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Washington Wizards Showing Signs For Playoff Run

By Jamal Williams

Feb 18, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Utah Jazz guard Rodney Hood (5) shoots over Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) during the second half at Verizon Center. The Washington Wizards won 103-89. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Utah Jazz guard Rodney Hood (5) shoots over Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) during the second half at Verizon Center. The Washington Wizards won 103-89. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Washington Wizards showed great defense to start vying for the playoffs.

The Washington Wizards let their defense do the talking in a 103-89 win over the Utah Jazz at the Verizon Center. Just hours after the news of Markieff Morris coming to the nation’s capital, the team definitely showed what they can be when he is added to the team. A game like this shows some of the major keys the Wizards need to make the playoffs.

Defense is always vital in trying to make a run to the playoffs. The Wizards played the kind of defense that got them to the playoffs last year, causing 23 turnovers for the Jazz and only allowing 11 for themselves.

Taking care of the ball is so crucial for the team, so it was good to see them limit the amount of mistakes they had. Many times the Wizards let their lack of execution on the defensive end run an entire game for them.

Limiting the amount of points their opponents score will also be crucial for their success. The Wizards showed they have the potential to do that as they held the Jazz to 89 points. They also attributed 15 blocks to their complete defensive game. Along with holding the Jazz to under 90 points, the team was also efficient in passing as well. The Wizards shared the ball effectively with 25 assists and managed to score 103 points against the Jazz.

Of course they will need their best players to continue to be great. Wall stuffed the stat sheet as he recorded his sixth-consecutive double-double. Bradley Beal contributed to Wall’s performance as he came off the bench. The team will need these two to lead the team on this playoff run and get to being one of the best backcourt duos in the league once Beal is fully healthy.

The team as a whole seemed well-rested after a nine-day All-Star Break. It showed in the way they were able to attack the Jazz from the jump in the first quarter and never relinquished the lead. The win also serves as a confidence boost to start the second half of the season with a win at home. The Wizards have struggled at home with a 12-16 record and can use this win as a great way to start protecting home-court better.

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The team is only 2.5 games out the eighth spot of the Eastern Conference. And with most teams staying where they were during the trade deadline, it is an opportunity for the Wizards to separate themselves from the bottom half.

Only 11.5 games separate the eighth seed (Charlotte Hornets, 27-26) from the first seed (Cleveland Cavaliers, 38-14). The Wizards only have 30 games left in the season, so they must try to climb up the rankings for great spot.

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