Washington Wizards: Buying or selling the team’s recent hot streak
Buy or sell the Washington Wizards heading into the second half of the season?
Just a few weeks ago, the Washington Wizards were on pace to finish as one of the worst teams in the NBA. Certainly one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference. However, over the course of the team’s last 10 games, the team has looked like a different team.
Question is, are the team’s last 10 games a mere hot streak or perhaps something that could vault them into the playoff race in the East?
Interestingly enough, what has been the biggest different for Washington over the team’s last 10 games hasn’t been their offense. Even though that’s often the one thing many want to point to, or even simply the better play of Russell Westbrook, their defense has been the key to their turnaround.
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While the improved play of Westbrook over the last couple of weeks has certainly played a factor in the team’s turnaround, Washington went from having the fourth-worst defense in the league to having a top 10 defense in their last 10 games.
The Wizards’ recent hot streak has vaulted the team back into the playoff race in the Eastern Conference. Washington is only 2.5 games out of the 8th seed in the conference and has brought excitment back into the city.
Will the Washington Wizards’ hot streak last?
Is this hot streak real and could it last, or is it simply a flash in the pan?
For one, the good sign about this team’s hot streak is their improved play on the defensive end. If Washington can continue this level of play on defense, I’m not sure if they’re going to be a playoff team but they’ll be improved.
It’s more likely that a hot streak fueled by offensive firepower flames out than one that is powered by improved defense. While that’s working in favor of the Wizards, the fact that the team is 7-3 in their last 10 games and still has a negative net rating during those games in quite disappointing and, quite frankly, somewhat of a riddle.
The Wizards have a -0.9 net rating in their last 10 games and it’s difficult to explain. In their three losses, Washington has gotten absoltuely destroyed. That’s likely what has nuked this team’s net rating but it’s certianly not something to feel good about.
Bradley Beal has been the one consistent for the Wizards this season and continues to be one of the most impressive players in the league this season. Without making a significant move at the NBA Trade Deadline, I have my doubts about this team’s recent hot streak.
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Even though the Washington Wizards have done a great job in making up some ground in the Eastern Conference, I’d still be bullish about their chances to make a true playoff push in the second half of the season.