John Wall had fewer teammates than usual Monday night, yet he found more Washington Wizards than ever.
Wall had a career-high 19 assists and also scored 12 points, Marcin Gortat had 27 points and 16 rebounds and the Wizards beat the Sacramento Kings, 113-99, on Monday night.
With injuries limiting the Wizards to eight players, Wall was just 4-for-15 but finished with assists on nearly half of Washington’s 42 baskets. He also repeatedly found the 6-foot-11 Gortat for shots near the hoop. The center made 12 baskets — nine off of passes from Wall.
“He has to understand, when I penetrate to the basket, he’s going to get the ball most of the time,” Wall said. “I think tonight he was able to finish. The other night he missed a couple of easy chippies but tonight he was being more aggressive.”
Wizards coach Wittman had a short bench to work with. Four players played over 36 minutes, and DeJuan Blair played just 39 seconds at the end, but six Wizards players finished in double figures, thanks often to Wall’s passing.
Garrett Temple added a career-high 23 points while Ramon Sessions and Kris Humphries each had 15 points.
The one Wizards player who didn’t make double figures, Kelly Oubre Jr., was close. The rookie finished with eight points and six rebounds.
Gortat set a new season high with 21 points by halftime as the Wizards took a 63-59 lead at the break.
Washington led throughout much of the third quarter until the Kings finished with the period’s final eight points for an 84-84 tie. The Wizards then took command by scoring the first eight points of the fourth quarter — even though Gortat was out.
“I thought we did a hell of a job until the beginning of the fourth,” Kings coach George Karl said. “They went up eight on us and that fatigued us.”
The Wizards outscored the Kings, 29-15, in that final quarter. Overall, Cousins led Sacramento with 22 points, while Rudy Gay added 16 points.
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