Former Wizards star Bradley Beal returned to D.C. as the Phoenix Suns came to town to battle the Wizards on Sunday.
Beal, who spent the first 11 years of his career with the Wizards, was traded to the Suns in the offseason.
In his return to D.C., the three-time All-Star got a standing ovation during introductions, a video tribute, and proceeded to score 26 of his season-high 43 points in the first half as the Suns routed the Wizards 140-112.
Washington (9-40) has now lost three straight, while the Suns (29-21) have won three of their last four.
Here’s the Great, Not So Great, and the Botton Line of Wizards’ loss to the Suns.
Great:
Wizards forward Deni Avdija had a team-high 24 points (10-13 FG, 3-5 3PT). He really was the only bright spot for Washington.
Much of Eugene Omoruyi’s production came when the game was out of reach, but he battled. Omoruyi scored a season-high 16 points (6-12 FG), set a career-high with 10 rebounds, and notched three steals in 23 minutes from off the bench for his first career double-double.
Not So Great:
Defense: Phoenix scored 79 points in the first half and ended with 140 points. The Suns shot 61% from the field. They got way too many easy looks, and Washington had no answers for Beal, who carved up his former team—Phoenix, who never trailed in this game, led by as many as 32 points.
Turnovers: Washington was sloppy with the ball and had 18 turnovers, which led to 27 points for the Suns.
Jordan Poole: He had four points on 1-7 from the field, including 0/3 from deep. It just wasn’t his day.
Bottom Line:
Beal wanted to this game badly, and it showed. He was big-time. Phoenix blitzed Washington, and they had no chance in this one. It’s just one of those days where you just appreciate how good of a player Beal was for the Wizards and how good he was on this day.
“I guess I know this gym a little bit,” Beal said after the win.
What’s Next?
Washington has a few days off as they return Wednesday night and finish their four-game homestand against the Cavaliers.
Best of the Rest:
Wizards center Daniel Gafford had 15 points (7-7 FG), seven rebounds, and two blocks. Corey Kispert added 15 points, and Tyus Jones chipped in with 14 points and a team-best eight assists.
Washington had six players in double figures.
Kevin Durant and Jusuf Nurkic had 18 points apiece. Nurkic added 13 rebounds and eight assists. Beal added six assists.
Kyle Kuzma (Left shoulder soreness) missed Sunday’s game, and Marvin Bagley III (Low back contusion) missed his second straight game for the Wizards.
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