Capital Punishment: Wizards Roll Thunder In D.C.

Can't win 'em all.

The Washington Wizards dominated play from start to finish on Saturday night, keeping the Thunder's offense in check in a 96-81 victory.  The loss snaps a 10-game win streak for the top team in the NBA (38-11). 

All-Star point guard John Wall put on a clinic for Washington.  Wall scored 17 points, dished out 15 assists and collected six steals.  Marcin Gortat was also strong for the Wizards, scoring 14 points to go with his 14 rebounds.  

Kevin Durant was held below the 30-point mark for the second straight night.  Durant, who had previously scored 30+ in 12 consecutive games, was held to 26 points, seven assists and five rebounds.

The NBA's leading scorer didn't get much help on Saturday as Oklahoma City had only two other players reach double figures.  Serge Ibaka finished with 14 points and eight rebounds while Reggie Jackson added 12 points and eight boards.  Jackson also turned the ball over eight times.

If you want to find the main culprit for the Thunder's loss, look no further than turnovers.  Oklahoma City coughed it up 21 times, while forcing just 10 for Washington.  

Thunder coach Scott Brooks talked about his team's lack of ball security. 

"I think the biggest thing (was) turnovers," Brooks said.  "Not a good job of protecting the basketball. We started off the game with 10 turnovers in the first quarter. We've been a lot better with the turnovers, but tonight it got away from us." 

It was the eighth game in 12 nights for the fatigued Thunder, but Brooks wasn't in the mood to hear excuses. 

"We're not a team that talks about the schedule," Brooks said.  "Everybody in this league has a tough schedule. There's no easy games, there's no easy schedule. You gotta come out and compete every night."

OKC returns home to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night.  The Thunder then hangs around to host Minnesota on Wednesday.