The Washington Wizards’ franchise record-tying 16th consecutive loss followed a familiar pattern — a competitive first half (they dashed out to a lead that reached 21 points in the second quarter), a third-quarter collapse, and a final quarter bereft of offensive and defensive coherence.
Last night’s opponent, the Orlando Magic, were a tough, determined, physical bunch that kept grinding away until the less talented Wizards cracked. Such is life for a team built to be bad this season. When the game really matters to an opponent, they lose because the roster isn’t good enough to keep pace.