The Wizards need to do everything they can to prevent the Sixers from getting in the paint
It seems far-fetched to say that the Wizards have any shot in this series, but technically, home court has not been broken yet and Washington could technically still win the next two games at home. It is unlikely, but it could occur if they can tighten up defensively, particularly in the paint.
READ MORE: NBA Rumors: This Cavs-Wizards offseason trade features Kevin Love
In Game 1, the Wizards did a pretty good job at limiting the 76ers’ opportunities inside, outscoring them 76-58 in the paint, but in Game 2, Philadelphia blasted Washington 68-50 in the paint.
Allowing guys like Ben Simmons to just drive downhill and finish easily at the rim cannot happen for the Wizards and if it does, then they automatically lose. Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris are going to combine for close to 50 points every game given the volume of shots they take and how talented they are, but guys like Simmons and Tyrese Maxey cannot be allowed to just drive to the rim and score.
Whether it is taking a charge or collapsing inside and forcing the 76ers to shoot from the perimeter, Washington needs to make some kind of adjustment defensively. Philadelphia was decent from three-point range during the regular season, shooting 37.4% as a team from outside, but if they are forced to take jump shots, they will not be the dominant team we have seen them be in Games 1 and 2 of this series.
