Nets edge Wizards in preseason debut

The Washington Wizards tasted their first dose of NBA basketball, Tuesday, falling in their preseason opener to the Brooklyn Nets 114-109 in overtime.  Washington looked crisp in the early goings, as John Wall put his offense skill set on display driving, dishing, and scoring on several occasions.  Wall showed the NBA the reason why the Wizards inked him to a maximum contract this summer finishing with 14 points and 8 assists.

Oct 8, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards point guard John Wall (2) shoots the ball over Brooklyn Nets shooting guard Alan Anderson (6) in the second quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The major storyline for the opposing Brooklyn Nets was the inaugural game for recently hired head coach Jason Kidd.  Kidd’s first coaching move was resting four starters, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Brook Lopez and Joe Johnson, after the first quarter.  Neither the newly acquired Kevin Garnett nor Paul Pierce played exceptionally well as Brook Lopez led the Nets scoring with 15 first quarter points. The Nets and Wizards went back and forth throughout much of the first half, as the Nets carried a 51-47 lead heading into the halftime break.

Washington found themselves down early in the second half, but solid performances from Nene, Kevin Seraphin, and Martell Webster kept the Zards in the game.  Washington eventually knotted the score just before the end of regulation to send the contest to overtime.  Washington, however, was unable to produce much offense in the extra time and eventually fell to the nets 114-109.  Washington will pick right up where they left off Saturday as the Chicago Bulls come to town.