Middleton kept finding teammates as Washington lost possessions

Khris Middleton’s most useful stretch came without a made shot. Late in the third quarter, the former Texas A&M forward secured an offensive rebound for Washington, then assisted Deandre Ayton on an alley-oop dunk. Early in the fourth, he fed Alex Sarr for an alley-oop layup.

Middleton spent three seasons with the Aggies, and his contribution here came through passing and second chances rather than a scoring burst.

That was the encouraging portion of a bench appearance lasting about 14 minutes. The rest was more complicated. Washington lost 107-106 to the New Orleans Pelicans in preseason action, and Middleton finished with 5 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 turnovers. He shot 2-for-6 from the field, missed both of his 3-point attempts and went 1-for-2 at the foul line.

The final score gives Washington’s night a flattering shape. The Wizards trailed 81-70 after three quarters, outscored New Orleans 36-26 in the fourth and came within a point. A comeback that close deserves credit. It also should not hide how many possessions Washington spent trying to repair the game.

The Wizards turned the ball over 23 times, five more than the Pelicans, and made just 12 of 41 3-point attempts. Their 22-for-31 foul shooting helped sustain the chase, while New Orleans was hardly a picture of perimeter precision at 7-for-36 from deep. Washington had openings. It simply failed to convert enough of its own possessions before the late rally made the margin interesting.

Middleton’s outing mirrored that tension. His third-quarter offensive rebound extended a Washington possession, and his pass then set up Ayton’s finish on that same trip. In the fourth, Middleton added a defensive rebound and another offensive rebound before Jordan Poole blocked his 2-foot attempt. He later made a 3-foot shot, connected on a 16-foot pull-up and assisted Will Riley on a driving dunk.

That is a respectable collection of connective plays for a limited preseason stint. Four rebounds, including two on the offensive glass, gave Washington extra opportunities. Three assists showed that Middleton could contribute without monopolizing the ball.

Those details mattered on a night when Washington’s leading guard had trouble converting: Trae Young shot 1-for-11, though he did finish with 7 assists. Anthony Davis supplied 14 points and 11 rebounds, but the offense needed more reliable help around him.

Still, Middleton’s passing could not erase the possessions he surrendered. An offensive foul in the first quarter became a turnover. During the fourth-quarter push, an out-of-bounds pass also went away.

Around those mistakes, he missed a 25-foot 3 in the second quarter, a 12-foot pull-up in the third quarter, a 24-foot 3 early in the fourth and the short attempt that Poole blocked. The two baskets he made were welcome; they did not make 2-for-6 efficient.

The timing of Middleton’s departure is important when assigning credit for Washington’s near escape. He left with 8:03 remaining and the Wizards behind 92-83, replaced by Reece Beekman. He did not participate in the final sequence.

Trevor Keels hit two late 3-pointers, Felix Okpara scored on a tip-in, and Washington won a coach’s challenge with 1:30 left. The reserves brought the game back to the doorstep after Middleton’s night was over.

Even that closing push was hardly spotless. New Orleans was called for a five-second violation at 2:21, while Beekman lost the ball at 2:53 and again at 1:14. Those moments kept the ending untidy on both sides, which is fitting for a preseason game featuring 41 combined turnovers.

The one-point margin says Washington nearly completed the chase; it does not say the offense had solved its basic possession problem.

Middleton’s departure preceded the late reserve rally, so its excitement should belong to the players who made it happen. His own contribution was quieter: a few passes that became points, some work on the glass and several possessions Washington needed back. The Wizards need more of those useful touches without the mistakes attached.

Sources

ESPN: box score and play-by-play

Texas A&M: official reporting