On December 17, Beijing time, the Suns played against the Wizards, and Paul continued to lead the team to play. The difference in strength between the two teams was too great, and although the Wizards waited until Kuzma returned, they were still beaten, gave up the game early, and finally won 118-98 and won by 20 points. Paul only played three quarters, had 12 points, 5 boards and 6 assists, 6-of-8 shooting, played too easily, and won before he could exert himself. Ayton had 15 points, 10 boards and 4 assists, and only played three quarters, with 8 players in double figures. The Wizards' Kuzma only had 4 points and Pope had 9 points, and the three veterans did not play well, and were led by Paul back to their original form.
The Wizards took the lead, Paul assisted his teammates 2+1, and Ayton scored four straight points. After Bill scored, Paul scored in response. Pope scored a rare one, and then Crowder scored a three-pointer. Paul hit a hit, and after Beal hit a three-point shot, Paul teased Harrell and continued to shoot in the jump shot. McGee and other substitute layups also scored, leading by eight points in the first quarter. The Suns had plenty of points, with McGee and Johnson continuing to score in the second quarter, Pop stopping bleeding by three points, and the Suns continuing to score. The Wizards chased down 3 points, resulting in Shamet and Crowder hitting three-pointers, Beal scoring a surge, Paul assisting teammates multiple times, and Ayton finally scoring 7 consecutive points, and finally blocking the opponent, the Suns led by 12 points.
The three old generals of the Lakers were blown up, especially Harrell, who was targeted by Paul and targeted by Ayton, and he was completely defenseless. Kuzma finally scored under the basket in the third quarter, but Paul threw a score, and after the two teams competed against each other, Shamet countered, Paul also hit consecutive jump shots, and then assisted Ayton to score, and when Bridges scored, Crowder led by 22 points after 2 free throws. The Wizards scored to stop the bleeding, Beal scored consecutively, McGee and Payne scored in response, Harrell scored a rare throw, and Johnson scored three points, and the Suns still led by 18 points.
As soon as the Suns fired, the score was pulled away, and the Wizards were no match at all. The Suns were still working in the fourth quarter, with Johnson scoring, Payton 2+1, and McGee scoring in the air, leading by 23 points. There was no suspense in the game, and Paul didn't even bother to come back. McGee scored on free throws, the Wizards counter-attacked, and McGee assisted his teammates to score, and the Suns also replaced McGee behind, and the Wizards also replaced Bill and other main players, giving up the game. The Suns easily won the victory and blew up the dark horse in the East.
The Wizards became the dark horse of the East this season and once ranked well. But recently the dark horse has shown its original form, losing this game, they have won four consecutive defeats, and the team's ranking has begun to decline. This time the Wizards were even more blown by the sun, and Bill played well and got a high score. The problem is that his teammates can't do it, especially the Lakers' three veterans, collectively slumped, and were led by Paul back to their original form. Kuzma can't attack and defend at both ends, the score is low, and So is Pop, who can't stop Paul and can't score on his own. Harrell was targeted, short and slow, and bullied by Ayton and Paul.
No wonder they will be abandoned by the Lakers, the fight is really not good, the weakness is too obvious. Paul actually did not have much strength in this game, played seriously in the first half, and let Payne and others play later, and Paul's shots were not much. As a result, even so, he was able to lead the team to beat the Wizards. Although the Suns didn't have Booker, but with Paul in their seat, they wouldn't have played too badly. After winning the game, the Suns went on a 2-game winning streak to avoid being chased by the Jazz. Now the Jazz 8 consecutive wins, the momentum is very strong, if the Sun loses, it will soon be overtaken, the Suns can not be taken lightly.