Washington Wizards: Diagnosing the Team’s Road Struggles

Jan 3, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) and Dallas Mavericks center Salah Mejri (50) battle for a loose ball during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) and Dallas Mavericks center Salah Mejri (50) battle for a loose ball during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
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Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Wizards have struggled to win games away from home this season and there are certain failures that could be pointed out.

“Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.”

The author of this quote was not a member of the Washington Wizards.

The road has become a particular nuisance to the Wizards this year, an impediment that continues to rear its ugly head every time it begins to look like the team is ready to make a serious push in the Eastern Conference.

The Washington Wizards currently stand at 18-18 – good for 7th in the Eastern Conference. They are an impressive 14-6 at the Verizon Center – 4th best in the Eastern Conference and tied for 7th best overall in the NBA.

On the road, they are plain bad – 28th in the NBA, ahead of only the Brooklyn Nets and Dallas Mavericks.  In fact, of the top 20 teams in the league based on win percentage, no other team has fewer than 5 road wins.

There are a couple of places to start when diagnosing the Wizards’ road issues.