The Washington Wizards started off this game hot and never looked back. The starters and reserves both looked strong, as the Wizards led by as many as 25 points in the second half before closing out a 21-point victory.
John Wall continued his sizzling start to the season with another stat-stuffing performance. He finished the game with 18 points (6-10 FG), 12 assists, five rebounds, two steals, and a block. Marcin Gortat recorded a double-double, scoring 15 points (6-9 FG) and grabbing 10 boards. But once again, it was Rasual Butler that stood out offensively for the Wizards. Butler played 33 minutes off the bench, scoring 23 points (8-14 FG) and adding eight rebounds. Butler has been nothing short of fantastic for the Wizards this year. After sneaking onto the roster at the end of the season, Butler has been the team's primary scoring option off the bench. He has been exceptionally effective from beyond the arc, including shooting 3-for-5 from downtown in this game. This was part of an outstanding shooting night for the Wizards. They shot 10-of-19 (.526) from three-point range compared to a measly 2-of-22 (.091) for the Heat.
The result of this one was almost never in question, as the Wizards were in control throughout the entire game. Any time the Heat tried to make a run to get competitive, it seemed that Wall or Butler was always there to hit a big shot to put an end to any momentum that Miami might have gained.
The Wizards improve to 11-5 on the year while the Heat drop to 9-8. The Wizards next take the court on Wednesday, December 3, at 7:00 P.M. at home against the Los Angeles Lakers.