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Washington Wizards: Wizards, Run Your Own Race

By Jen Julie Smith

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 28: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards is congratulated by teammate John Wall #2 and Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Washington Wizards after he scored a three-point basket and was fouled by Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of the basketball game at Staples Center March 28, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 28: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards is congratulated by teammate John Wall #2 and Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Washington Wizards after he scored a three-point basket and was fouled by Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of the basketball game at Staples Center March 28, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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EW YORK, NY – APRIL 06: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards dunks in the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 6, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EW YORK, NY – APRIL 06: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards dunks in the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 6, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

The Washington Wizards must run their own race in their journey towards the Eastern Conference Finals.

It’s hard not to pay attention to what’s going on with our friends in the north, but the Washington Wizards must run their own race. It’s still early, and they are doing much better to start the year, than they did last season.

The Wizards know that defense wins game, and they have now put it into practice. For the past four games, they have not only beaten their opponents, but have held them to under 100 points. That in and of itself is something to be proud of.

Over the summer, Bradley Beal said, he didn’t want to be a one-dimensional player – someone’s who’s only known for three-point shooting. He also wants to attack the rim, and see the free throw line more often. He has done so in spades.

In Wednesday’s game against Miami, Beal made 13 of his 14 shots at the line. Three of those, came off of an attempted three. He ended the game with 26 points, and only one three pointer. The sharpshooter clearly has an inside game this season.

Otto Porter, Jr. is having another breakout season, and his defense has truly taken a life of its own. He’s shooting an incredible 50 percent from three-point range, and is averaging 1.8 steals per game. In their first matchup with Golden State, he was clearly the best player on the floor.

Kelly Oubre, Jr. is also having a breakout season. He’s no longer getting into early foul trouble, and he was more than an adequate starter in place of Markieff Morris, while he was out. He’s averaging 11.3 points per game, 6 rebounds and shooting 41 percent from deep. He has transformed himself into a true sixth-man. Also, if he’s called up again for the starting unit, he’s ready.

Morris is still a force to be reckoned with. After missing the start of the season, due to sports hernia surgery, he hasn’t missed a beat. His toughness hasn’t waned, however he still needs to avoid getting technicals. He continues to be a knockdown three-point shooter, and opponents still fear him.

The Polish Machine, Marcin Gortat, although he had a few off games, is still a double-double machine. He’s also more aggressive this season, and has shot some beautiful floaters. This season, he’s averaging 10.5 points per game, and pulling down 8.4 rebounds.

Of course there’s John Wall, who’s on course to have the best season of his career. Coach Scott Brooks said, he wanted Wall to start making more threes. Wall’s three-point average was 32 percent last season. It has gone up to 35 percent. In addition, among guards, he’s the best shot blocker in the NBA, averaging 1.3 blocks per game.

Offensively, the Wizards can knock down shots, and they have gotten over their defensive hurdles, which hurt them to start the season. If they continue with this same level of defensive intensity throughout the season, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be in the Eastern Conference Finals.

They just have to run their own race. Even though, Wall is the fastest player in the NBA, it’s a marathon not a sprint. There’s still a lot of basketball left, for the Wizards to become the best team in the East.

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