Washington Wizards: 5 frightening stats from blowout loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves
By Ethan Smith
290
Total points allowed by the Washington Wizards in their last two games
Last season, the Washington Wizards had one of the NBA’s worst defenses. It looks like they’ll be in contention for the bottom spot once again this season.
After a few gritty performances that were impressive for the young Wizards even in defeat, the bottom seems to have fallen out on these Wizards over the last two games. Especially on the defensive end.
It’s one thing to give up 159 to the Houston Rockets. Yes, that a lot. It’s the second-most points ever given up in regulation. But at least the Rockets have two of the NBA’s best scorers in James Harden and Russell Westbrook. Not many teams are going to slow them down, especially with the frantic pace that coach Mike D’Antoni runs down there.
Against the Timberwolves, though? That’s just unacceptable. After a dismal defensive season in 2018-19, the Wizards are settling near the bottom once again. Per Basketball-Reference, they currently rank 27th in overall defensive rating. Only two other teams (the Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans) are surrendering more points per game to their opponents.