If the Washington Wizards can get it together and start playing like a team, they can have a serious postseason run.
The Washington Wizards lost their last four games. Two of those to sub.-500 teams, and the other two to top teams.
Last week it was the Chicago Bulls on Sunday, the Rockets on Tuesday, the Cavaliers on Thursday, and the Hawks on Friday.
Fans have asked for consistency and unfortunately the Wizards provided that in a losing way.
However, it’s easy to kick someone when they’re down. But it’s just as easy to give them a hand to get back up. This article is the latter.
Some have argued that I have too much faith in this team. I’m a writer first and a fan second. But today I am both.
The Wizards may have forgotten the bitter taste of those last 12 minutes in Boston out of their mouth. I have not.
12 minutes away from the Eastern Conference Finals. What held the Wizards back – John Wall not having backup and an unreliable bench.
This season, the Wizards have both. Tomas Satoransky is more than reliable, while it’s been the bench that has kept Washington alive in a lot of games this season.
I’m not going to write any praises. But I’m going to point out a few things.
If Otto Porter has a hot hand, it is he who should take that last shot, if it’s a do-or-die scenario. He is cool as a cucumber and doesn’t crack under pressure.
Lay off of Kelly Oubre. He knows that he has to step up on defense. Hounding him about it is not going to make him better. Remind him that he can battle in the paint and not to lose focus.
Don’t fall for the okie-doke Oubre. Your man will bait you into those costly fouls at the three-point line. Be calm and measured. Don’t always go for threes. Play to your strengths.
Bradley Beal had an off-shooting night on Friday. How can it be off when he led all scorers with 32 points?
He got caught up in the moment and played for himself and not the team. He shouldn’t be crucified for that, but it’s good that he learns now, so the Wizards don’t pay later.
What Beal did this season is tremendous, he led this team while Wall was sidelined. There were many nights where he was the best player on the floor even when Wall was there.
He has nothing left to prove. Only thing left for him is to help lead the team, alongside Wall, to the promise land — the Eastern Conference Finals.
Yes, LeBron James is in the way. I am not placing any limits on this team. They can be in the NBA Finals.
Stop being scared of James. He is superhuman, that is an indisputable fact. His DNA is unlike any other person on the planet, and that’s why it will take a whole team to take him down.
There is strength in numbers.
I have the highest respect for James for what he does on and off the court, and how he comports himself. The highest respect. But if he’s what’s stopping the Wizards from reaching their goals, he is Enemy #1.
He should be feared and respected. ‘A coward dies a 1000 deaths, but a brave man dies but once.’
Don’t start having fear now, wait till and if you’re in front of James during the postseason.
I’m not calling anyone a coward, I would never do that. I’m just writing, don’t start doubting yourselves. It doesn’t solve anything.
Porter lit up Golden State earlier this season, how quickly we forget.
Back to team basketball. Porter is out in the wings. Sharing the ball is less taxing and keeps everyone’s legs and arms fresh. Hero ball will not save the day, nor the postseason.
I’ve written this all season but it is key. Don’t let the other team control the tempo. When the ball is in your possession, that means something. That you possess the power to control the pace. Don’t give that away.
Both Cleveland and Boston have young legs to push the pace, but you set the pace. Offensively and defensively.
The Raptors are the top seed, but you have a good chance as any to beat them. The key is that you have a chance, what you do with that opportunity is up to you.
Wall stop whipping the ball. Your hand-eye coordination is uncanny, and truly a gift. But take your time.
The Wizards collectively have to start moving without the ball. A lot of times I see players standing around. Making it very easy for the opponent to know what play the Wizards are about to run. Keep it moving.
For once, let the other team chase you around. Stop chasing them.
Marcin Gortat needs help inside the paint and the perimeter. The Wizards have to move to positionless basketball.
It’s easy to say Gortat isn’t doing his job. But why not help him do his job? Don’t leave him out there alone. This is a team.
He should be at the free throw line more. Gortat don’t fear anyone. Also yell when you need help, these are your teammates. Don’t ever hang your head low.
Likewise, you know Gortat isn’t able to defend the three-point line. And his opponent once he draws him out there, is going to run right past him for an easy layup. Help Gortat on the perimeter.
In fact, he shouldn’t even be out there. He chose not to switch up his game in this pace-and-space era. So help him with his weaknesses, just as much as he helps you with his screens.
Now is not the time to point fingers. This is one team, you guys should have each other backs. The enemy isn’t inside the locker room, it’s out there on the court.
The Wizards have a winning team, but only when they play like a team. You each know each others’ strengths and weaknesses, so play to their strength and help out with the weakness.
Talk to each other out there on the court.
The only talking I see on the floor is when a Wizards’ player is complaining to a ref. Communication is also key.
On that topic. Markieff Morris get it together. You are not tougher by arguing with the refs. It makes you weak. It makes the team weak.
That’s what the opponents want because you’re the physical backbone of this team.
As strong as you think you are and you can’t control yourself? Is it worth it to get into early foul trouble or techs? Then go and sit down on the scorer’s table?
That’s a weak move Keef. The Wizards need you out on the floor. Battling in the paint.
Being a tough guy doesn’t win a basketball game, being smart about how you play does.
You’re more intelligent than that. So stay in the game. Bigs fear you inside, not when you’re sitting on the bench. You’re leaving your team shorthanded.
Wizards, it’s easy to make excuses if you don’t go as far as you expected. Don’t take the easy way out Washington. Don’t make excuses.
You can do this. Just stay focused, don’t panic in crunch time. Don’t start jacking up threes when it’s close. What matters is getting points on the board and defensive stops.
Above all else, play together as a team. That’s when you’re the strongest. That’s when you believe you can beat any team.
Have faith in yourselves and each other.
The reason I selected the Game 6 picture of Wall in the Boston Series. Love it or hate it, the Wizards believed they could reach the Eastern Conference Finals that day. I’m asking you to believe one more time.