Washington Wizards: Why the Wizards Must Carry Themselves Like The Underdog
By Ben Mehic
Washington Wizards are experiencing one of their most successful seasons ever, but seem to have forgotten they’re still an underdog.
The Washington Wizards have won the Southeast Division title for the first time in almost 40 years. They’ve been one of the hottest teams in the NBA since beginning 2-8, becoming the first in the league’s history to go 15 games above .500 after such a start.
John Wall is on pace to become an All-NBA player for the first time in his career and has sneaked into the MVP discussion.
Bradley Beal has put up over 25 points per game since the All-Star break, blossoming into the star the team hoped he’d become. Otto Porter has developed his 3-point shot in the off-season, leading the league in 3-point percentage.
For the Wizards, life has been great. Really, they’re firing on all cylinders.
They’re like the new kid at school. They got the fresh haircut, new kicks and their confidence is sky high. But they’re new to the game. It’s easy to get wrapped up into the success, especially when you haven’t experienced it in a while (and by a while, it’s been decades).
Washington feels like they’re capable of beating every team in the NBA and rightfully so.
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After all, they’ve beaten the Cleveland Cavaliers and should’ve beaten them twice had LeBron James not hit a lucky 3-point shot off the glass.
They’ve beaten the Golden State Warriors, too, albeit without Kevin Durant.
The Wizards have tallied victories against the league’s elite and are currently third in the Eastern Conference, just a few games behind first place.
There are metrics, mostly wins, that support Washington being an elite team – something they haven’t been in most of their fans’ lifetimes.
But that confidence has come back to bite them several times, showing marks of a team that might not be ready to seriously compete on the biggest stage the NBA has to offer.
On their most recent road trip, the Wizards beat the Cavaliers in dominant fashion, but they did so by being the underdog – and most importantly, by playing like an underdog.
John Wall played with fire. He didn’t hesitate on the perimeter and went after Kyrie Irving every possession. He scored 37 points and dished out 11 assists, leading the Wizards to a 12-point victory over the defending champions.
His teammates followed his lead. Kelly Oubre scored 16 points off the bench, making 7 of his 8 field goal tries. He didn’t back down against James, often forcing him to ill advised shots by accepting his role as the team’s pest.
The team played scrappy, physical basketball and picked up their most impressive win of the season.
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Then a few days later, the Wizards had to come back from double digits to beat the Los Angeles Lakers – a team destined for the NBA Lottery.
Washington looked disinterested and the Lakers took advantage of their defensive holes, mostly which stem from lack of concentration and effort.
The next night, following their comeback win over the Lakers, Washington allowed the Clippers to score 133 points in regulation.
Again, for the second night in a row, the Wizards wanted to play offense, but weren’t committed on the opposite end – the side that takes a lot more commitment.
Real contenders show up every night, not just when they feel like it. The teams that are truly championship caliber don’t allow that to balloon their heads. The San Antonio Spurs, for instance, carry themselves like an underdog every single game, despite being the most consistent franchise in NBA history.
It starts at the top of the roster – with Wall, Beal and Porter. That mentality has to be cultivated over time. After years of losing, the Wizards should’ve already embraced the underdog role, but they seem to have forgotten where they’ve come from.
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When the Wizards are at their best, they play free spirited basketball, almost as if they have nothing to lose. The Southeast Division title is a noteworthy accomplishment and 50 wins is too. But Washington isn’t close to reaching the real prize. In order to get there, they must embrace what they are and will be for a long time – an underdog.