Alex Sarr
Getty
Alex Sarr of the Washington Wizards.
Over the past few seasons, the Washington Wizards have been among the NBA’s worst teams. They have won a combined 33 games over the past two seasons, never exceeding 20 wins. However, this season, the Wizards already have 10 wins, showing a lot of promise, spearheaded by second-year player Alex Sarr.
Sure, the Wizards are still 10-25, second to the bottom in the Eastern Conference, but this team feels different. Over the last 11 games, they have a 6-5 record, and if you zoom in even more, the Wizards are 5-2 in their previous seven games. There have definitely been some ups and downs during this stretch, but they just beat the Orlando Magic 120-112, making a quiet statement.
NBA TV
“Everybody knows what we’re building, and you can sense that around the building” 🙌
Alex Sarr sits down with @Mike_Yam, @RudyGay, and @ChrisBHaynes on The Association following a 23 PTS, 8 REB, 4 BLK performance to discuss his development and the Wizards’ hot stretch.
In that game,Sarr looked amazing, finishing with 23 points, seven rebounds, and five blocks. In aninterview after the win, Sarr was asked how the vibe was in the locker room, and he responded by saying, “It’s good, everyone is motivated, and you know obviously the wins help.” Sarr continued to say, “But even when we were down, even after tough losing streaks, I feel like everybody knows what we’re building, and you can sense that around the building.”
On top of that, this could not come at a better time. The Atlanta Hawks and Trae Young appear destined for a breakup, and theWizards have become one of his top destinations. Adding Young could be a franchise-changing move, especially given the Wizards’ recent growth.
How Wizards and Alex Sarr are Better This Season
Alex Sarr
GettyAlex Sarr dunking the basketball.
After being selected second overall in the 2024 draft, Sarr had a difficult rookie season. The Wizards went 18-64, while Sarr underwhelmed. He averaged 13 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.5 blocks.
However, this season it has almost been a complete flip, as Sarr has massively improved. This season, he is averaging 17.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, three assists, and 2.4 blocks, while playing roughly one more minute per game.
Offensively, Sarr has taken a massive step compared to last season. In his rookie season, he shot 39.9% from the field and took 5.1 three-point attempts, making just 30.8% of them. Well, this season, both stats took a massive jump.Sarr is shooting 49.9% from the field, and even though he is taking fewer 3s, now attempting 3.1 per game, he is making 35.8% of them.
On top of that, Sarr has had a massive impact on the defensive end. Currently, Sarr’s 2.4 blocks per game is the best in the league, and he is tied for third in total blocks. Over the last 11 games, the Wizards are tied for themost blocks per game, at 7.4, whileSarr has contributed three per game. During this stretch, the Wizards’defensive rating has been 116.3, compared to 120.9 for the entire season.
Can Sarr and Wizards Keep Hot Stretch Going
Alex Sarr
GettyAlex Sarr with the ball looking to pass.
By no means are the Wizards suddenly a play-in team. They are still one of the league’s worst teams, but Sarr is gradually helping them become competitive. That does make them an interesting team to follow, especially if they can keep up their strong play going.
StatMuse
The Washington Wizards have more wins over the last 10 games than the
— Thunder — Cavs — Lakers — Nuggets — Knicks — Magic — 76ers — Bucks — Nets — Grizzlies — Pelicans — Mavericks — Hawks — Kings — Jazz
Wow.
However, the bad news for the Wizards is that they have a tough schedule ahead. The win over the Magic was the first of a home-road back-to-back, and the Wizards will face the Philadelphia 76ers. That is followed by what should be an easier matchup, when the Wizards host the New Orleans Pelicans.
After the Pelicans, the Wizards go on a four-game West Coast trip, facing the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings, and Denver Nuggets. None of these games will be easy, but the Pelicans and Kings are two of the worst teams in the Western Conference. Going 2-4 over this next stretch is possible, and if the Wizards do any better, that could spark a lot more interest. Not to mention the rumors around Young.