Washington Wizards 'Can't Guard a Stop Sign' says Kyle Kuzma

The Washington Wizards defense struggled in the loss to the Orlando Magic 139-120.

This Washington Wizards team has struggled defensively all year, so it is no surprise when they give up a ton of points.

With a defensive rating of 120.1 the Wizards are the worst rated defense in the NBA.

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It has been a point of contention to start this year and even though there have been a couple spots where they looked improved, they always regress back to the numbers.

They have a 50.3 defensive field goal percentage and rank bottom 10 in almost every major analytical defensive category.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) shoots as forward Deni Avdija (8), forward Kyle Kuzma (33) and Washington Wizards center Daniel Gafford (21) defend during the second quarter at Amway Center / Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

Against the Orlando Magic the defense was a disaster.

The Wizards gave up 139 points on 60 percent shooting including allowing the Magic to shoot 63 percent from three-point range as they made 17 of them.

This is already the ninth time this season Washington has given up more than 130 points and honestly it could have been more.

Wizards give up 130+ points for the 9th time this season and lose 139-120 to the Magic. Orlando shot 60%. Franz Wagner led all scorers with 31. Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 24. Deni Avdija had 22. Washington’s next game is on Friday against the Magic in Orlando again.

— Gage Sheets (@SheetsG23) November 30, 2023

"We can't guard a stop sign," Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma told Josh Robbins of The Athletic. "We let anybody get whatever they want on us. So, until we change that, then that's probably going to be the result."

Kuzma has been one of the better defenders on Washington, allowing a 48.7 defensive field goal percentage.

Out of all the Wizards starters only forward Deni Avdija has a better defensive field goal percentage with 47.1 percent.

None of the starters for Washington are going to be awarded for their defense but it doesn't come down to one player.

Wizards Desperately Need To Improve In This Area

Defense and rebounding are a mindset and a culture thing just as much as it is a skillset, you have to care and want to do well on that side of the floor as a team.

Kuzma's comment is what Wizards fans have been saying all season, play better defense or keep getting crushed by opposing offenses.

We knew coming into this year Kuzma would be the leader of this team, but he has impressed a lot of people with his leadership qualities he has shown.

Kuzma takes accountability and is blunt with his answers.

People appreciate that. 

He is turning into a fan favorite quickly and showing he has the ability to be the center of this rebuild.

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