John Wall still not sure why Wizards don’t play defense well

TORONTO — John Wall’s responsibilities during all-star weekend have been reduced this year. Wall started for the Eastern Conference last season, and made numerous appearances around New York for the 2015 All-Star Game.

In frigid Toronto, Wall hasn’t had to make the rounds as much. He will be coming off the bench Sunday night after being selected as a reserve in this year’s game. On Friday, he said his knee is a bit sore, but he will play Sunday.

Last season, Wall pointed out individual recognition often comes after team success. The Wizards had a hot start in 2015 that turned into a 33-21 record at the all-star break. He was named a starter in the game for the first time.

This year, the Wizards are scuffling. They move into the break at 23-28. The disappointment of their record is amplified by the expectation they would be competing for one of the upper spots in the Eastern Conference this season. Instead, injuries and bad defense have them 10th in the conference. Washington is three games out of the eight seed, a spot no team wants because it means a first-round matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers and no lottery pick.

The Wizards are tied for last in opponent’s field-goal percentage, last in opponent’s 3-point percentage and last in rebounding percentage. Why can’t they defend?

“That’s a question you’re going to always get asked until you do it right,” Wall said Saturday. “Our coaches ask us the same thing. It’s something you’ve got to do as individuals. As an individual, you’ve got to take pride in guarding your man. As a team, you’ve got to have your brother’s back. That’s something we haven’t been doing for the first 40-something games, and it’s something we have to definitely do if we want a shot at making the playoffs.”

---

SEE ALSO: Adam Silver: League will not change ‘Hack-a-Shaq’ rule this season

---

Wall stuck to the team line that they have enough to push into the playoffs. The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 18.