Wall Works Wizardry in Win

The Houston Rockets are still winless away from home after losing 98-91 to the John Wall and the Wizards at the Verizon Center. The Washington rookie helped his team top the Rockets by picking up his first career triple-double in his 42 minutes on the hardwood. The former Kentucky Wildcat finished with 19 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds as the Wizards improved to 2-5. The veteran-like 6’4” Wall looked polished for a phenom. The Rockets just looked awful. Houston is just 1-6 on the season despite leading midway through the fourth quarter in Wednesday’s loss. The oft-injured Yao Ming was sidelined with an ankle ailment and departed the game in the first quarter without scoring a point. The Rockets have lost six of their last seven contests.
Kevin Martin scored 31 points for Houston to lead all scorers. He also knocked down 13-of-15 from the charity stripe as the Rockets hit 89% from the line. Houston’s Luis Scola contributed 24 points before fouling out. The Wizards capitalized on Houston’s inferior interior defense in the first half. Andray Blatche grabbed 11 rebounds to go along with 20 points for the Wizards. Gilbert Arenas did not start for Washington, but played 23 minutes to add score five. Al Thornton chipped in 20 points for Washington, while the athletic Wall stole the show as the Wizards pulled ahead 53-46 at the half. Wall committed just one turnover and snagged five steals in an all-round veteran-like performance. Houston outscored the home team 26-20 in the third quarter behind Martin and Scola. The Rockets raced out to an 85-84 lead in the fourth before rupturing and surrendering a 10-0 Wizards’ run.The Wizards wrenched back their advantage after blowing an 11-point lead. Houston collapsed and crumbled down the stretch, committing five turnovers. The Wizards were the only team sinking buckets and the Rockets’ couldn’t keep them out of the paint late in the game. The number one draft picked secured his triple-double with five minutes to go in the final quarter.

Parting Points: Sad passing- Mariners’ announcer Dave Niehaus

Happy Veteran’s Day!