Danny Avdia in a shooting competition at Washington practice (from Twitter)
Danny Avdia delivered tonight (between Tuesday and Wednesday) one of his best games this season in the NBA, but it was not enough for Washington, who continues to move away from the play-in picture.
The Israeli received 34 minutes from the bench and provided 15 points with excellent percentages (5 of 6 from the field, 3 of 4 for 3, 2 of 3 from the penalty box), 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals, but the Wizards lost 122:112 to Orlando - Third straight loss and sixth in the last seven games.
They dropped to 12th place in the East with the same record as Indiana (40:32), two and a half games away from Chicago in tenth place leading to the play-in.
Avdia came to the floor from the bench, as mentioned, for six dreamlike minutes in the second quarter, during which he provided 12 points (4 of 4 from the field, 2 of 2 of 3), 2 rebounds and 2 assists.
The Israeli recorded his eighth double-double of the season and first since February 9 against Charlotte, when he finished with 20 points and 13 rebounds.
It was the highest amount of minutes he received since the meeting against the Hornets, and also the highest amount of three-pointers since that game.
More in the NBA
Boston defeated Sacramento, the Clippers lost to Oklahoma City,
but in New York: Willis Reed passed away at the age of 80.
Golden State broke the sad streak, but is worried: "We have to improve"
More in Walla!
KKL-Junk encourages climate studies through scholarships for young students
In collaboration with KKL-Junk
NBC's Chase Hughes analyzed Avdia's recent season and said: "Danny was asked what he needs to improve after the home game against Sacramento. He admitted he needs to gain more confidence, and we all see it. The days of "Turbo" are in the past. Avdia said that he needs to improve his percentages and also his left hand, and it is quite clear that teams are trying to prevent him from using his right hand. This is how offensive development in the NBA looks like - you come to the league and do something good, teams study you and then you have to find new moves."
"He lifted Washington off the bench," Hughes wrote about the Israeli's game tonight.
"He was aggressive in passing attacks and his first few shots went in, which helped his confidence. His shooting abilities have been very erratic of late - consistency remains a very elusive trait for him."
But with all due respect to Avdia's good ability, the big story is Washington's bad ability as a team.
Only ten games remain until the end of the regular season, and it is difficult to see the Wizards suddenly going on a winning streak - certainly against the background of the opposite momentum of Chicago, which is on the rise.
In fact, Washington is closer to Orlando, ranked 13th in the East (one game), than Chicago, ranked 10th (two and a half games).
Earlier this season, Orlando beat the Wizards by 19 and 20.
This time she settled for 10.
"I'm not sure we think we can just pull off a comfortable win," coach Wes Anseld admitted.
"You have to earn it. You have to take it. We are not good enough to assume that you can turn on a switch at a certain point and that the problems will be solved."
Kristaps Porzingis, who excelled with 30 points, added: "It's frustrating, but it's part of the profession. Most of us would prefer to win and have fun, and right now it's not fun. You have to figure out how to get out of it."
in trouble
Avdia and Porzingis (Photo: Reuters)
The race to the play-in
The remaining games for Washington:
Denver (home)
San Antonio (home)
Toronto (away)
Boston (home)
Orlando (home)
New York (away)
Milwaukee (home) Atlanta
(away)
Miami (home)
Houston (home)
The remaining games for Chicago:
Philadelphia (home)
Portland (away)
L.A.
Lakers (outside)
L.A.
Clippers (away)
L.A.
Lakers (home)
Charlotte (away)
Memphis (home)
Atlanta (home)
Milwaukee (away)
Dallas (away)
Detroit (home)
sport
NBA
Tags
Danny Avdia
Washington Wizards
NBA