The Washington Wizards almost blew a 35-point lead against a Miami Heat team that played without Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and Luol Deng. However, they were able to hold off the bang up Heat and win 99-97.

Nene led the Wizards in scoring with 20 points on 6-of-12 shooting and went a perfect 8-of-8 from the charity stripe. Marcin Gortat recorded his third straight double-double with 14 points, 17 rebounds, and two blocks. This was the Polish Machine’s seventh straight game with double-digit rebounds, and in five of those games he went on to record a double-double.

The Wizards backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal put up solid performances. Wall only scored six points but he racked up 12 assists and grabbed seven rebounds without turning the ball over. This was Wall’s first game without a turnover since February 12th of last season against the Houston Rockers. Beal showed signs of knocking off the rust after missing eight games. He scored 17 points on 6-of-11 shooting including two three-pointers.

Goran Dragic led Miami in scoring with 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting. Unfortunately, Dragic left the game in the third quarter after suffering a hard fall. It was the play of the Miami’s bench that gave them a chance to win this game. Shabazz Napier came in for Dragic and caught fire from three. Napier finished the game with 16 points and went 4-of-6 from three-point land. Michael Beasley added 13 points on 6-of-13 shooting, while James Ennis scored 11 points and grabbed five rebounds.

Washington came out on fire as they finished the first quarter up 40-18, the most points they’ve scored in a quarter all season. The Wizards would presume to lead the Heat 67-39 at halftime thanks to good ball movement, hot shooting, and stifling defense. Things would change in the second half.

The ways things started for the Wizards in the third quarter it looked like they were on their way to a blowout victory and the reserves would get some valuable playing time. Washington went on a 14-9 run as they led 81-48 with 7:35 left in the quarter. Miami would then respond with a 12-5 run thanks to an aggressive Goran Dragic who scored eight of those points in about four minutes time. A Wizards timeout didn’t stop the bleeding as the Heat ended the quarter on a 13-2 run, including a 9-0 run by Shabazz Napier who knocked down three-straight three-pointers. After Washington ballooned their lead to 35 points they only led by 15 at the end of the third quarter.

Michael Beasley carried the Heat throughout the fourth quarter without Goran Dragic. Beasley scored 13 points in the fourth quarter including a layup that cut the Wizards lead to three with only 1:47 left in regulation. Tyler Johnson would get his tip-in overturned to cut the lead to one point with only 1:07 left. Bradley Beal made 1-of-2 free throws to give the Wizards a two-point lead with 1.7 seconds left. Beasley had the opportunity to tie or win the game but time expired before the ball left his hands.

The Wizards came away with the win, but it’s hard to feel confident because of their play in the second half. Miami was battered with injuries and had no business being in this game once they went down 35 points in the second half. Washington clearly lost focus and let the Heat fight their way back. The one statistic that says it all is Washington’s turnovers. The Wizards only turned the ball over three times in the first half. In the second half Washington turned the ball over 14 times making it 17 for the game that led to 20 Miami points. Hot shooting will come and go but the Wizards need to find away to play hard on the defensive end for 48 minutes no matter what the offense is doing.

Washington will have a quick turnaround as they face the Milwaukee Bucks on the road tomorrow night at 8:30 PM EST. Miami will also play tomorrow night at home against the Sacramento Kings at 7:30 PM EST.