OKC Thunder: NBA Power Rankings week 10 – All-Star break edition
13-19. Previous: . Washington Wizards. 20. team. 142.
Washington Wizards:
Week 10: 3-2
Won vs: Lakers 127-124 (OT), Nuggets 112-110, Wolves 128-112
Lost to: Clippers 116-135, Celtics 110-111
Opponents this week: Grizzlies, Clippers
Offensive Rating: 109.7 (20th) | Defensive Rating: 113.6 (27th) | Net Differential: -3.9 (23rd)
Forget the season record for now because the Wizards have turned a corner. They played a ridiculous five games in seven nights this past week collecting a 3-2 record although it should’ve been 4-1. The loss to the Celtics could be described as a choke or referee assistance depending on how you view the situation.
In truth, it probably falls somewhere in the middle. Recognizing how the whistle had shifted in Boston’s favor, the Wizards let some late-game plays go applying little defensive pressure leading to easy buckets.
Suddenly, the game that seemed well in hand was in question and by then the Wizards were scrambling. With 21 seconds remaining and leading 110-107 Russell Westbrook took an ill-advised 3-point shot instead of going inside to draw contact and if nothing else get to the line.
Still, the final shot by Beal was worse as two Celtics closed out on the NBA point leader and none of his teammates moved to him. Brooks whiffed on this play call and should’ve had an option for Beal to be the decoy.
Regardless, the Wizards have more than half of their season wins (7) in their last nine games and are playing well on both sides of the court. Moreover, five of those victories came against seeded teams.