WASHINGTON – Scott Brooks pumped his fist, John Wall tapped his chest and the (announced) 14,499 that filed into Capital One Arena roared in the waning moments of the Wizards 125-118 win over the Clippers.
It was a win for Washington, its sixth of the season. And a badly needed reprieve.
These are dark days in Wizards-land. Considered a fringe conference contender entering the season, Washington has stumbled. Losses have been compounded by reports of dysfunction, headlined by a practice skirmish last week that seemed to touch everyone on the team, the coach included.
I’m guessing Brooks—who played with Vernon Maxwell, who was coached by Rudy Tomjanovich and who himself coached Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka—has heard worse.