Washington Wizards move up in latest ESPN NBA Power Rankings
By Ben Mehic
Dec 18, 2013; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Washington Wizards point guard John Wall (2) and Washington Wizards power forward Nene Hilario (42) celebrate against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Barclays Center. The Wizards won the game 113-107. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
After a disappointing start to the month, dropping close games to both the Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets, the Washington Wizards picked up their play recently, winning three straight games on the road. The Wizards sneaked past the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, and backed their performance up with a convincing victory over the Brooklyn Nets on the road. They most recently came back from an 18 point deficit and managed to pick up the win against the Boston Celtics.
The Wizards have had multiple up-and-down stretches throughout the course of this season, and they seem to be on the “up” currently. With Nene and Bradley Beal back in the lineup, the Wizards have won games that they would’ve lost prior to their return. The Eastern Conference is as weak as it’s ever been, which has allowed the Wizards to compete in virtually every game they’ve played in this season.
With that said, the writers over at ESPN have evidently took notice of Washington’s recent success and it’s reflected in their latest NBA Power Rankings.
Marc Stein’s Power Rankings (View full rankings here)
(Wizards also ranked 15th in Hollinger’s Power Rankings)
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The Wizards have 5 days off before playing against the Minnesota Timberwolves on the road this Friday. Washington only has three games left this season, two of which are against the Detroit Pistons.
If the Wizards could pick up a few more wins this month, they’ll sport a record over .500 and I’d assume they’d continue to move up in the power rankings.
Washington is starting to get some recognition for finally winning some games, and their next game against the Timberwolves is scheduled to be on national TV (NBA TV). It’s been a long time since the Wizards have gotten some recognition for winning games, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.