Wiz of Awes
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Washington Wizards: Where do Wizards go from here?

By Jen Julie Smith

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 4: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the Indiana Pacers on March 4, 2018 at Capital One Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 4: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the Indiana Pacers on March 4, 2018 at Capital One Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC –  FEBRUARY 8: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball during the game against the Washington Wizards on February 8, 2018 at Capital One Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC –  FEBRUARY 8: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball during the game against the Washington Wizards on February 8, 2018 at Capital One Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Wizards pace

Collectively, Washington has to adjust their pace. Normally, John Wall would set the pace, but he’s not here right now. Going with the squad we have, it shouldn’t be a fast pace or a slow one. The Wizards should try to find a middle between those two.

When it’s too fast, they’re unable to protect the ball with quick and errant passes. When it’s too slow, the opposition takes advantage. If they can control the pace at an even medium, fewer mistakes will occur.

If the opponent is playing at a fast pace, slow it down when it’s in your court. That’s what happened in Miami. The Heat came out fast and Washington never attempted to slow the tempo down. Stop playing the opponent’s game, let them play your game.

After James Johnson had a quick and easy dunk, Tomas Satoransky should have slowly walked the ball up the court like Wall does. Let them know the ball is in your hands now, and you set the tempo.

Obviously, it’s not just Sato, defensive stops were also the cause. Just an example, of how to slow the opponent down.

Miami knew Washington had played the night before and planned to run them into the ground. Instead the Wizards should have held their ground, and slowed the pace.

Going forward, just control the tempo.

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