Wizards Fall to the San Antonio Spurs for the 16th consecutive time

Feb 5, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; San Antonio Spurs power forward Tim Duncan (21) dribbles as Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (4) defends during overtime at Verizon Center. The Spurs defeated the Wizards 125 – 118 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The last time the Washington Wizards beat the San Antonio Spurs was on November 12, 2005. A lot has changed since as Gilbert Arenas lead all scorers of that game with 43 points. Not one player on the 2005 roster remains on the current team. Ever since the Wizards have always been on the losing side against the spurs, coming into tonight losing an absurd 15 times in a row against them. Tonight the Wizards tried to end this dismal loosing streak, but failed to do so as the streak hit 16.

The Wizards got off to a red hot start to begin the game, lead by John Wall who shot 6-8 and scored 14 of his 29 points in the opening quarter. The Wizards transition offense was great early on, as they scored numerous times off of the Spurs 13 first half turnovers. Late in the second quarter, the Wizards had their biggest lead of the game at 55-38 after John Wall found Bradley Beal on the fast break for the emphatic dunk.

Right out of the gate for the second half, the Spurs outplayed the Wizards and immediately erased the halftime deficit. The Wizards ran most of their offense under the rim but struggled greatly as Nene shot 4-14 and Marcin Gortat was 3-8 from the field. Tim Duncan did not hesitate on taking advantage of the Wizards offensive struggles, as he scored 14 of his 31 points alone in the 3rd quarter. Duncan outplayed the Wizards big men throughout the whole night as he finished with 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks. With 1:02 remaining in regulation, Duncan scored a layup which tied the game at 99, leading the game to Overtime.

With 2:01 left in the first overtime, the game seemed closed in the books but the Wizards went on a wild run. With just 6 seconds left in overtime, the Spurs had possession of the ball up 115-113. Tim Duncan threw a horrible inbound pass which was picked off by John wall who sprinted up the court to score a layup, forcing the game to a second overtime.

The Wizards couldn’t get any good offensive plays in the second OT and they greatly missed Bradley Beal who is still on a strict minute restriction. Tim Duncan fouled out with 4:13 left to play in overtime but the Wizards still could not get any defensive stops as the Spurs finished on top 125-118.

The Wizards will host the struggling Cavaliers on Friday while the Spurs are traveling to Brooklyn for a Thursday night game.