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Washington Wizards: Otto Porter and Marcin Gortat Disappear During Critical Point In Season

By Jen Julie Smith

Mar 7, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker battle for a loose ball at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker battle for a loose ball at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Wizards’ Marcin Gortat and Otto Porter have been models for consistency, but have faltered when the team has needed them most.

The Washington Wizards have dropped from the third to the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference. They haven’t been able to find their rhythm since the All-Star Break.

The second-unit, however, has been doing a stellar job, keeping the team competitive in close games, and providing the energy to help win games down the stretch.

The Wizards have lost their last three games – something they haven’t done since November.

Although those losses cannot be attributed to a single player, two of Washington’s starters, Otto Porter and Marcin Gortat, have faltered.

The duo isn’t losing the games, but they’re not contributing in any meaningful way, putting added pressure on John Wall and Bradley Beal to make up for their shortcomings.

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Gortat, in particular, has struggled to find his footing inside the paint.

Opposing teams have dominated the Washington Wizards on the glass and Gortat continues to struggle defending the rim.

In the loss against Golden State on Sunday, Gortat only pulled down 3 rebounds and 7 points.

Porter, who was having a breakout season and at one time led the league in 3-point shooting, has now dropped to third in the league.

Porter’s recent disappearance could cause the Wizards to second-guess their all-in attitude towards him when he becomes a free agent.

A month or so ago, it was reported that Washington was committed to re-signing Porter, even if it meant that he was going to receive the max contract.

In 23 minutes of play against Golden State on Sunday, Porter had 13 points and 6 rebounds.

Bojan Bogdanovic, who came off the bench and would be a cheaper option to re-sign in the summer, scored 20 points.

In the loss against the Utah Jazz, Porter only had 7 points and Gortat added 4 points. Against the Los Angeles Clippers, Porter had 4 points. Gortat chipped in 6 points and 3 rebounds.

Lately, it’s been the bench that’s making the difference for Washington.

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Against the Jazz, Jason Smith scored 14 points and Kelly Oubre had 10, but more importantly, both provided game-changing energy.

The starters aren’t playing with that same intensity.

Gortat isn’t crashing the glass as hard as Ian Mahinmi or Smith, for instance, giving the opponent too many chances to secure second and third chance points.

Before, the Wizards needed to shore up their weak bench, which they did admirably with Bogdanovic and Brandon Jennings, who have been excellent additions to the team.

Now it appears that they now need to bolster their starting lineup.

Earlier in the season, Gortat was calling the bench the worst in the NBA. Gortat apologized to the team after being reminded by Coach Scott Brooks that there was only one team.

Porter, who was knocking down threes and shooting lights out, has begun to dim behind the 3-point line.

Next: Wizards Should Beware of the Bucks

Both Gortat and Porter are known for their efficiency, but lately, they’ve been anything but efficient. Successful postseason teams have reliable role players. For the Washington Wizards to make a strong push in the playoffs, Gortat and Porter have to find their rhythms before it’s too late.

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