Through their first few games, the Washington Wizards have gotten the full Russell Westbrook experience. There’s the frantic, sometimes chaotic pace at which the 32-year-old play. There’s the way he fills up the stat sheet, with Westbrook becoming the first player to record back-to-back triple-doubles to open a season since Magic Johnson in 1982.
Perhaps most of all, they’ve seen the fierce competitor who absolutely hates to lose.
“This one is on me — [expletive] around, missing those shots,” Westbrook said Saturday after a 130-120 loss to the Orlando Magic.
Westbrook’s intensity has been on full display to start the NBA season, his first as a Wizard. That energy provides an entertainment value that’s been missing from the Wizards in recent years. As a whole, Washington seems to match Westbrook’s constant effort — which can be a joy to watch. “I’m so happy that the Wizards are fun again,” radio host Grant Paulsen tweeted.
But Westbrook’s addition hasn’t solved every problem for the Wizards, who had dropped two straight heading into Sunday night’s game against the Magic.
The Wizards suffered defensive breakdowns in both losses, particularly in the fourth quarter, letting leads slip away and being outscored by a combined 25 points. Coach Scott Brooks said his team was a “step slow” against the Magic.
At first, star Bradley Beal pinned Washington’s problems on effort.
Beal has often remarked in the past that defending in the NBA comes down to pride, knowing assignments and being aware of rotations.
And on Saturday, he said Washington didn’t do that over the last five minutes.
Beal, though, clarified that Washington competes “our [butts] off,” but added the team has to be better.
The Wizards ranked 29th in defense last season.
“I think we’ll be alright,” he said.
When Westbrook was acquired, one of the pressing questions was how his addition would impact Beal offensively. Would Westbrook, a ball-dominant guard, hinder Beal’s scoring ability? It’s still early, but those concerns might have been overblown. Beal scored more than 30 points in each of Washington’s first two outings.
If anything, Washington needs Westbrook to find his offense.
The former MVP is shooting just 36.6% from the field. Westbrook has been explosive in transition, but he’s settled for too many midrange jumpers.
According to NBA Stats, Westbrook’s 22 midrange jump attempts leads the league so far. Granted, it’s early, though Westbrook is at his best when he attacks the rim.
Brooks, too, is still sorting out lineup combinations. At times, he’s rolled with a bizarre three-guard lineup of Ish Smith, Raul Neto and Westbrook on the floor — an undersized backcourt without much shooting.
The coach has also staggered Westbrook and Beal, making sure at least one of them is on the court at practically all times.
Beal said the second unit needs to be more aggressive, specifically naming guards Jerome Robinson and Troy Brown Jr. as needing to push the pace.
The Wizards have had to adapt with Rui Hachimura (pink eye) still sidelined and Davis Bertans being on a minutes restriction as the sharpshooter gets his conditioning back.
Hachimura is still a few weeks away from returning.
“We just got to take those adverse times and learn how to move on,” Beal said.
“It’s going to be tough. But you know, we’re good and we adjust on the fly. We have a willing team who wants to learn, wants to get better. That’s a stepping stone in the right direction. … We’ve just got to continue to push ourselves to be better.”
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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