A Deceiving Opponent: Denver Nuggets vs. Washington Wizards

No defense from our nation’s capital

As alluded to earlier, the Washington Wizards are nowhere near adequate on defense. Matter of fact, the only team with a defensive rating lower is the injury-ruined Golden State Warriors. Unfortunately, at the forefront of defensive deficiency, is the inspired comeback from Isaiah Thomas.

Despite the warm feeling you get from looking at his offensive efficiency, the defense is despicable. Per NBA.com/stats, Thomas is ranked 349th in the NBA with a -8.6 net rating. Vince Carter has a higher net rating. Naturally, Thomas’ height doesn’t help matters much in terms of defensive success. Still, the numbers are quite discouraging regardless of the reason.

Not to pile on the two-time All-Star’s shortcomings, but there is one more stat indicative of the Wizards’ low defensive rating: -4.9 defensive box plus/minus. Thomas is the worst defensive player on the roster. Regardless of his success shooting the ball, it doesn’t outweigh the glaring issues on defense.

Thomas dealing with Nugget guards Jamal Murray and Gary Harris conjures an image of bullies playing keep-away from an unfortunate kid at recess. Now, of course, Thomas isn’t the only player who suffers from a dire defense, but unfortunately, he is the poster boy for the team’s lack of success in the department.