Washington Wizards: Back On Track With 3-Game Streak
The Washington Wizards have won three straight games to get back into the hunt for the playoffs.
After a disappointing start to the new year, the Washington Wizards seem to have found their groove. Winners of three straight games, including two on the road, Washington has started to come together and become active candidates for a playoff spot this year.
With injuries to Bradley Beal and Marcin Gortat slowing down chemistry within the team, the Wizards have chosen to respond with quality wins over viable playoff teams in the Eastern Conference.
A key win in this run came against the Chicago Bulls. The Washington Wizards dominated on second chance points (21-7) and assists (31-18). They also succeeded in getting key stops while also having a game with single digit turnovers (nine).
A team like the Chicago Bulls will always test you with their grit and physical play. The Wizards did a good job of not only keeping pace with them on offense but overwhelming them for the win.
Wednesday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks also showed they could rely on their reserves as Washington had a second straight game with 40+ points from the bench.
Leaders stepping up have also been crucial to their success. Over the past three games John Wall‘s play has been worthy of another Player of the Month award. According to NBA.com, Wall is averaging 16.6 points per game, dishing out 9.3 assists and shooting over 40 percent from three-point range during the three-game winning streak.
Wall has taken it upon himself to not make excuses about why the team is losing and is willing to handle the burden of carrying the team until key players are fully healthy.
Wall has also been busy off the court after he chose to part ways with longtime agent Dan Fegan. Jorge Castillo of the Washington Post confirmed the move. It shows a sign for maturity for Wall, who wants to focus on playing basketball and make another strong case for a slot in the All Star Game in Toronto.
The return of Bradley Beal also bolstered the Washington Wizards’ success over the Bucks on Wednesday. He contributed 11 points, three assists and a steal in 23 minutes for his return. Beal, who has been dealing with multiple injuries during the season, will have to get back into game shape to assist Wall in leading the team upward.
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If the Washington Wizards can find a way to bring back all their pieces or possibly make a trade to boost their roster, they will be well on their way to climbing back to the top as one of the Eastern Conference’s best teams.