The pick-and-roll between Marcin Gortat and John Wall was working all night, and led to this slam by Gortat. On this play, and throughout the game, there was nothing the 76ers could throw at the Wizards to eliminate their ability to score off of the pick-and-roll, or any other offense. It’s hard to say a thirteen point victory is closer than the score indicated, but in this game, that was truly the case.
Connections between Wall and Gortat in the matchup between the Wizards and 76ers are what led Gortat to score a team high 23 points, and allowed for Wall to give out a team high 15 assists. In a season where he has been given a lot of criticism, Randy Wittman really found a way to expose mismatches, and give Gortat the ball where he could get open dunks and layups. If Wittman can continue to make game plans like this one where baskets are as easy as taking candy from a baby, he may still have a job once August comes.
If Gortat can remain hot, and continue to get great looks from the field, the Wizards now have an additional piece that has been missing in certain parts of the season. With Gortat scoring anywhere near twenty points, the Wizards will receive production from a player that needs to get active to get the Wizards some wins. Gortat will be key down the stretch, and the effort he gave tonight will help guide the Wizards to some playoff victories.
