Thunderous Intentions
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OKC Thunder: NBA Draft – Tank wars heat up in week 17

By Tamberlyn Richardson

OKC Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
OKC Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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OKC Thunder
OKC Thunder tank wars: Russell Westbrook #4 of Wizards . (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

Washington Wizards (21-33):

One team definitely not trying to tank and could prove to be an extremely tough out if they reached the play-in tournament is the Wizards.

OKC Thunder fans won’t be surprised that Russell Westbrook is trying to win every game for Washington and his efforts are paying dividends. They’ve won four of the last five matches and will face two lottery teams this weekend (Pelicans and Pistons) to bolster that record.

In fact, 13 of their last 18 games are against current lottery seeds or the Hornets so that should help their cause but they’ll have to surpass the Raptors and Bulls to get there and both of those teams won the season series (with one more game against the Raptors).

With Westbrook and Bradley Beal the Wizards can’t afford to throw in the towel. If the franchise doesn’t commit to trying to win eventually Beal’s patience will wear out and he’ll end up asking for a trade.

It might be too late for Washington but it’s all or nothing at this stage.

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