right moment to take over and giving space for his new teammates to establish themselves. When needed, Pierce produces. He scored five straight points inside the final three minutes to put the Wizards up for good in Saturday’s 83-80 win over the New Orleans Pelicans and had 25 in a victory over the Milwaukee Bucks last month when Washington trailed by double digits early and lost Nene to injury. Never known for his athleticism even during his younger days, Pierce has helped the Wizards maintain the defensive high standard set during last season’s playoff run.

Here’s the Washington Post blog with an update on the 10-5 Wizards, who have been without the services of starting power forward Nene (10.6 ppg, 4.7 rpg in 27.1 mpg this season) in recent action:

Nene missed his third straight game with right plantar fasciitis Saturday — an 83-80 win over the New Orleans — but took part in practice for the first time in over a week Sunday and is officially listed as questionable for Washington’s meeting with the Miami Heat Monday. Garrett Temple, nursing a sore right heel, is also officially questionable.

Temple was the Wizards’ starting shooting guard in their first 13 games until Bradley Beal was inserted in the starting lineup on Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Temple played just 26 seconds in Cleveland and didn’t play at all Saturday.

With a 7-3 record through Thursday, the Washington Wizards have the 7th best winning percentage in the NBA; a fantastic start to a promising season. And the team is poised to get even deeper once Martell Webster becomes available to play, which should happen in the relatively near future. Here’s the Washington Post blog reporting:

Bradley Beal’s return Wednesday wasn’t the only significant steppingstone for an injured member of the Washington Wizards this week. Martell Webster has been cleared for contact and was a limited practice participant Tuesday and Thursday.

Webster, 27, underwent his third back surgery in four years on June 27 and was given a recovery timetable of three to five months. He said his return remains “on schedule,” which would mean a return by the end of November. On Thursday, Webster participated in half-court work with contact.

“No anxiety. It’s more the mental game,” Webster said.

The Washington Wizards announced today that guard Glen Rice has been assigned to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the NBA Development League.

Rice has appeared in five games this season for Washington while averaging 2.2 points in 8.5 minutes per game.

The Wizards are 6-2 after defeating the Pistons 107-103 on Wednesday night at Verizon Center. Washington is in first place in the Southeast Division and tied with Chicago for the second best record in the Eastern Conference.

John Wall led the charge last night, scoring a team-high 27 points with 11 assists, three steals and one block. He has now tallied five double-doubles in eight games this season. Wall tallied a career-high 29 double-doubles in 2013-14.

Washington scored a season-high 57 points in the first half, including a season-high 33 points in the second quarter. Five Wizards scored in double figures including a season-high 18 points from reserve swingman Rasual Butler. Butler was 7-of-8 from the field and 2-for-2 from behind the arc. Kris Humphries added 12 points and nine rebounds off the bench. Marcin Gortat notched his third double-double of the season with 14 points and a season-high 13 rebounds, including five offensive rebounds.

Washington will face Detroit tonight at Verizon Center. The Wizards and Pistons split the 2013-14 season series 2-2. Washington hasn’t won a season series against Detroit since the 2005-06 season when they swept the Pistons 3-0.

With a win tonight the Wizards would improve to 6-2 which would mark their first 6-2 start since the 1975-76 season.

With a win over the Pistons, the Wizards would improve 3-0 at home for the first time since the 2006-07 season.

John Wall averaged 25.8 points and 8.6 assists in four games against Detroit last season.

Wall is averaging 2.8 steals in his last five games.

Paul Pierce recorded his 4,500 career assist in Saturday’s win over Indiana.

Pierce has averaged 21.1 points per game in 52 career games against Detroit.

Wizards notes: Home opener tonight

The Wizards will host the Milwaukee Bucks tonight in their home opener at Verizon Center. Both teams have a 1-1 record. The Wizards won the 2013-14 season series against the Bucks 3-1 with two of the four games going into overtime.

Washington is 30-23 (.566) all-time in home openers.

John Wall has tallied two consecutive double-doubles in the first two games of the season, marking the first time he has achieved this feat in his career.

With Wall’s stat line on Thursday night in Orlando, he is just the fourth player in franchise history to record a game with at least 30 points, 12 assists, five rebounds and two steals, joining Gilbert Arenas, Michael Adams and Rod Strickland (2).

Entertainer Wale, will be performing live tonight as part of pregame player introductions. Wale has been announced as the Wizards’ Creative Liaison.