Powered by a 19-point scoring binge from Kristaps Porzingis, the Wizards jetted to a 19-point first quarter lead against the New York Knicks. But Porzingis disappeared from the offense — he didn’t score again until late in the fourth quarter — and the Wizards wilted and lost, 115-109.
That’s not to say the Wizards played poorly. It was a competitive and hard-fought game that included eight ties and 19 lead changes. But Washington got out-worked and out-hustled. New York won the offensive rebounding battle 12-3 and points in the paint 58-32.
The Knicks won the game inside — Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson thoroughly out playing Porzingis and Daniel Gafford.