Wiz of Awes
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Washington Wizards: A look at how the Wizards defense has declined from last season

By Donnell Coley

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 11: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards has the ball stolen by Iman Shumpert #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Verizon Center on November 11, 2016 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 11: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards has the ball stolen by Iman Shumpert #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Verizon Center on November 11, 2016 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 11: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards has the ball stolen by Iman Shumpert #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Verizon Center on November 11, 2016 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 11: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards has the ball stolen by Iman Shumpert #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Verizon Center on November 11, 2016 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

It’s almost time for the NBA All-Star break, but unlike this time last year the Washington Wizards defense isn’t what it used to be.

With the All-Star break around the corner, the Washington Wizards are still searching for consistency. Last season they struggled out the gate, then found a groove to post a 34-21 record before the break. However, the current Wizards have already piled up 21 losses and would need to win the next 10 games to surpass the win percentage from a year ago.

So, what changed?

Look no further than defense.

Despite having the same 105.0 defensive rating this time last year, Washington has dipped in almost all other defensive categories. What’s most troubling, above all, are the poor numbers in the fourth quarter.

According to NBA.com advanced stats, Washington ranks 19th in fourth quarter defensive rating. Before the break last season they ranked second.

Currently, there are only six other teams giving up more points per game (26.5) in the final quarter. Conversely, the Wizards gave up just 24.6 points per game in the fourth last season before the break. That was good enough for sixth best in the league.

These metrics don’t surprise those that have watched this season’s underachieving Wizards.

Most games, fans are left with a seabed of emotions. From ecstatic to downtrodden. Hopeful to pessimistic.

The team has gained sizable leads on many occasions this year, only to watch those leads slowly slip away in the final period.

Despite last year’s success, it’s hard to pin down what this group’s ceiling is. They’ve yet to piece together a consistent stretch within a particular game, let alone a string of games.

On Tuesday night, a supposed cause for celebration—both John Wall and Bradley Beal were named All-Stars— was marred by inevitable questions about living up to heightened expectations.

Following news of their All-Star nods, NBCSports Washington reporter Chris Miller sat down with the House of Guards and pressed them about the issue.

Wall responded that he knows they should be a “top-2 team in the East”, and that he and Beal will have to lead the way.

One way Wall can step up on defense is to regain his aggressiveness. This time last year, he was the league’s third-leading thief with over two steals per game. Currently, he ranks 37th in that category.

If Wall can jump in the passing lanes and attack opposing guards like he’s done in the past, the team will reap the rewards. It won’t solve all their defensive struggles, but it will at least give them more possessions and easy scoring opportunities.

A key component to Washington’s success when Wall and Beal are on the court are transition opportunities. Their speed and athleticism devastates other teams.

Ramping up the defensive effort, collectively,  is the quickest way this team can live up to the lofty expectations they set for themselves.

The next 10 games will provide the perfect opportunity for the team to reverse course. They’ll match up with playoff hopefuls in both conferences. Including one game apiece with the Toronto Raptors and the Boston Celtics, who currently hold the top spots in the East.

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