Washington Wizards: Otto Porter’s Pain is the Wizards’ Pain

With a battle of injuries plaguing the Washington Wizards, they must step up, as they continue their march towards the Eastern Conference Finals.

Currently, the Washington Wizards sit in the fourth spot in the East. Whether they are sitting comfortably depends on the health of the team. First, it was Markieff Morris with his hernia surgery, and then John Wall‘s knee.

But both players returned and appear to be in tip-top shape, at least on the court. Although Keef still has ankle issues, and if Wall was in pain you’d never know it.

Now word comes that Otto Porter, Jr., who’s been having a phenomenal season, has been sidelined with back and hip injuries. With Porter, his pain has been very noticeable. From being knocked down onto the court, to going to the bike during games to loosen his hips.

As Candace Buckner of the Washington Post reported:

"“As long as [Porter] has played in the NBA, he has dealt with hip pain. Even before his first training camp practice as a rookie with the Washington Wizards in 2013, the swingman was experiencing issues in the area.”"

After missing Saturday’s matchup against the Bucks, which they lost, it’s a wait-and-see if Porter returns on Wednesday to play against the Jazz.

Unrelated to Porter’s injury, the Wizards have called up Devin Robinson from the G League for a couple of games.

When Washington is fully healthy, they can beat any team during the regular season. It’s the regular season that counts, because that determines playoff standing.

So until Porter returns, the Wizards are going to have play with the next man up mentality. Not just a regular next man up, where a bench player steps up. Kelly Oubre has already proven that he can ride with the best of them in the starting lineup.

Rather, they have to play with a “man up mentality“, as if each game is an elimination game. Such that in the fourth quarter, they don’t let their foot of the gas. Nor miss free throws.

The Wizards have to push through the pain of not having Porter there, although he may return on Wednesday. Which means each player putting in extra work, and knowing that every possession counts.

Leave nothing to chance

For those who watched the Celtics – Rockets matchup, and the improbable comeback. Even though the Celtics were down in the final minutes, I heard Celtics Coach Brad Stevens yell to his team, “only take singles”.

This has stuck with me, because I thought why wouldn’t they attempt threes to narrow the lead, there’s no way Boston can come back from this. But then it took me back to the Boston series against the Wizards, when he yelled, “don’t block any shots”.

Returning to the “only take singles” line. Which meant don’t take any “Hail Marys”—desperation shots. Go for the guaranteed bucket, and perhaps along the way you’ll get fouled. And by gosh, that was a smart move.

The Wizards sometimes during the third and fourth quarters, jack up threes, instead of going for the guaranteed shot. The money shot isn’t always money. It’s ok for Bradley Beal or Jodie Meeks to take that guaranteed jumper or layup.

When that three doesn’t fall, you’re giving your opponent another chance to score. I know that’s an obvious statement, but sometimes the simple method is the best method.

Now to Stevens’ “don’t block any shots“. Tight games can be won and lost at the free throw line, so he wasn’t giving the Wizards any free shots. The Celtics just weren’t taking any chances.

Wizards don’t have to worry about blocks, since Wall’s the best shot-blocking guard in the NBA. It’s about the singles. Not taking quick threes in desperation, and playing as if you’re the only one on the court.

Sometimes it’s okay to play simple. You don’t have to be a hero everyday, and take unnecessary chances.

So make that extra pass, which the Wizards have been doing lately, except sometimes in the fourth. Take a short jumper instead of a three, when you’re not hot that night. Above all else, make your free throws.

The Wizards have to play regular season games like an elimination game. Such that they’re in a  frame of mind, where they’re always playing with a sense of urgency.

If Washington plays hungry now, they won’t starve later—missing the Eastern Conference Finals again.