Talking about being on opposite ends of the NBA spectrum, the Wizards head into Oklahoma City with a record of 4-22 and aspirations for the number one overall pick. Meanwhile, with a record of 22-5, the Thunder aspire to be the number-one seed in the Western Conference. Like they say in the NFL, any team can win on any given Sunday. Can the Wizards topple the Western giants in OKC? Here are three ways they can.
Keys to victory/development
#1 - Shoot and execute high-percentage shots
The Thunder are the best defensive team in the NBA, the Wizards are last. If the Wizards want to slow down the Thunder, they will have to be on point both offensively and defensively. When it comes to beating their defensive scheme, ball movement and team basketball will be a good first step. Using paint penetration and Iso situations to collapse the defense and set up shooters for high-percentage looks should be the priority. Utilizing the shot clock and not shooting a lot of transition shots unless they’re inside the paint should also be the goal.
#2 - Defense, Defense, and Defense
The Wizards have failed and should prioritize EVERY aspect of defense. They often fail to get down in transition, don’t close out shooters, are slow on defensive rotations and switches, and overall team defensive intensity. Defense is a culture, a culture of communication and intensity and if the Wizards continue to fail at both, it will be an even longer season for the young Wiz-Kidz, especially after the Trade Deadline.
#3 - Turnover free basketball
The Wizards are the worst and the Thunder are the best at TURNOVERS. The recent loss the Wizards earned (against the Bucks) is mostly due to turnovers and if they want to at least hang with the Thunder on their home court, they will have to play turnover-free basketball and use high defensive intensity, causing the Thunder to commit their fair share of turnovers. Turnovers lead to points off turnovers and the Wizards should do themselves a favor by scoring off of the Thunder’s mistakes.
Prediction - Thunder win
