Despite a road victory over the Utah Jazz on Saturday, the Washington Wizards have tumbled into play-in range after a hot start to the season. One culprit for the slide is that Wizards players have lost confidence in the team’s offense.
The Wizards have lost seven of nine games to fall to just above .500 on the season. Many of the losses have featured deficits of 20 or more points.
Players have indicated they’ve lost confidence in the coaching staff’s ability to put them in position to succeed on offense. As a result of the struggles on offense, the Wizards intensity and attention to detail on defense has also slipped.
“We’re not saying throw it to us and let us clear out and iso and go and do our thing. No. But at the same time, let us feel it, not just off rebounding and then giving it to a guard,” Montrezl Harrell said. “No, let us get a touch early to get a shot. Let’s give us something to let us feel like we’re involved in the game as well.”
For his part, Washington head coach Wes Unseld understands the offensive frustrations, but says that shouldn’t cause the defense to fall off.
“Now, do the numbers say, hey, we have to get different guys different looks? Is it we’ve got to get more guys to be aggressive? I think there’s some of that, too,” said Unseld. “But I don’t think it affects defensive focus or energy – or it shouldn’t.”