Washington Nationals’ young outfielder James Wood is blossoming into a bona fide star. His emergence became more evident in Washington’s 7-4 win Sunday against the Los Angeles Angels.

After ripping a first-inning single and grounding out in the fourth, the Angels avoided pitching to Wood for the remainder of the game. Instead, L.A. intentionally walked Wood in four consecutive plate appearances.

Wood joined an exclusive list that includes Andre Dawson, Barry Bonds, Roger Maris, Manny Ramirez, and Gary Templeton, becoming the sixth MLB player to be intentionally walked four times in a single game. Bonds, who got walked an MLB-record 688 times, was the last to get the royal treatment in 2004.

James Wood was one of the pieces in the haul the Nationals acquired from the San Diego Padres in the Juan Soto trade. CJ Abrams appeared to be the centerpiece in the blockbuster trade, yet Wood had the highest ceiling of the prospects acquired.

In his first full MLB season, the 6-foot-7 Wood has a combination of raw power, plate discipline, and advanced approach metrics that forces teams to load the bases rather than face him one-on-one.

All of Wood’s intentional walks were with at least one runner in scoring position. The first deliberate walk loaded the bases in the fifth inning with one out of a tied game. The Nationals scored on the next plate appearance off Luis Garcia Jr’s fielder choice.

Wood’s second walk occurred in the sixth following a one-run double by Abrams that tied the game at 3-3. The third was in the ninth, with the game tied at 4-4 and Jacob Young on third.

Last, Wood drew an intentional walk in the 11th inning. The Nationals led 7-4 after Abrams ripped a two-run triple. Wood reached base five times in total. However, he did not score a run, as the batters behind him were unable to deliver him home.

James Wood blossoming into power hitter

Still, Wood’s rare feat is remarkable and illustrates how the once-top prospect is becoming a stud at the plate. Following the huge day, Wood is second only to Abrams with a .283 batting average. Yet, Wood leads the team in nearly every other primary offensive stat.

Wood ranks in the top 10 of MLB with 22 home runs, 64 runs batted in, 54 walks, a .386 on-base percentage, and a .552 slugging percentage. His stats make it unthinkable he was not an All-Star finalist among outfielders.

Ironically, Soto is a finalist now with the New York Mets. However, Wood’s stats are very comparable to those of the veteran. Despite the Nationals being in last place in the NL East standings, Wood has stood out as an integral part of the club’s future.

He’s making a name for himself. Judging by the Angels’ treatment Sunday, the rest of MLB is taking notice of James Wood.

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The Maryland women’s basketball team is marching to its fourth Sweet 16 in five years after a thrilling double-overtime win over Alabama, 111-108, on Monday. Maryland clawed back into the game after trailing by 17 points with just under three minutes in the third quarter.

However, the Terrapins went on a relentless rally, forced overtime, and watched an opportunity to win wash away in OT before pulling off the win in arguably the best tournament game in recent years.

Ultimately, Maryland’s star, Shyanne Sellers, put the Terrapins ahead with clutch free throws. Then, Sarah Te-Biasu grabbed the biggest steal of her collegiate career to seal the dramatic win.

Sarah Ashlee Barker shines despite Alabama’s loss

Alabama star guard Sarah Ashlee Barker put on an incredible performance. Barker finished her five-year collegiate career with a jaw-dropping 45 points.

Alabama was down by 10 in the mid-second quarter, losing 33-23. Barker led the Crimson Tide to a 10-0 run with six points of her own. Then she knocked down a corner three to give her team the lead.

She added eight rebounds and three assists. She put herself in the history books with the most points in a tournament game by any Alabama player. In addition to her historic performance, four of Barker’s teammates scored double-digit points.

• Sarah Ashlee Barker: 45 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists
• Essence Cody: 18 points, 5 steals, 2 blocks
• Karly Weathers: 9 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds
• Aaliyah Nye: 11 points, 4 assists, 2 steals
• Zaay Green: 11 points, 5 assists

Despite Baker’s jaw-dropping game, Sellers led Maryland to the win with a season-high 28 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter and overtime. Her high scoring in the clutch pushed the team to the finish line and into the next round.

She wasn’t the only Terp to have a high-scoring game. The starting five were just as determined as she was to advance to the next round, as four starters scored 19+ points.

• Shyanne Sellers: 28 points, 9-9 free throws
• Sarah Te-Biasu: 26 points, 6 assists, 3 steals, 5-8 from three
• Kaylene Smikle: 24 points, 7 assists, 3 steals
• Allie Kubek: 19 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists

Chaotic key moments lead to double OT

Maryland trailed by 12 early in the fourth quarter, following an and-one by Alabama’s Essence Cody. Desperate to keep their season alive, the Terps answered with a scoring barrage, chipping away at the deficit throughout the fourth.

Maryland closed the game with a pair of free throws by Sellers with 1:01 remaining. Barker responded with a three to put the Crimson Tide back in front with 37 seconds remaining. However, with the season on the line, Maryland’s guard Sarah Te-Biasu came away with the biggest shot of her career. Te-Biasu found Kaylen Smikle for a three, but Barker blocked her shot. Smikle followed her miss and kicked the ball back to Te-Biasu, who drained the game-tying three, sending the contest into its first overtime.

In the first overtime, Maryland seized control late. With six seconds left, Maryland owned a 95-93 lead and had Saylor Poffenbarger going to the free-throw line to extend the lead to four points. Unfortunately, Poffenbarger made 1-of-2 free throws, leaving Alabama with one final possession in OT.

As the buzzer sounded, Poffenbarer made matters worse, fouling Barker on a three-point attempt with the buzzer sounded. Barker shrugged off the pressure and knocked down all three free throws, tying the game for a second overtime.

Maryland seals deal in double OT

Maryland approached double overtime, knowing they blew an opportunity. Te-Biasu scored eight points in the second overtime. Her fifth-three pointer of the game gave the Terrapins a 106-100 lead. Alabama never recovered from that moment on.

Barker gave it her final push with a jumper that cut the deficit to 109-108 with 16 seconds remaining. Yet, Sellers extended Maryland’s lead with two free throws.

Maryland leaned on its defense to close out the game. The Tide’s Diana Collins missed a three that got deflected out of bounds. Alabama retained possession for one final chance with 1.8 seconds left.

Te-Biasu, who saved Maryland’s season with a regulation three, broke up the in-bound pass intended for Barker to seal the Terps’ trip to the Sweet 16.

The 219 combined points by both teams were the second-most scored in NCAA women’s tournament history. Only Alabama’s four-overtime thrilling win against Duke in 1995 had more combined points (241). That game was also in the second round and between a No. 4 and 5 seed.

Maryland will play Regional 2’s No. 1 seed and defending national champion, South Carolina, in Friday’s Sweet 16. The Terrapins and Gamecocks have met eight times, including a South Carolina win in a 2023 Regional Final.

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Finally, the Maryland men’s basketball team ended up on the right side of a buzzer-beater. Trailing Colorado State 71-70 with 3.7 seconds remaining, Big Ten Freshman of the Year Derik Queen took an inbound pass, dribbled right, and pulled up to bank a fadeaway off the glass to beat the buzzer, sending Maryland to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2016.

The Seattle crowd at Climate Pledge Arena witnessed the most memorable game of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The West’s 12-seed Colorado State gave the 4-seeded Maryland Terrapins everything they could handle.

Stats of the Game

Colorado State opened up with a 22-10 lead in the first half behind an early 16-2 run. However, Queen refused to lose. The Super-freshman scored 10 of Maryland’s first 14 points. Eventually, fellow Maryland big Julian Reese got going. Then Maryland’s guard followed suit.

Yet, the Rams took a 37-30 lead into halftime. Colorado State star guard Nique Clifford scored 12 of his game-high 21 points in the first half.

• Nique Clifford: 21 pts, 7 reb, 6 ast
• Jalen Lake: 13 pts
• Kyan Evans: 10 pts, 4 reb
• Bowen Born: 10 pts, 4 reb

The country’s best starting five got on track and chipped away at the Rams’ lead. All five starters, dubbed the “Crab Five,” scored in double figures.

• Derik Queen: 17 pts, 6 reb
• Julian Reese: 15 pts, 11 reb
• Rodney Rice: 16 pts, 4 reb
• Ja’Kobi Gillespie: 11 pts, 7 ast, 3 reb
• Selton Miguel: 11 pts

Frantic moments down the stretch

Maryland looked to have control of the game, up 68-64 with 1:36 remaining. However, Clifford made a pair of free throws. Then Gillespie missed a floater at the rim that Colorado State translated into a game-tying jumper by Lake with 54 seconds remaining.

Doubt crept into Maryland, whose final four losses have all come with their opponents hitting game-winning shots in under 10 seconds. Reese made a pair of clutch free throws with 22 seconds remaining to give Maryland a 70-68 lead. However, with 11 seconds remaining, the Rams executed a perfect play when Clifford found Lake on the wing for an open three-pointer with 3.7 seconds left to give Colorado State a 71–70 lead.

Derik Queen: Give me the Ball!

Queen refused to lose. The potential NBA lottery pick called his shot.

According to Maryland head coach Kevin Willard, Queen said, “Give me the [expletive] ball,” during the Terrapins’ final timeout.

Gillespie inbounded the ball to the freshman, who went to work over, beating Ethan Morton to bank the game-winner.

During the TBS broadcast, Queen was asked why he asked for the basketball despite being a freshman. The Maryland native responded, “I’m from Baltimore.”

Later, Queen admitted he had never made a game-winner at any level. Willard joked he wouldn’t have given Queen the ball if he’d known that.

Maryland stayed in game despite slow start

Maryland’s backcourt withstood a slow start to the game. Clifford was too much to handle in the early going. The Terrapins ultimately got the ball inside to Reese and Queen, using their size advantage.

Maryland’s perimeter offense took time, but its defense was solid outside. The Rams shot 5-of-21 from three-point range. Colorado State’s ability to get 13 offensive rebounds and physical play kept the Rams in the game.

Officials struggled throughout game

The officials’ work was debatable throughout the game. They missed a blatant elbow by Clifford to Maryland guard Jordan Geronimo’s head. Despite Geronimo falling to the floor, officials did not access a foul or review for a potential flagrant 1.

Clifford also got away with a potential offensive foul on a hook in the second half, leading to a dunk and two points. Maryland had some calls go its way, including an argument that Queen may have gotten away with a travel on the game-winner.

The missed calls are debatable and result from such a highly contested game.

What’s next for Maryland

Nonetheless, Maryland is marching on to the Sweet 16 in San Francisco. The Terrapins will play Florida, the West’s No. 1 seed and SEC Tournament champion.

The loss snaps Colorado State’s 11-game win streak. The Rams are left to wonder what could’ve been. Colorado State came one defensive stop short of its first Sweet 16 since 1969.

Maryland had suffered heartache throughout the season. Their last four losses have occurred with a go-ahead basket by an opponent under ten seconds, including a loss at the buzzer to Michigan in the Big Ten Conference Tournament semifinals. On Sunday, it was Maryland’s turn to be on the favorable side of a clutch moment. Derik Queen left Colorado State sleepless in Seattle by calling game.

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The Maryland Terrapins were given a four-seed by the NCAA Tournament’s selection committee. However, the Terrapins were placed in the West Region and, more importantly, will play their Round of 64 game against WAC tournament champion Grand Canyon in Seattle, Washington.

On the surface, placing the Big Ten Conference’s second-best regular season team as a No. 4 seed and sending them over 2,700 miles across the country seems unrewarding. However, when examining the men’s bracket further, the committee may have committed a gaffe.

Maryland has the farthest travel of any No. 4 seed for Round of 64

The committee’s seeding list revealed Maryland as the 15th overall seed. Typically, as the 15th overall seed, you’re at the mercy of the other 14 teams getting preferred locations in the first weekend of the tournament. Arizona, the 16th overall seed, is the only four-seed team ranked below Maryland.

The Wildcats will open the tournament against Akron in Seattle, roughly 1,500 miles from their Tucson campus.

Among the four seeds, Texas A&M (14th overall) got placed the closest to its campus, as the Aggies will play in Denver (334 miles).

Maryland’s Big Ten rival, Purdue, also received a four-seed. Purdue will start the NCAA Tournament in Providence, Rhode Island (938 miles).

Maryland and Arizona scratching their heads about Regions

However, the focus shifts to Maryland’s Region of choice. The Terrapins are in the West. If Derik Queen and the “Crab Five” advance out of the first weekend, they’ll play their Sweet 16 game in San Francisco.

Meanwhile, Arizona is in the East Region. A trip to the Sweet 16 will be in Newark, New Jersey. The committee’s choice to send Maryland (15th overall) to the West and Arizona (16th overall) to the East is fascinating. Maryland’s overall seeding is in line with Duke’s, while Arizona’s is in line with Florida, the fourth No. 1 overall seed.

While Arizona and San Francisco are over 1,500 miles apart, the Wildcats prefer the Bay Area over going 2,900 miles to New Jersey. On the other hand, Maryland would travel 2,700 back and forth to Seattle and then go another 2,800 miles to San Francisco. The potential closest location Maryland would play in the tournament is San Antonio, Texas—the site of the Final Four.

Why the committee didn’t swap the Terps and Arizona regions

So why didn’t the committee just swap Maryland and Arizona to their right seed lines? Maryland fans will be quick to say the committee avoided a potential showdown with former ACC rival Duke in the Sweet 16. Maryland is closer to New Jersey and Duke (Durham, NC).

Duke travels well, and the Blue Devils fans could still outnumber the Maryland faithful. The better explanation may be that the committee is trying to avoid a potential Sweet 16 matchup for Maryland against Big Ten Conference foe Oregon.

The Ducks are the No. 5 seed in the East and the 19th overall seed. The committee avoids rematches in the Round of 64 and 32 unless, like the SEC this year, a conference gets an abundance of bids.

Oregon beat Maryland 83-79 in Eugene in January. The Ducks were on the seed line with Purdue. However, Purdue is also in the Big Ten. The Boilermakers topped the Ducks 65-58 on Jan. 18. Oregon likely got bounced around to avoid Maryland and Purdue, slotting them in the East Region.

Maryland can point to its last four losses as to why it didn’t receive a more favorable seed. The Terps’ last four losses have occurred on buzzer-beaters against Northwestern, Ohio State, Michigan State, and most recently Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals.

Maryland’s cards are dealt. Understandably, head coach Kevin Willard isn’t dwelling on the travel. Instead, Maryland is focused on the Antelopes of Grand Canyon University. Win, and everything plays itself out.

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Last season, edge rusher Dante Fowler followed his defensive coordinator to the Washington Commanders from the Dallas Cowboys. Signing a one-year deal, Fowler looked to revive his career and find a permanent NFL home.

Washington became his fifth team since he was the third overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Fowler flourished, leading the Commanders with 10.5 sacks, as the team went from four wins in the previous season to 12 in 2024.

He was one of several key contributors to the Commanders’ turnaround. In some aspects, Fowler overshadowed Washington’s other pass rusher signee, Dorance Armstrong, a former Cowboys defensive end.

Fowler’s resurgence reminded many around the NFL why he was a first-round draft pick. However, it appears insufficient to get the type of contract he would like, not from Washington.

In the wee hours of Sunday night, before the league’s legal tampering period, Fowler expressed his frustration over X/Twitter.

“The disrespect. I Can’t take it anymore,” Fowler tweeted.

Fowler’s teammate and fellow free agent, Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown seconded his tweet.

Fowler had big moments during Washington’s memorable 2024 season. He had a 67-yard pick-six against the Carolina Panthers that helped break the game open in a Washington blowout victory. He built on the momentum to collect four sacks throughout two games in Week 9 and 10.

His strip-sack of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix helped the Commanders clinch a playoff berth. After being a situational pass rusher with Dallas, Fowler played 564 defensive snaps for the Commanders.

Despite the regular-season success, Fowler was quiet during the Commanders’ three playoff games. He didn’t record a sack and was also limited to 16 defensive snaps in Washington’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game.

His efforts on Washington’s first defensive play helped yield a 60-yard touchdown run by Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. Fowler fell down, knocking teammate linebacker Bobby Wagner off his pursuit of Barkley.

One play doesn’t determine a player’s value. However, Fowler’s limitation on early downs undoubtedly impacts his value with teams.

Fowler’s tweet doesn’t definitive detail the situation. Yet, the timing opened the door to speculation.

Meanwhile, the Commanders were linked to multiple pass rushers ahead of the league’s free agency. The names thrown out, Trey Hendrickson, Myles Garrett, and Josh Sweat, have been more consistent and dominant in recent years than Fowler.

Garrett signed a four-year, $160 million contract extension with the Cleveland Browns following his trade request, which garnered the Commanders’ interest. Harold Landry reportedly has agreed to a three-year, $46.5 million deal with the New England Patriots, which may be more comparable to Fowler.

Landry had nine sacks with 41 pressures, playing 880 defensive snaps in 2024. According to Pro Football Focus, Landry had a 4.8% pass-rush win rate, the lowest among 64 qualified edge rushers. Meanwhile, Fowler had a 20% pass rush win rate, ranking eighth among edge rushers. He was also 21st in pressure rate.

Returning Fowler is logical if the money works. If his tweet was any indication, the two parties are not on the same page with Fowler’s value.

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The Washington Commanders are going to the playoffs after rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels found veteran tight end Zach Ertz in the end zone for a walk-off overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons Sunday night.

Ertz hauled six catches for 72 yards and two of Daniels’ three touchdown passes. The game-winning touchdown not only put Washington into the playoffs but also earned Ertz a nice chunk of change in incentives.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Ertz earned a $250,000 bonus for having six touchdown receptions this season. He grabbed an additional $250,000 Sunday by surpassing 600 receiving yards this season. He now has over 60 catches on the season, which garnered another $250,000 bonus.

In total, Ertz obtained $750,000 in bonuses all Sunday night.

Zach Ertz redefining end of career

The 34-year-old signed a one-year contract with the Commanders in the offseason. Ertz arrived in Washington looking to extend his career after two dreadful seasons with the Arizona Cardinals marred by injuries.

Ertz’s relationship with Washington’s offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, the Cardinals’ head coach during Ertz’s time there, played a massive part in his signing in D.C. He played nine seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Ertz’s veteran presence has been tremendous with Daniels’ development. In turn, he’s been Daniels’ second option behind star wide receiver Terry McLaurin. Ertz is second on the Commanders in every significant receiving category with 61 catches, 610 yards, and six touchdowns.

Once considered on the last leg of his career, Ertz has had the most catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns since being traded from Philadelphia to Arizona in the 2021 season.

The Commanders have one more game left in the regular season. They’ll travel to play the Dallas Cowboys. Ertz could earn even more money, depending on his performance in the season finale. His contract states he will earn another $250,000 bonus if he reaches 70 catches, another for 700 yards, and another $250,000 if he reaches eight touchdowns, according to Spotrac.

It’s not farfetched for Ertz to grab nine catches for 90 yards and two touchdowns after his game against the Falcons. Nonetheless, Ertz and his wife, former Team USA soccer star Julie, will enjoy the $750,000 extra he earned and the revitalizing of his career.

The post Zach Ertz hauled in great chunk of change through incentives with overtime TD appeared first on DC Sports King.

The Washington Commanders are now on a three-game losing streak after an embarrassing loss to the woeful Dallas Cowboys, the Commanders’ NFC East division rival. To add injury to insult, the Commanders’ top two running backs, Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr., exited the game with concerning injuries.

Robinson got injured after his ankle was trapped as he got tackled on Washington’s first offensive play. Meanwhile, Ekeler got concussed on the game’s final kickoff. Now, the Commanders must monitor both running backs as the team tries to regroup.

Robinson briefly returned to the game after being evaluated for an ankle injury but exited for good. He finished the game with five carries for 13 yards.

Meanwhile, Ekeler took a devastating hit to the head near the end of Sunday’s loss from Cowboys linebacker Damon Clark during a kickoff return with 14 seconds remaining. Ekeler fell instantly to the turf, head-first.

Teammates immediately waved toward Washington’s sideline as Ekeler lay on the ground motionless.

Players from both teams kneeled as trainers rushed to the field to attend to Ekeler. The scene was injury to insult for the Commanders’ dreadful loss to the Cowboys.

Moments earlier, the Commanders scored an improbable touchdown with no timeouts. Quarterback Jayden Daniels connected with wide receiver Terry McLaurin for an 86-yard touchdown that cut Washington’s deficit to 27-26. Unfortunately, kicker Austin Seibert missed the potential game-tying extra point with 21 seconds.

Cowboys safety Juanyeh Thomas returned an ensuing offside kick for a 43-yard touchdown that seemingly iced the game and led to the kickoff that Ekeler got injured.

Fortunately, Ekeler got to his feet and walked off the field. According to Ben Standig of The Athletic, out of an abundance of caution, Ekeler got transported to the hospital.

Commanders may have to look for other options next week

Quinn spoke with Ekeler Tuesday, per John Keim of ESPN. Tests on Sunday came back “good,” yet the 29-year-old will be in the concussion protocol.

Ekeler has now been diagnosed with his second concussion of the season. He missed a Week 4 game due to a concussion and lacerated ear on a big collision in Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Robinson will receive treatment, and his ankle will get re-evaluated later in the week.

If Ekeler won’t be cleared from the concussion protocol, Washington may have to dig deep into the running back depth chart. Ekeler has 701 yards from scrimmage and four rushing touchdowns on 107 touches. He also averages 30.8 yards per kickoff return with 594 return yards.

Robinson has rushed for 537 yards and a team-high seven touchdowns. Washington has Jeremy McNichols behind Robinson and Ekeler. The Commanders cut 2023 sixth-round pick Chris Rodriguez on Sunday. Rodriguez expects to get re-signed to the practice squad.

McNichols is a seven-year veteran. He already has a career-high 217 rushing yards and four touchdowns despite being third on the depth chart. McNichols has flashed in every instance his number has been called this season. Still, Washington has to look beyond for depth if their two primary backs are out at the same time.

The Commanders (7-5) are reeling after three consecutive losses. Issues have emerged on the offense, and not having a viable running back hampers an already struggling passing game.

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Washington Commanders star rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels will be a game-time decision for Sunday’s marquee matchup against Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears. Daniels is battling a rib injury he suffered on Washington’s opening drive of Week 7’s game against the Carolina Panthers.

Daniels missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday. However, he was a limited participant on Friday. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, he also went through Washington’s walkthrough on Saturday to get as many walkthrough reps as possible.

There is much uncertainty surrounding his availability. Yet, the team gave a promising hint about Daniels’ status by not elevating quarterback Sam Hartman from the practice squad to the active roster.

By not elevating Hartman, he is ineligible to be the team’s third emergency quarterback against the Bears. NFL rules state the emergency QB must be on the active roster. Instead, the only available options are Marcus Mariota and backup Jeff Driskel.

That means if Daniels can’t go, Washington won’t have a third quarterback available for emergency. Mariota is slated to start in Daniels’ place if Daniels does not suit up. Driskel would be the backup.

There is a scenario in which Daniels doesn’t start but dresses as the emergency quarterback. He’d only be allowed to play if Mariota and Driskell get injured during the game.

All eyes will be intrigued to find Daniels’ situation. Sunday is supposed to be a showdown of the top two picks in this year’s NFL Draft between first overall pick Caleb Williams and Daniels, the second overall pick — the last two Heisman Trophy winners. Williams is a native of Washington, D.C., starring at Gonzaga College High School (D.C.) before he starred at USC in college.

Williams had a rocky start but has settled in, guiding the Bears to a 4-2 record with 1,317 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and five interceptions.

Meanwhile, Daniels has emerged as the frontrunner for the NFL Offensive Player of the Year. Through seven games, Daniels has thrown for 1,40 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions. He has added 372 rushing yards and four touchdowns behind him.

The post Jayden Daniels status still up in air despite promising hint appeared first on DC Sports King.

The Washington Wizards opened their season with a 122-102 loss against the defending champions Boston Celtics.

Jordan Poole had a great opening night, finishing with 26 points and four assists. He also tied his career high with four steals and shot 9-of-17 in the contest.

The Wizards missed their veteran point guard, Malcolm Brogdon, who is still out due to a hand injury he suffered before the preseason. First-round pick Bub Carrington started at point guard instead of Jordan Poole. Poole played point guard at the start of the preseason, but today, he slid to the two-spot.

Number two overall pick Alexandre Sarr started at center. With Kyle Kuzma at power forward and last year’s first-round pick Bilal Coulibaly the starting lineup was the youngest in the Washington Wizards’ franchise history, at an average age of 22 and six months.

In the first half, the Wizards looked like they could stick with the Celtics, only trailing by 10. But in the second half, everything came crashing down on the defensive end for the Wizards, and the Celtics had their way of scoring the ball.

Going up against the reigning NBA champions, the Wizards still showed some positives from the loss. And here are four takeaways from the loss.

Poole fit comfortably at shooting guard

Jordan Poole came out firing in the first quarter, as the guard scored 17 of the Wizards 32 points in the quarter. He made five three-pointers and scored on a coast-to-coast layup in transition. He played just as well on the defensive end with two steals.

He finished with 26 points, making 6-of-11 from three. Poole looked improved defensively on and off the ball, racking up four steals that tied his career high.

Poole can initiate the offense as a point guard, but he looked more comfortable with a green light scoring. That first quarter was reminiscent of his days with the Golden State Warriors. Hopefully, he continues to be a threat, scoring the ball and opening up his teammates.

The ball movement on offense improved significantly

On offense the Wizards have moved the ball a lot, and found a lot of open looks in the paint. In the second quarter they came out a time out and went on a 15-8 run. Scoring the majority of their points from excellent ball movement, and finishes in the paint.

In transition they got the ball out very quickly, to get a lot of good open shots.

Despite not having success in the second half putting the ball in the basket, the Wizards still continued to move the ball. They just couldn’t execute the possessions.

Wizards struggled mightily on defense

The Celtics exploited the Wizards on screens. The Wizards couldn’t fight through the picks, and their defensive rotation wasn’t fast enough to get a strong contest. The screens freed up the Celtics for open looks from the three. The Celtics made 17 threes, many of which were wide open.

The Wizards’ slow rotations off traps also handicapped the defense.

Jayson Tatum also carved up the Wizards defense, getting all the looks he wanted. The Celtics’ frontman finished with 26 points. All-Star teammate Jaylen Brown finished with 25 points.

Tatum and Brown commanded the Wizards’ attention on defense. Washington couldn’t keep either at bay, which led to their teammates getting great looks. The Celtics thrived on driving through the lane, forcing Washington to collapse.

Despite showing great effort, the Wizards were still short of maintaining the Celtics offense, and need to improve on their defensive awareness.

Wizards need to get Alex Sarr more involved in the offense

This year’s No. 2 overall pick had a rough debut. Sarr scored a mere two points on 1-of-7 shooting.

The ball rarely ever swung Sarr’s way in the first half, only getting four touches in the first half.

When he touched the basketball, his shot selection didn’t mirror his game before entering the NBA. In Australia, he primarily scored by moving off the ball and cutting to the basket.

During his NBA debut Thursday, he got tasked with many pick-and-pops. Five of his seven shot attempts were three. He missed all five from beyond the arc.

Whether by design or not, Sarr played out of position throughout the night. As a seven-footer, taking more three than two is not ideal. Could his shot selection be a byproduct of his needing to develop a stronger postgame for the NBA?

Sarr’s first and only points of his NBA career came on a putback dunk from a missed layup by Kyle Kuzma. On the ensuing defensive possession, he was able to hold Jaylen Brown one-on-one, forcing a missed three-pointer from the Celtics star.

While his offense struggled, Sarr displayed a lot of effort on the defense. He looked much improved from the Summer League and preseason. He had active hands and stayed light on his feet.

This is a season of development in Washington. Their next game will be another daunting challenge, a home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday. The Wizards will debut their new Statement uniforms.

The post Four takeaways from the Wizards opening night loss to the Celtics appeared first on DC Sports King.

Maryland quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. threw for 373 yards and two touchdowns. Yet Edwards used his feet with a three-yard scramble into the end zone that capped the Terrapins’ comeback for a 29-28 win over the USC Trojans.

Maryland trailed USC by 14 points entering the fourth quarter. The Terps’ offense came alive, but the defense stifled quarterback Miller Moss and the USC offense in the final quarter.

The win snaps Maryland’s two-game losing streak. Meanwhile, USC will travel over 2,300 miles back to Los Angeles with many unanswered questions, falling to 1-4 in the Big Ten Conference.

USC scores first after a slow start from both teams

Both teams started slow offensively, with only five first downs in the first 11 minutes and four punts. Maryland’s defense staggered USC early, as defensive lineman Quashon Fuller had a sack and later a pass breakup to force a punt.

Miller Moss and USC’s offense finally woke up with back-to-back first-down passes to receivers Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane. But on third-and-seven, Maryland defensive back Kevis Thomas broke up a deep ball to Duce Robinson.

USC’s kicker, Michael Lantz, missed a 52-yard field goal. However, Maryland was flagged for an illegal substitution penalty as Jordan Philips got caught running on the field. The gaffe proved costly, as the missed field goal got erased, and USC converted a fourth-and-two, setting up a 22-yard touchdown pass from Moss to wide receiver Kyron Hudson.

USC 7, Maryland 0

QB’s Billy Edwards Jr. and Miller Moss trade touchdown throws

Maryland responded on the ensuing possession. The drive was heading towards a three-and-out when Edwards connected with wide receiver Kaden Prather for 33 yards on third-and-nine.

Edwards and Prather hooked up on a third-and-five for 11 yards. Two plays later, Octavian Smith Jr. hauled in a 16-yard touchdown pass from Edwards, tying the game.

Edwards was a perfect 6-for-6 passing for 73 yards on the drive. He also had a 12-yard run.

Maryland 7, USC 7

USC didn’t waste much time answering back. The Trojans marched 75 yards in under three minutes to regain the lead.

The Trojans opened the drive with back-to-back first downs. Wide receiver Zacharian Branch had a 23-yard reception. Then, running back Woody Marks gained 11. A 14-yard pass from Moss to Jay Fair had the Trojans in Maryland’s territory.

USC wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane tried outdoing Octavian Smith with a spectacular touchdown catch. Lane extended his arm out to catch the ball with one hand.

USC 14, Maryland 7

Maryland ends first half on sour note

Maryland converted two fourth-and-one opportunities — Edwards’ one-yard sneak run and a USC penalty. Edwards found Smith for 18 yards to get into USC territory. However, Maryland gained just one yard on their next three plays, forcing a 52-yard field goal attempt.

Maryland kicker Jack Howes had the distance but pulled it wide right.

The defense forced a three-and-out to give Edwards and the offense the ball back. But Maryland couldn’t move the football, punting it back to USC with just over a minute to play in the first half.

Branch got a good return of 19 yards on the punt, putting USC in a great field position. The Trojans offense marched 41 yards in 1:07, highlighted by a 24-yard reception by Makai Lemon.

USC running back Woody Mark accounted for the final 15 yards, scoring a touchdown, extending the Trojan’s lead.

USC 21, Maryland 7

Maryland threatened with 21 seconds on the clock, eating up ground to USC’s 27-yard line with five seconds left in the half. However, the Terps tried to make a play with the offense. Unfortunately, a bad snap got over the head of Edwards, turning into a fumble recovery by USC as the clock expired.

Maryland gets new life with interception

Maryland’s defense opened the door of opportunity, getting a huge turnover in the quarter. But first, Maryland’s offense turned over the ball on their opening drive of the third quarter. Running back Roman Hemby got stuffed on a fourth-and-three run.

The attempt on the fourth down was understandable. Maryland was desperate to score points.

However, the Terps got a break when Maryland defensive back Lavain Scruggs intercepted Moss before returning the pick 51 yards down to USC’s 18-yard line.

Moss got pressured by the Terps’ front. Scruggs jumped the pass intended for Branch.

On the very next play, Maryland capitalized off the turnover. Edwards zipped a pass to Felton, who got an assistant into the end zone by the Terrapins’ offensive line.

Maryland 14, USC 21

Edwards gets picked off in the endzone

Momentum shifted to Maryland’s side. The defense picked up where it left off with a huge three-and-out of USC’s offense. A false start followed by a four-yard loss by Marks helped lead to a third-and-ten.

Maryland cornerback Perry Fisher broke up a pass intended for Lane. Fisher landed awkwardly and needed assistance to the sideline.

After the punt, Edwards completed back-to-back passes. Then, he scampered nine yards to USC territory. Running back Nolan Ray busted open a 33-yard run, setting the Terps at USC’s 11-yard line.

Three plays later, Felton’s nine-yard catch set the Terps into a fourth-and-three from the four. Maryland head coach Mike Locksley dialed up the offense, needing a touchdown to tie the game. However, Edwards’ fade to Prather was intercepted by USC’s Jaylin Smith in the end zone.

USC turned the interception into points, as the offense marched 80 yards on ten plays into the end zone. From the 26-yard line, Moss found Robinson at the 12 before Robinson barreled through two Maryland defenders to get into the end zone for what appeared to be a back-breaking score with 13:31 left in the fourth quarter.

USC 28, Maryland 14

Edwards shakes off interception to keep Maryland alive

Edwards immediately responded with Maryland’s season on the line. He linked with Smith twice for a total of 32 yards. Maryland converted two fourth-down plays on the drive.

Ray ripped a 10-yard run on fourth-and-one. Then, with fourth-and-five, a short pass from Edwards to Hemby turned into a 14-yard first down.

Hemby finished the drive off on the next play with a ten-yard touchdown run. Edwards and Prather hooked up for a two-point conversion to cut the deficit to six.

The two-point conversion proved instrumental in Maryland’s comeback.

Maryland 22, USC 28

Blocked field goal saves the game

After Maryland’s defense forced a punt, the offense tried to answer with another score. Yet, the drive stalled when Edwards got sacked by Kamari Ramsey on a fourth-and-seven from midfield with 2:58 remaining.

The drive seemed to be Maryland’s last-ditch effort.

USC was unable to run the clock out, but because of their excellent field position, the Trojans still had a chance to seal the win with a field goal. Except, Maryland blocked Lantz’s 41-yard field goal attempt.

With the game on the line, Maryland’s special teams made a spectacular play, saving the Terrapins chances.

Edwards rallies Maryland to stunning win

Maryland’s offense took over possession at USC’s 47-yard line with the game on the line. The Terps got a lifesaver when an Edwards pass to Felton drew a pass interference call.

The penalty advanced Maryland to the 28-yard line. Edwards completed his three consecutive passes to Smith, Felton, and Hemby. Then, with second-and-goal from the three, Edwards called his own number, scoring the go-ahead touchdown with 53 seconds remaining.

Maryland 29, USC 28

USC tried to get into field goal range to win it. But the drive stalled when Moss’s fourth-down pass bounced off the hands of Marks, sealing the Terps’ comeback.

Maryland pulled an improbable comeback for its first Big Ten win of the season. The Terrapins had stumbled against Michigan State, got outpaced by Indiana, and unexpectedly got blown out at home by Northwestern.

So many questions lingered for Locksley and the Terrapins. The head coach had taken over play-calling duties a week ago. Saturday’s performance had mixed results, but when Maryland needed them, Locksley and his quarterback, Edwards, delivered.

USC is heading in the wrong direction. The Trojans’ inaugural season in the Big Ten has turned into a nightmare for head coach Lincoln Riley. USC now has four losses in conference play. The last two defeats were heartbreaking.

USC blew a 14-point halftime lead last week to Penn State at the LA Coliseum. This week, they held a 14-point lead at halftime and in the fourth quarter.

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