Washington Wizards: 3 Things We Learned In Overtime Loss To Cleveland

3 Things We Learned from the Wizards Overtime Loss to Cleveland

Feb 6, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) makes a move to the basket asCleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) defends during the third quarter at Verizon Center. Cleveland Cavaliers defeated Washington Wizards 140-135 in third quarter. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 4

"Nov /

3. Ian Mahinmi’s return this month will be breath of fresh air

The Washington Wizards scored 36 points in the paint in Monday night’s game against Cleveland’s 66 points in the paint. Center Tristan Thompson scored 20 of those points and grabbed six of his 12 rebounds on the offensive end.

The Wizards struggled on the inside and against the dribble drive. The lack of an interior defender was a glaring weakness in the Wizards’ 140-135 overtime loss to the Cavaliers. Adding Ian Mahinmi to the rotation will soon change things.

Washington forwards Markieff Morris and Kelly Oubre both fouled out of the game. Center Marcin Gortat finished the game with five fouls. Granted, the game went into overtime, but add Mahinmi to this young rotation and the Wizards may be on to something.

Mahinmi averaged 9.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.1 blocks per game for the Indiana Pacers last season. The 30-year-old center is close to a return by the end of February and can’t wait to potentially play a part in the story this season.

Home/Washington Wizards