Inside The Wizards

Do the Wizards Have a New Rival?

As the season comes to an end for the Washington Wizards, they may be preparing for a new rivalry next season and beyond.
Mar 11, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington (8) reaches for a pass in front of Detroit Pistons forward Ronald Holland II (00) during the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
Mar 11, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington (8) reaches for a pass in front of Detroit Pistons forward Ronald Holland II (00) during the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images | David Reginek-Imagn Images

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During the last games of the season, many teams tend to check out both physically and even mentally. However, in the case of the Washington Wizards and the Detroit Pistons, a different story may be written for them.

The Wizards are a team that doesn't have much to play for these days. They aren't particularly trying to win many more games this season as they are eying the number one pick in this year's NBA Draft. However, the Pistons appear to be a lock to make the playoffs for the first time in quite a while.

The Pistons are a team that finally seems to have things figured out as they have been bad for a number of years now. On the other hand, the Wizards are still trying to figure things out. With that being the case, the Wizards are still a team that has a lot of pride and will fight until the end.

In a recent game between the Wizards and Pistons, things got a bit chippy as the emotions may have gotten the best of them. Detroit Pistons big man Isaiah Steward has always appeared to have a big temper as he tends to cause trouble all the time. Steward and Marcus Smart went back and forth verbally as he called Smart a flopper.

Steward went on further suggesting to Smart that he wants to fight. That sounds like a troubled player who wants to cause problems. Marcus Smart didn't back down as he told Steward he wasn't intimidated or scared. Things didn't end there for these two teams.

Pistons All-Star Guard Cade Cunningham appeared to have shoved Wizards rookie Forward Kyshawn George during a dead ball. Khris Middleton wasn't having it as he went to his teammate's defense. Don't look now, but it feels like a rivalry may be brewing right before our very eyes. It will be interesting to see these two teams match up moving forward into next season.

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Tyrone Montgomery
TYRONE MONTGOMERY

Tyrone Montgomery Jr has covered the NBA, NFL, and NCAA Sports since 2017 where he has engaged in color commentary, writing articles, interviewing of both players and coaches, photography, videography, and even the recording of multiple podcasts as well. This has shown to be a strong passion of his as he continues along this path covering the Washington Wizards

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