BULLET POINTS: Wizards Hang On To Topple Detroit

The Pistons’ Marcus Morris misses a three-point try with 9.2 seconds remaining in the game.
Otto Porter Jr., right, defends.

By Mark Bacon

The bench was the difference as Washington defeated the Pistons in Detroit, 97-95. Nene led the Wizards, scoring 18 points off the bench. It the first time since December 30, 2013 they beat Detroit Pistons on their home court.

• The Wiz struggled at first, shooting just 2-for-9 to start the game, but found their touch to take a 30-24 lead through the first quarter. The Wizards went on to make 20 of their next 26 attempts. 

• Otto Porter was the leader in the first quarter; he scored 10 of his 17 points for the evening in the first 12 minutes. Four Wizards players scored in double figures and their names are not Bradley Beal and John Wall. Kris Humphries was held scoreless on the night.

• The Wizards' bench took center stage. After going into the half tied, the second unit made the difference last night. In addition to Nene's team-high 18 points, Ramon Sessions added 14 points and nine assists. Jared Dudley and Garrett Temple chipped in with nine and eight points, respectively. 

• The Washington bench totaled 51 points. Even more telling was the fact that all five Wizards bench players posted positive figures in the +/- category. The starters' ratios were in negative figures. 

• Another key was the effort of the big men. Marcin Gortat (14 points, eight rebounds), helped the Wizards out-rebound Andre Drummond and the Pistons, 42-38. Drummond, who's been averaging over 19 points and 18 rebounds per game, only attempted six field goals. He finished with eight points and 13 rebounds. 

• Washington’s bench outscored the Pistons' bench 51-15. 


• The Wizards' 17-4 run at the end of the third quarter brought them back from an 11 point deficit, to take a four-point lead into the fourth. Porter was the only starter to score during the run. 

• Nene lead the team in scoring with 18 points in just 22 minutes; his +/- ratio of +24 led the team. He was also efficient shooting, going 9-for-10 and not missing until approximately eight minutes remained in the game. 

• After missing the Wizards' last three contests with a shoulder injury, Bradley Beal returned to the starting lineup. In 28 minutes, Beal shot 3-for-8 from the field and scored seven points while adding a steal and a rebound. 

• John Wall encountered foul trouble, producing a lowly 8 points, 7 assists and 2 steals on the night.

• It was the first time DC has ever won a game in which Wall and Beal both started, and didn't score in double figures. 

BACON'S BITS: The victory was the Wizards’ third straight. John Wall’s contract with adidas expired 9/30/2015; expect him to sign with Nike or Under Armour.

If you like this story look for more great content from the Main Event Sports crew on our app! Just go to the Google Play Store or iPhone App Store and search keyword "Main Event Sports Radio" and you will have tons of blogs, videos, pics, and more!

For Android users simply click on the link below to download the Main Event Sports app today! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app_maineventsports.layout

For iPhone users simply click on the link below to download the Main Event Sports app today!https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/main-event-sports-radio/id989058411?mt=8