By: Will Peralta
The Washington Wizards have embarked on a well-deserved, four-day break following a tumultuous stretch of games. After a grueling back-to-back set, the Wizards secured a thrilling victory over the Denver Nuggets and their MVP candidate, Nikola Jokić. However, their momentum was short-lived, as they suffered a disappointing loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, who were without key players Ja Morant and Desmond Bane.
From an analytical perspective, the Wizards’ inconsistent performance can be attributed to several key areas. According to NBA.com/Stats, the Wizards rank 22nd in defensive efficiency, allowing 113.4 points per 100 possessions. This vulnerability was exposed in their loss to the Grizzlies, who scored 115 points despite being without 2 of their top scorers.
Another area of concern is the Wizards’ rebounding margin. They currently rank 25th in the league, with a -3.5 rebounding margin per game. This deficiency was evident in their loss to the Grizzlies, who outrebounded the Wizards 53-41. Kyle Kuzma and Alex Sarr would have easily given the Wizards more opportunities on the glass.
The break comes at an opportune time for the Wizards, as it will allow their injured players to recover and rehabilitate. The team has been without the services of several key players. The extra rest will be crucial in helping these players return to full strength and allow the team to get on the right track
From a statistical perspective, the break will also provide the Wizards with an opportunity to reassess their strategy and make adjustments. According to Second Spectrum, the Wizards have been one of the most aggressive teams in the league, ranking 5th in pace. However, this approach has sometimes led to reckless play and turnovers. The break will allow the team to re-evaluate their approach and explore ways to balance their aggression with more prudent decision-making.
As the Wizards embark on this much-needed break, they do so with a renewed sense of purpose. With their injured players on the mend and a chance to reassess their strategy, the team is poised to return to action refreshed, revitalized, and ready to tackle the challenges ahead. And that challenge will be one of the toughest teams in the east on the road the Cleveland Cavaliers.