The Phoenix Suns were able to close out the game late defeating the Washington Wizards, 106-98. Washington was down by 22 points at one point in the first half, but cut the lead to as close as four in the fourth quarter.

The Wizards finished their four games in five nights, all on the West coast, Wednesday night. They came out with a lack of energy, making it look like a blow out by the Phoenix Suns. At halftime, Washington was down 17 points thanks to poor shooting, soft defense, and too many transition points.

However, in the second half, the Wizards came out with energy and quickly cut into the lead early in the third quarter. With all the energy it took to come back, Phoenix was able to close out the third quarter still retaining a double-digit lead.

Wizards head coach Randy Wittman started the fourth with all reserves, and they came out making their first six shots going on a 21-11 run, cutting the lead to four. Unfortunately, the reserves ran out of gas, and the Suns starters went on an immediate 10-2 run. Otto Porter Jr. kept fighting for Washington, as he went on an 8-0 run cutting the lead back to four. It wasn’t enough in the end as Phoenix executed enough down the stretch.

Goran Dragic led the Suns in scoring with 20 points on 8-of-15 shooting. Markieff Morris added 16 points, seven rebounds, and four assists while his frontcourt mate P.J. Tucker recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Isaiah Thomas scored 18 points off the bench, while Brandan Wright scored 13 points on 6-of-7 shooting and five rebounds in 17 minutes of play as a reserve.

Marcin Gortat and Otto Porter Jr. led the Wizards in scoring with 14 points apiece. John Wall and Bradley Beal struggled shooting the ball, as they combined for only 24 points on 10-of-31 shooting, including seven turnovers between the backcourt tandems. Kris Humphries filled in for Nene nicely as he recorded a double-double with 11 points and 15 rebounds, six of which were on the offensive glass.

Phoenix was able to get out and run with 21 fast break points compared to 17 by Washington. They also had a huge advantage in points-off-turnovers, 21-to-13, and they also moved the ball better, racking up 23 assists compared to only 13 by Washington. Phoenix shot 45.5 percent from the field and 83.3 percent from the charity stripe, while Washington shot 42 percent from the field and only 69.6 percent from the free-throw line.

The Suns swept the two-game series against Washington, making it three straight losses against Phoenix. It’s a tough loss for the Wizards, considering if they brought their effort for 48 minutes they could’ve come away with a nice road victory. Nonetheless, Washington went 2-2 on their West coast road trip which isn’t bad, even though both losses were feasible.

Washington’s next game is Saturday night at home against the Toronto Raptors at 7:00 PM EST. Phoenix stays home to face the Chicago Bulls on Friday night at 10:30 PM EST on ESPN.