The Washington Wizards inched closer towards owning the league's worst record in the 2025-26 season
The Washington Wizards fell to 17-59 overall following a 22-point loss against the Philadelphia 76ers, While the latest blowout loss at the end of a defeating season may not have meant much on the surface, it was enough to push the Wizards into sole possession of the league's worst record while clinching a bottom-five record with nearly-guaranteed odds of retaining its top eight protected pick in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft.
But after giving up a season-high 153 points in the loss, head coach Brian Keefe has pointed to the individual gains across the roster in his second full season as head coach.
"Obviously, we would all want to be winning more, but we got a lot of individual success stories, a lot of guys improving this year. So let's finish this thing off, right," Keefe said on 106.7 The Fan on Wednesday.
The loss came with the Wizards shorthanded once again with Kyshawn George, Alex Sarr and Julian Reese among the several inactives once again, though Washington did get a boost with both Tre Johnson and Bilal Coulibaly available. The ongoing status of several players will remain a storyline for Washington, but so will the gradually dwindling hope to see either of the new stars on the floor this season.
The team previously announced that Anthony Davis has been cleared for "light contact", though did not provide a timeline for his recovery with limited opportunities for a chance to return to the court this season. Head coach Brian Keefe added that Trae Young, who has remained sidelined since March 16, is "not doing much basketball activity right now" after making a brief debut with the team.
With just six regular games left and the offseason inching closer, a much welcomed development given Washington is staring at its third consecutive season failing to eclipse 20 wins, all eyes will soon shift toward the development of a young roster that will look to integrate its new pieces together. And head coach Brian Keefe noted it won't be long until the group reunites.
"I'm just continuing to think about how we can improve and get better. And I got a great job because I guys who love to work and love to play, want to get better every day, who are enthusiastic when you come in the gym. I've got a great job because I got guys who really love the craft and love and love the game.