Inside The Wizards

Washington Wizards 'Didn't Want to Compete Tonight' says Kyle Kuzma

The Washington Wizards lose their sixth straight game losing to the New Orleans Pelicans 142-122.
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Washington Wizards 'Didn't Want to Compete Tonight' says Kyle Kuzma
Washington Wizards 'Didn't Want to Compete Tonight' says Kyle Kuzma

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Washington Wizards

On the same day where Monumental Sports announced the Washington Wizards (3-20) would be moving out of Washington DC, a game still had to be played.

The Wizards lost their sixth straight game, this time to the New Orleans Pelicans (14-11) 142-122.

This is the 13th time this season Washington has given up over 130 points to the opposing team and the fifth time they've allowed more then 140 points.

READ MORE: Wizards Are Moving Out of DC

The Wizards are getting worse defensively, now back to the bottom of the NBA in defensive rating again with a 121.9 rating.

Washington forward Kyle Kuzma called out the team's competitiveness and effort.

"(We) didn't want to compete tonight," Kuzma said after the game. "That is the reoccurring theme. We are just not competitive; we don't want to be competitive."

Washington has a -10.9 net rating, which is second worst in the NBA.

Anytime you have a double-digit negative net rating it means you're getting blown out on a consistent basis.

Kuzma is right, the Wizards aren't competitive, and it is getting worse.

Is the non-competitiveness due to effort, a talent issue or even a roster construction problem?

Really, it is all three.

Washington only has one true center on the team and have one of the smallest rosters in the NBA.

They give up easy lay-ups and uncontested three-pointers due to either lack of communication on rotations or just pure laziness.

High effort can always close the talent gap this team has but we have yet to see that for long stretched with this team.

Washington Wizards Moving: Kyle Kuzma Reacts

The Wizards defense needs to improve and by the end of the season they need to be more competitive.

Washington plays the Indiana Pacers next, and it could turn into a long night defensively very quickly.

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GAGE SHEETS

Gage is entering his first season covering the Washington Wizards and brings a lifetime of passion for sports with him. He is a veteran of the United States Navy and a proud husband and father of two. You can follow or reach out to Gage on X @SheetsG23

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