Montrezl Harrell sprung up right off the ground and started to vigorously pound his chest in celebration. The Washington Wizards center had just made a key defensive stop in Monday’s 105-100 win over the New Orleans Pelicans — taking a charge from Jonas Valanciunas.
Harrell had no hesitation taking on the full force of a man four inches taller and 25 pounds heavier.
“I’m a passionate player,” Harrell said. “That’s the only way I know how to play.”
Yes, these days, the Wizards — off to their best start in 47 years at 10-3 — really are winning games due to the strength of their defense.