Forget their struggles; the Wizards are now stifling opponents, forcing turnovers, and securing wins with renewed defensive intensity.
Unbelievable, yet true fact; The Washington Wizards have a better record over the last ten games than the Oklahoma City Thunder.
This type of stretch didn't seem realistic even just a month ago. At that point, Washington boasted the worst offensive rating, defensive rating, and net rating in the league. A 146-101 drubbing at the hands of a depleted Celtics team had head coach Brian Keefe forced to "reevaluate."
Since that night, the Wizards have looked like a different team, a much more competitive one. Yesterday's 120-112 win over the Orlando Magic marked their fifth win in the last seven. It was Washington's first win over Orlando in 11 tries.
Washington survived late due to its defense, anchored by Alex Sarr, who came up with three pivotal rejections in the game's final minutes. As a team, the Wizards stymied the Magic for most of the night. Washington recorded 12 steals. Thus is the seventh game this season with at least 10 or more steals.
"Our defense carried out," Keefe said. "We were forcing turnovers that really got our game going. Had a little tough stretch there, but we finished off playing defense again; we're learning we can hang our hat on that."
Washington nearly gave away a 26-point lead late in the game, but it got key stops down the stretch to settle down Orlando's run.
The Wizards forced 19 Orlando turnovers, culminating in a season-high 29 points off turnovers.
"We were able to get out in transition and make the simple play," Keefe said. "We're converting in transition pretty well here lately."
Over the last seven games, the Wizards have the 7th-best defensive rating in the NBA at 112.2. Over the entire season, their 120.9 is second-worst in the league, but the improvements are noticeable.
Sarr's work as Washington's anchor has been a huge factor. He's put up at least 4 blocks in three of his last six games. He has posted 20 points and 4 blocks in four games this season, which is second in the NBA behind Victor Wembanyama.
Additionally, Bilal Coulibaly continued his as advertised defensive prowess. He stole the ball a career-high five times. He's notched 2 or more steals in three of his last four outings.
"I think I imposed my will from the jump," Coulibaly said. "I was just being physical with [Paolo Banchero] because I remember last game [against him] I wasn’t physical enough.”
Washington has a long way to go before its considered a good defense in this league, but the maturation is noticeable recently. The Wizards preach this is who they want to be, so they'll have to continue developing.