In athletics, every game matters. Every victory is uplifting, while every defeat is frustrating. Every game matters to the coaches and players who care about their craft. Every game matters to fans who identify with the team and sincerely want their favorite team to win.
So far, the Washington Wizards have had a disappointing season. Instead of earning s high seed in the playoffs, the Wizards received an 8th seed. Instead of being favorites to win an Eastern Conference championship, the Wizards became underdogs who lacked home court advantage. Instead of reaping the rewards of a rebuilding effort that began with the drafting of John Wall 8 years ago, the Wizards may be considering major changes.
Now, the Wizards have their backs against the wall, as they try to stave off elimination against the Toronto Raptors. They need to muster the pride to defend their home court and force a game 7 back at Toronto. Even in a disappointing season, a team can play with pride and conviction in an elimination game. Even in a frustrating season, a team can play with purpose and strength. The Wizards must show their fans and the NBA what they are made of. In game 6, the Wizards need to show determination and focus.
Many athletes have acknowledged that sport is a meritocracy. Everything must be earned. Nothing is given. An athlete and a team must earn respect. Credibility comes with victories and championships. Historical acknowledgement comes from substantive achievements. Teams must abhor losing and value winning.
Pride and effort manifest themselves in several ways on a basketball court. A determined team fights for every rebound and loose ball. A resolute squad plays help defense and contests every shot. A focused team shows good shot selection and makes the extra pass. Showing maximum effort involves running the fast break, creating turnovers and blocking shots. In a word, the Wizards must try and play a complete game.
The Wizards need to play better than they did in game 5. Washington needs to have fewer turnovers in game 6. Washington had 15 turnovers. Wall had 7 of those turnovers. The Wizards need to protect the basketball and avoid carelessness. Turning the basketball over makes it more difficult to beat a team as good as Toronto. Every team makes mistakes, but the Wizards need to limit mistakes.
The Wizards also need to create turnovers. Stealing the basketball can give a team a lot of momentum. Stealing the basketball can help Washington to score fast break points, which are necessary for a team that wants to beat a team as talented as the Raptors.
Additionally, the Wizards must shoot better from three point range in game 6. Washington shot a mere 19% from beyond the arc in game 5, while Toronto shot a very respectable 44%. John Wall, Otto Porter,jr, Kelly Oubre and Markief Morris shot a combined 1-16 from three point range. At least three of these players need to do better in game 6.
Despite the game 5 loss, the Wizards dominated the boards. The Wizards outrebounded the Raptors 50-35. Marcin Gortat finished with 12 rebounds and was a constant presence underneath the boards. The Wizards need to continue that dominance in game 6.
Washington also needs to create a balance between the interior and the perimeter. The Wizards, like most NBA teams, rely a lot on perimeter shooting, specifically three point shooting. However, a strong interior game is important, too. The Wizards need to work the ball into Gortat so that he can shoot short range shots.
The Wizards also need more scoring from Markief Morris. He needs to make mid range shots and become a better scoring option.
John Wall and Bradley Beal will need to play well. Both will need to shoot well and handle the basketball well. Both need to avoid turnovers and make their open shots.
The Wizards need to get position and fight for every rebound. They need to fight for every loose basketball and out hustle the Raptors. Washington needs to get ahead in transition and score fast break points. They need to have good shot selection and move well without the basketball.
The Wizards need to switch on defense and not allow the Raptors to get by defenders. The Wizards must not allow a clear path to the basket. In addition to avoiding turnovers, they must create turnovers. Stealing the basketball should lead to fast break opportunities and point in transition.
Game 6 is a defining game for the Wizards. Tonight's game will test their resolve and determination. Game 6 will show what the Wizards are made of. Are they capable of pushing the series to a game 7? Are they capable of defending their home court and forcing the Raptors to play a decisive game at home? In a disappointing season, the Wizards can have a signature win in game 6. The Wizards can play a game that they and their fans can be proud of.
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