Welcome to the Basketball Hangover. I write about what’s happening in the NBA daily, even when COVID has ravaged the league.
Those Wizards have been scorching the league the last couple of weeks.
(PHOTO CREDIT: The Oklahoman.)
Yeah, so don’t look now but the Wizards have won 7 games in a row. They’re now in the driver’s seat for the 10th spot in the East and look to be a dangerous team should they make it into the play-in series.
This is a team that got off to a 3-12 start. And they were also one of the teams that had many games postponed early due to the pandemic. It looked extremely hopeless and, early on, we were all saying that John Wall and the Rockets won the deal. Bradley Beal was doing all he can to hold the fort down, even having a 60-point effort that still fell short against the Sixers. People were also quick to throw Russell Westbrook under the bus.
Then something happened along the way. As they got healthier, their defense got so much better. It helped to get Daniel Gafford at the trading deadline as he has become the energy guy for the hole Thomas Bryant left them. We know that NBA teams love to switch a ton defensively but it’s worked out for the Wizards. And while Beal continues to score well for them, Russell Westbrook has been out of this world as he has gotten 14 triple-doubles in the last 16 games. What?
The Wizards are a Top 5 defense in the month of April, which has been quite incredible since they were mostly in the bottom 5 for most of the season (they’ve climbed up to 17th since then).
Granted, they’re still not the best offensively; they have to get more easy baskets. Outside of Davis Bertans, they’re not a threat on the outside. Beal is shooting below 35 percent from three.
But you can never have enough defense. If the Wizards can maintain this defensive pace, then they’re going to be the team that no one wants to face in the play-in or the playoffs. Especially with the tear Westbrook is on right now. As it stands, they face the Pacers and then the loser of the Heat/Hornets play-in. I’m not sure about them beating the Heat but if they get the Pacers/Hornets draw, they can cause fits for the #1 seed, which is Brooklyn as of now. And whether it’s the Nets or the Sixers, the Wiz would be a headache for either team.
So D.C. has become that team. It’s what happens when they put on their robes and wizard hats.
Bullet Passes
As mentioned, the Nets took over 1st in the East after defeating the Celtics. But it’s just frustrating and not fun when you realize who didn’t play in this all-important game. James Harden is out indefinitely. Kevin Durant has a contusion on his leg. Kemba Walker has a bad knee. Jaylen Brown‘s shoulder is hurt.
It’s just so rough.
The Rockets made it tough against the Clippers. They even led by 7. But the Clippers have a rejuvenated Paul George, who did damage with 33 points and 14 boards. He is having a hell of a stretch right now.
It has to be disappointing for the Miami Heat that they couldn’t defeat a shorthanded Hawks team. No Trae Young for Atlanta but they had 6 players score in double figures. Bogdan Bogdanovic went for 21 points and 8 assists.
The Blazers are having a hell of a time as they are 2-8 in their last 10 games. They have now fallen to 7th and I’m sure they don’t want to have to do a play-in series.
Charlotte needed that win against Cleveland. It felt like a few hours ago that they were 4th in the East. LaMelo Ball is due back soon, though.
What else can you say about Stephen Curry that hasn’t been said yet? He’s had an incredible last few weeks.
NBA Scoreboard
Apr. 23, 2021
Watch This Play
Bruce Brown has no fear on going against a taller Luke Kornet.
(VIDEO CREDIT: House of Highlights.)
Fantastic pass by Kyrie Irving, too.
Everyone, please take care of yourselves during this pandemic. And that goes for everyone involved with the NBA as well.
You can find Rey-Rey on Twitter at @TheNoLookPass.
You can also check out Rey-Rey’s podcast, Rey-Rey Is Fundamental, for more basketball content and, really, whatever else.
R.I.P. Nala.