There have been a handful of unexpected risers early in the 2021-22 NBA season. The Chicago Bulls and Golden State Warriors were projected as playoff teams, but both have rapidly risen to the top of their respective conferences faster than most expected. But the biggest shock of the season has to be the Washington Wizards.
The D.C. based squad currently sits at 11-5, tied for second with the Bulls and just a half game behind the Brooklyn Nets. They sport a solid 7-1 record at home, which also ranks second just behind the Warriors as the Chase Center.
The Wizards were written off by many given that they traded away Russell Westbrook in the offseason. The Brodie was the engine that powered Washington to a spirited second-half run that snuck them right into the play-in tournament. Losing him sounded like the death knell for their postseason hopes, with the departure of Bradley Beal likely to follow.
But instead, the Wizards look like the unlikely dark horse in the East. Here are the three biggest non-Bradley Beal reasons behind the scorching hot start:
3 Reasons behind Wizards' epic start
#1 These Wizards are historically clutch
Perhaps the most surprising turnaround that's happened in Washington thus far is their play in crunch time. After their latest win over the Miami Heat on Sunday night, yet another contest that came down to the wire, the Wizards improved to a spotless 8-0 record in clutch games this season.
That's in stark contrast to the Wizards of yesteryear, as the franchise has had a losing record in clutch games in 14 of the last 16 NBA seasons.
Spencer Dinwiddie has led the way for D.C. as he's been the catalyst for the offense in late-game situations. He's been one of the most productive clutch scorers in the entire league. He ranks third in clutch points per game with 3.9 behind just Ja Morant and Jaylen Brown. He's also tied for the second-most clutch assists this season with seven for the year.
Spencer Dinwiddie gives the Wizards the lead and Capital One Arena is on their feet pic.twitter.com/QtiiMCNbF8
— Hoop District (@Hoop_District) November 21, 2021
With Dinwiddie leading the way for Washington, they've managed to outlast every opponent when the game turns into a rock fight down the stretch.
#2 Wild defensive turnaround
While Spencer Dinwiddie and the Wizards have been able to execute their offense to win their close contests, it's surprisingly been their defense where they're truly thrived this season.
Washington ranks a mediocre 17th in the NBA in offensive rating. But they've become a defensive juggernaut through the first month of action, rating as a top-five defensive team this season. They've held seven of their last eight opponents to 100 points or fewer, going 6-2 in that span.
It's night and day from last season, when they allowed the most points scored against them in the NBA at a stunning 118.5 points per game. They've so far only allowed one opponent to eclipse that total out of the 13 they've already faced. While that's in part due to the league-wide scoring dip, the turnaround on the defensive end is completely evident in their play.
First-year head coach Wes Unseld Jr. has been at the center of it all, with his defensive schemes working to perfection so far. But credit also goes to guys like Deni Avdija, Kyle Kuzma, and Montrezl Harrell for outperforming the defensive expectations on them going into the season. Avdija in particular has been a revelation on that end, consistently guarding the opposing team's toughest wing assignment and more than holding his own.
Wizards 20-year-old Deni Avdija has evolved into one of the more versatile wing defenders in the league so far this season. While he’s still settling in offensively, he’s played a big role in Washington’s success with his defense and energy. https://t.co/e6NScbf8VX pic.twitter.com/SW8pShU3aB
— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) November 17, 2021
#3 Montrezl Harrell
While you can go up and down the Wizards roster to find guys deserving of credit for the successful season its been, few deserve more effusive praise than Montrezl Harrell.
He became somewhat of an afterthought during his one-year stint with the Los Angeles Lakers. But Trez has regained his fine form during his best years with the Clippers, averaging 17.1 points on 64.3% shooting to go along with a career-high 8.4 rebounds per game off the Wizards bench.
Beyond the statistical impact, it's his energy and workmanlike ability to create something out of nothing on the floor that's endeared him to D.C. fans in such a short span of time. He's even been getting MVP chants already, which might be in record time for a player new to his franchise.
Montrezl Harrell with a hilarious response when asked about getting MVP chants at the free throw line. Just wait until the second free throw, he says. pic.twitter.com/GGp9XpvOGc
— Chase Hughes (@ChaseHughesNBCS) November 16, 2021
Washington has had a different hero nearly every night, whether it's Dinwiddie or Kyle Kuzma hitting clutch shots, Bradley Beal piling on the points, or Deni Avdija providing a huge defensive spark off the bench.
The one true constant has been Montrezl Harrell. He's scored in double-figured in every game this season and hasn't missed a single one thus far. He's clearly the heart of this Wizards team.
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