Washington Wizards: 4 games that will haunt the Wizards during their play-in push
By Ethan Smith
March 17, 2021: Washington Wizards lose to the Sacramento Kings 121-119
The Washington Wizards have not had a great defense for most of the season. They currently rank 20th in defensive rating. However, they’ve been much better post-All-Star Game (s/o Daniel Gafford) and currently rank 10th in defensive rating since the midseason break. However, that improved defense was not on display when the Washington Wizards took on the Sacramento Kings in mid-March.
The Kings have one of the worst records in the NBA and sit squarely outside of the play-in and playoff races in the Western Conference. You would have thought they were an offensive engine against the Wizards, though.
During this loss, all five Kings starters scored at least 16 points, and Cory Joseph added 12 points off the bench. All game, the Kings were feasting like royalty. What makes this loss even more disappointing is the fact that the Wizards have been great against the Western Conference this season. They beat the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers twice and also have wins against the LA Clippers, Utah Jazz, and Phoenix Suns. They’ve proven they can beat the best out West, but on this March evening, they could not even get past the Kings at home.