The Washington Wizards visited the Portland Trail Blazers for some Thursday night holiday hoops. Though Portland came storming back late, Washington held on for a 118-117 win.
Thursday’s matchup was an intriguing one because the Wizards and Blazers are currently in the exact same spot — both teams just blew up middling situations and leaned fully into a rebuild. Both teams also employ a large number of veterans who will be attractive names on the trade market this February — Kyle Kuzma, Jerami Grant, DeAndre Ayton, Tyus Jones and Matisse Thybulle, just to name a few.
The Wizards led 67-54 at half but had absolutely no answers for Anfernee Simons, who torched the Wizards porous perimeter defense to the tune of 41 points.