Three Things to Watch: Mavericks at Wizards 11/19
By Jesse Jones
Washington’s bench production
Oct 12, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards center Kevin Seraphin (13) celebrates with Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) after scoring the game-winning basket against the Detroit Pistons in the final seconds of the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 91-89. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
The Wizards took down the Magic on Saturday in large because of their bench. The group scored 48 points in the win – 16 coming from Kris Humphries and 13 from Otto Porter.
The Mavericks will be without guard Devin Harris, which is a serious blow to their bench. Harris is sixth on the team in scoring at 8.6 points per game and in minutes played (23.1 per game).
But Dallas still has strong bench contributors, such as Richard Jefferson, Al-Farouq Aminu and Brandon Wright.
Wright is fifth on the team in scoring at 9.7 points per game and provides length and athleticism down low.
While Humphries, Porter and Drew Gooden III have provided a spark off the bench this season, Wittman will need more consistent play from the likes of Kevin Seraphin and Andre Miller.
One player Wittman should turn to is DeJuan Blair. The former Maverick has only seen limited action in three games, but his toughness and effort can provide a big spark off the bench.
His wingspan (7’2″) can affect the shot of Wright and Aminu, and his mid-range game can open up holes for Miller, who prefers to play on the post than shoot an outside jumper.
Washington’s bench came up huge in its last game, and with Beal coming off the bench, the unit should provide another spark tonight.