With Westbrook and Beal, Anything Seems Possible for the Wizards
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In the last stretch of the season, the Washington Wizards took the league by storm. It came after a rough start of a season mired with injuries and Covid-19 quarantine protocols, starting with a record of 17-32, bottom of the Eastern Conference. Since then, the Wizards closed out the regular season 17-6, including an eight-game winning streak that had jettisoned this DC team in the spotlight as potential contenders heading into the playoffs.
The Wizards had really been stepping up their game due to the uber-impressive play of their two superstar veterans in Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook. They were playing like the best backcourt duo in the NBA, with Beal finishing off the season ranked at #2 in the NBA scoring ranking and Westbrook the NBA in assist and triple-doubles totals. The Wizards fought their way into the playoffs, clinching the 8th seed in a blowout win against the Indiana Pacers. Through all the challenges Washington faced this past season, being able to turn it around and make the playoffs is considered a victory for many who follow the team. But for their hard work, the Wizards were rewarded with a first-round matchup with the 1st-seeded Philadelphia 76ers. Wizards ended up falling to the Sixers in 5 games, surging with dominant play from their star players Embiid, Simmons, and Harris. While the objective of bringing a championship to DC will have to wait another year, the leaders of this team are using this moment as a stepping stool and teaching moment for the team.“ We did something that nobody thought we could even do in the middle of the season and with that, we should be proud of the way we played this season” said Westbrook after the game. Beal echoed the same sentiments. “Nobody should be holding their heads down,” said Beal in the Game 5 postgame presser.
Beal also exclaimed his admiration for Westbrook. “Having Russ here was unbelievable… Just his persona, and who he is and what he is about, is all exemplary.” Westbrook had a historic year in his first stint with the Wizards. He set the NBA record for most triple-doubles in a single month (14), and also surpassed Oscar Robertson’s record for most career triple-doubles, closing out the regular season with 184 triple-doubles, a huge accomplishment for Brodie. It is this level of play that has put the Wizards on other team’s radars heading into free agency. No matter the outcome, Russ’ impact on this team is undeniable. “I just wanted to come to a place and change the culture, bring my energy, my leadership and make the guys around here better. And I feel like I was able to accomplish that”
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The backcourt’s high level of play and great leadership has definitely improved the play of their roster. The roster in question consisted of key contributors such as Rui Hachimura, Raul Neto, Davis Bertans, and Daniel Gafford, to name a few. Beal’s message to his team is simple. “Remember this feeling. A lot of guys this is their first time in the playoffs, so understand that all the games during the season matter…remember the feeling and get in the gym.” It will be interesting to see how the Wizards roster will improve between now and next season. With the important offseason approaching and many Wizards players reaching the end of their contract, you have to expect the Wizards front office will do everything they can to bolster the talent around their superstar backcourt.
The Washington Wizards have been overlooked and forgotten this season and in years past and could have folded after starting the year the way they did, but they instead showed fire and determination all season. “Nobody quit. And to me, that showed so much when you have a group of guys that when everybody said that we weren't able to do something… nobody quit, nobody gave up, nobody gave in.” Now, they have the opportunity to improve this offseason and really come out with the ball rolling next season especially as Beal and Westbrook continue to grow and learn from one another. With those two at the helm, Washington is at least one move away from becoming legitimate contenders. Whether that means bringing in a third star, or a new head coach, one thing is certain— with Westbrook and Beal, anything is possible.
