Wiz of Awes
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Washington Wizards Must Meet Expectations With More Exposure

By Ben Mehic

Mar 17, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) shoots the ball as Chicago Bulls forward Paul Zipser (16) defends in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 112-107. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) shoots the ball as Chicago Bulls forward Paul Zipser (16) defends in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 112-107. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Wizards are finally getting the national exposure they asked for, but now the team must start meeting expectations.

On Wednesday night, the Washington Wizards‘ product will be viewed by millions of people nationally on ESPN against the Atlanta Hawks.

Washington, on pace to finish with 50 wins for the first time since 1978, has positioned themselves to have home court advantage in the NBA Playoffs behind the MVP-like play of John Wall.

After a 2-8 start, the Wizards have become a top-10 team in the entire league, currently placed third in the Eastern Conference.

But their most recent slip – one that’s caused concern about the team’s ability to compete deep into the postseason – has created an unstable identity in the nation’s capital.

Top five in both field goal and 3-point percentage, the Wizards have become an elite offensive club, led by Wall’s distribution, Bradley Beal‘s All-Star worthy scoring and Otto Porter‘s league-leading shooting from deep.

For the team to become a true contender, they have to string together a consistent defense.

Washington, as noted numerous times, gave up over 120 points per game on their most recent five-game road trip, including games against lottery-bound teams.

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The starters have been carrying the heaviest load in the NBA, as they’re the only lineup to have played over 1,000 minutes this season.

The normally energetic defense that saw Wall, Beal, Porter and Kelly Oubre fly around on the perimeter and the bigs control the paint has deteriorated.

Whether it’s physical fatigue or mental lapses caused by the long season, the Wizards don’t look like the top team they’ve become over the past few months.

Fortunately, those scheduling the games to be viewed nationally don’t seem to have paid attention.

Washington’s continued to get the much-needed exposure, despite their most recent slippage.

Wednesday’s game against the Hawks will have playoff implications, as Atlanta is just five games behind the Wizards in the standings. Perhaps even more importantly, the Toronto Raptors are a half game behind the Wizards, so Washington cannot afford to drop any winnable games going forward.

The expectations for the Wizards have changed. Championship contenders play with consistency and they do so with or without the exposure.

Next: Why Marcin Gortat Could Be Getting Traded In The Off-Season

After years of complaining about not having eyes on their product, the Wizards are getting love from the top networks. Now it’s time for them to live up to expectations and finish the season playing the way that earned them the exposure in the first place.

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