Top Stories of the Week: Wizards continue struggle with consistency, while John Wall just got hurt

Halloween is now over and we make our countdown toward Thanksgiving. Let’s head to the links!

The Wizards win big in Sacramento, lose to the Suns and Cavs

I was very impressed with the Wizards’ 110-83 blowout win against the Kings last Sunday. It was their most consistent effort all year long to date and also notable because that game capped off an early west coast road trip.

Unfortunately, they managed to blow a 22 point lead in their first game back home against the Phoenix Suns and lose 122-116. There just seems to be a pattern with the Wizards for quite some time. They often play at their best against the NBA’s best teams, but manage to stink it up against teams that figure to be in the lottery. It’s too early to say whether this is a trend that will continue on into December and January, but it’s not something I like seeing.

Even more telling — Bradley Beal acknowledged that the Wizards though the Suns were a “cakewalk.” As fans, it’s easy for us to say that certain teams just aren’t at the Wizards’ level. But when players themselves don’t seem to think a game is going to be a “cakewalk,” it’s not surprising to see that complacency crept in. I think that’s happened all season.

Finally, the Wizards hosted Cavaliers last night in another nationally televised game. The Wizards lost, 130-122 with LeBron James scoring 57 points. At the end of the day, the Wizards are 4-4.

John Wall is hurt, but we don’t know how badly just yet

During the Cavs game, John Wall hurt his left shoulder during the second half and had to wear a sling after the game. He even acknowledged that he shouldn’t have played through it. There is no structural damage so hopefully it isn’t serious. But the Wizards can’t afford to play long stretches without him.

Bradley Beal believes the Wizards are the best team in the Eastern Conference

Just because the Wizards are 4-4 doesn’t mean that the team is “acting that way.” On ESPN’s “The Jump” on Friday, he openly stated that Washington is the best team in the East. I appreciate the enthusiasm. However, it also sets the Wizards up for some harsh criticism should they not finish near the top of the East this season.

Some roster changes

Carrick Felix was waived on Thursday after playing no regular season minutes and serving a one-game suspension for leaving the bench during the Golden State Warriors game. Wow, that’s kinda rough.

The Wizards also announced that they assigned Devin Robinson to the G-League where he will play for the Delaware 87ers. Though the Wizards have a G-League team of their own in the works, that team won’t play until next season when the basketball practice facility and the new Mystics arena is finished.

And to add more “bad news” to the youth development department, the Wizards declined to honor Chris McCullough’s fourth year option. Can’t say that I’m surprised considering how little he’s played, but it will be interesting to see how he plays the rest of this season for the Wizards, and perhaps elsewhere.

Analysis on the Wizards’ roster

Ian Mahinmi has been maligned since he received his first injury in a Wizards uniform. Some fans are eagerly wondering who they can trade him for, but the reality is that he’s only going to yield another “bad contract” until he plays more games than he sits. So far, Mahinmi has played more than he’s rested. But as Alan Jenkins wrote earlier this week, Mahinmi isn’t delivering much off the bench for Washington either.

Though Mahinmi isn’t doing that well right now, Otto Porter on the other hand has found a new gear. He’s forcing defenses to turn the ball over while he seems to be allergic to turning the ball over himself. Of all the Wizards this season, Porter has clearly stood out as their MVP.

Kara Lawson gets love at her stomping grounds

The Wizards’ color analyst was given a warm welcome in Sacramento last Sunday. It’s the city where she developed, not only as a young WNBA player, but also as a broadcaster.

And more links

• The Essendon Football Club, an Australian rules football team, traveled to Washington earlier this week and spent time with the Wizards. The players herer in D.C. learned a bit more about what the Aussie game is like and even tried a few plays at the practice court. Michael Randall of the Herald Sun has more.
• John Wall elaborated more about former college teammate Eric Bledsoe, who’s been effectively fired from the Phoenix Suns after openly stating that he didn’t want to be there anymore. Essentially, Wall openly mentioned that Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington has more on that.
• And finally, the Wizards will have a Friday night concert series. When you get to see Doug E. Fresh, 112, and DJ Kool on separate nights, you know it will be lit!

And those are the links I have from this past week. If you have another link you’d like to share, feel free to do so in the comments or as a FanPost. Enjoy the rest of your weekends!