Last night’s win over the Miami Heat was among their better defensive performances, and it was also surprisingly normal. So far this season, the Wizards have the league’s best defensive shot profile — fewest attempts from the analytically preferred areas (at-rim and threes), and the most attempts from less efficient spots (two-point jumpers).
Against the Heat, the Wizards protected the rim, contested 24 of Miami’s 35 three-point attempts, and forced lots of midrange jumpers. They fouled less than their norm without sacrificing defensive activities like contesting shots — NBA tracking credits Washington with contesting 58.9 shots per game (fifth most in the league).