Washington Wizards beats Maccabi Haifa, 101-95

Israeli club Maccabi Haifa showed their grit as they hung tough against the Washington Wizards in a close 95-101 NBA preseason loss. Maccabi Haifa managed to offset Washington’s strong frontcourt presence by taking their attack from a long-range orientation. Maccabi Haifa caught fire from the outside, sinking 12-of-21 from three-point range.

With Bradley Beal nursing an injury and with John Wall’s minutes limited, the Wizards looked to second year swingman Otto Porter and reserve big man Kevin Seraphin for their offensive needs. The first quarter went on smoothly for both clubs, with Washington coming out ahead 29-25 at the end of the first quarter. Maccabi Haifa answered their American hosts in the second period with some solid outside shooting in the second quarter, and even securing a slim 55-54 lead at the halftime break. Washington leaned on Kevin Seraphin in the second half and allowed him to post-up close to the basket. Washington’s superior defense also allowed them to keep Maccabi Haifa at bay every time they would build any momentum generated by their shots from beyond the arc.

Otto Porter looked good in this game and rewarded the optimism for his 2014/15 campaign with 19 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four steals. Kevin Seraphin finished the night with 18 points and grabbed 12 boards.

Dagan Yivzori was firing on full automatic from downtown, nailing 7-0f-8 from three-point range, helping him score 23 points for the night. His performance was key in helping Maccabi Haifa hang with the Wizards for most of the game. Every time Washington would try to pull away, he’d lob some bombs and keep the lead withing manageable ranges. Anton Shoutvin added 16 points of his own.