Wiz of Awes
Fansided

Washington Wizards Three Takeaways: Andre Drummond too much for Wizards

By Jen Julie Smith

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 29: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons goes to the basket against the Washington Wizards on March 29, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 29: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons goes to the basket against the Washington Wizards on March 29, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – MARCH 29: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons during the game against the Washington Wizards on March 29, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – MARCH 29: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons during the game against the Washington Wizards on March 29, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Pride or Playoff bust

The Washington Wizards entered the game listless and with no energy.

This hearkens back to earlier in the season, when a sub-.500 team smells that the Wizards have no sense of urgency. Opponents then pounce.

The Wizards didn’t play as if they were trying to clinch a playoff berth, the Piston did. Again the sense of pride just wasn’t there.

Currently, the Pistons are out of playoff contention sitting in the ninth spot in the East, but they weren’t giving up.

Reggie Jackson was on a mission, as if to say, the “Wizards aren’t clinching a spot on my court”. Washington didn’t pick up on those missed cues.

Then the Pistons were without Blake Griffin, so that may have lulled Washington into thinking this was going to be an easy win. That’s almost a sign of disrespect, because you should never underestimate your opponent, because they will make you pay. And pay Washington did.

It’s like Washington made this great leap forward, and tonight they took a huge step back. At least in their mentality towards the game.

There was no one to light a fire under Washington tonight, to tell them to get into second-gear, because there was plenty of time in the final quarter to pull out the win.

Once Otto Porter left the game, the Wizards just visibly gave up.

The Wizards were the better team, but they beat themselves tonight.

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