The Washington Wizards were a top 5 defensive team this season, but come the postseason they unquestionably cranked up the intensity and the result was a sweep of the Toronto Raptors in the first round.
Just how good were the Wizards?
PBT has partnered with the fantastic NBASavant.com to break down the Sports VU Camera data and look more closely at the advanced stats of the NBA playoffs and what decided a series.
Washington’s averaged defender distance to the Toronto shooter was 3.55 feet, the closest defense any team played in the first round of the playoffs. If they do that in the next round — either against the Nets or a Hawks team that has not looked like the vintage Hawks — the Wizards will have a chance to advance.
