Wiz of Awes
Fansided

Why the Wizards are Winning Without Wall

By Frank J. Platko

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 30: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder holds onto the ball in front of Tomas Satoransky #31 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 30, 2018 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 - JANUARY 30: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder holds onto the ball in front of Tomas Satoransky #31 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 30, 2018 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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 30: Tomas Satoransky #31 of the Washington Wizards is fouled by Josh Huestis #34 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 30, 2018 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 – JANUARY 30: Tomas Satoransky #31 of the Washington Wizards is fouled by Josh Huestis #34 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 30, 2018 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) /

The Great Satoransky

The most important factor for the Wizards’ recent success has been the emergence of other players on the roster. It’d be remiss not to mention Tomas Satoransky, whose play this season has him quickly becoming a fan favorite and has earned national recognition. 

After beating out Tim Frazier for the backup point guard job, Satoransky stepped into a starting role following Wall’s injury. He’s played extremely well, exceeding almost everyone’s expectations. 

Over the nine-game stretch without Wall, Satoransky averaged 11.4 points, 3.2 rebound and 5.9 assists per game. While shooting 56 percent from the field. These may not be eye-popping numbers, but much of Sato’s value cannot be seen in the box score. 

He has an extremely high basketball IQ, which is evident when watching him on the floor. He almost always seems to make the right play, whether it’s on offense or defense.

Sato has shown himself to be a very good passer, capable of finding the open man and setting up his teammates for scoring opportunities. 

His best work, however, might come on the other side of the ball. He has been stout on the defensive end. Taking on tough matchups against opposing point guards and more than held his own.

While he doesn’t have elite athleticism,  Satoransky is good at using his length and positioning to be disruptive. At 6’7″ he usually has the size advantage against his opponents.

In an impressive 102-96 victory against the Thunder in January, he was the primary defender on Russell Westbrook. 

He forced Westbrook into one of his worst performances of the season, mustering just 13 points on 5-for-18 shooting from the field. 

Below is just one of his many impressive defensive plays from the game.

Satoransky has made major strides on both offense and defense in his second season in Washington. He’s solidified himself as key part of the Wizards future.

His performance in Wall’s absence is a major reason why they have performed well. 

Home/Wizards News