(Sports Network) - The Washington Wizards will carry a three-game winning
streak into Milwaukee Monday night when they visit the Bucks at the Bradley
Center.
This is only the second three-game winning streak of the season for the
Wizards and all three victories during this recent run came at home. All three
wins also came against playoff-caliber teams - the Los Angeles Clippers, New
York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets.
"It feels great," said guard John Wall. "We are finally trusting each other
and playing hard. Really going strong on the defensive end and moving the ball
to make big time shots."
The Wizards haven't allowed 100 points in a game since Jan. 25 and their
margin of victory during this winning streak has been 11 ppg.
Washington built a 20-point lead at the half against Brooklyn, then went on
for the 89-74 win. They held the Nets to 32.9 percent shooting from the field
and 27.8 shooting from long range.
Nene, Wall and Martell Webster all scored in double figures for the Wiz.
As great as Washington has been lately. going on the road will be a problem.
At 3-21, the Wizards have the worst away record in the NBA.
The Bucks haven't been lighting it up themselves lately. Milwaukee has lost
three in a row and five of its last six. The Bucks are 1-2 in their last three
at home, including a Saturday night loss at the Bradley Center to the Detroit
Pistons.
"It's a tough loss," said forward Ersan Ilyasova. "It's disappointing. We have
to learn something from this game. Our goal is still the same, be a playoff
team. These games right before the All-Star break are going to be huge for
us."
Brandon Jennings scored 26 points, but shot poorly with an 8-for-27 night.
Ilyasova, Samuel Dalembert and Mike Dunleavy also scored in double figures
against the Pistons.
During this poor run over the last six, the Bucks have been dreadful
defensively. They allowed 102.5 ppg over that span, which is up from the
98.55 ppg they surrendered all season.
Larry Sanders, who has the longest active streak in the NBA with at least one
block in 33 straight games, is listed as questionable with a lower back
contusion. He has sat out the last two games.
The Bucks have won five of six in this series with Washington, including this
season's only matchup, a 101-91 victory in Washington on Nov. 9. The Wizards
are winless in four straight and 1-7 in their last eight in Milwaukee.
The Sports Network