Weekly Wiz

Written by: Eric Meyer

Published: November 11, 2025

This Week’s Results (overall record):

November 5, 2025: Wizards 107, Celtics 136 (1-7)

November 7, 2025: Cavaliers 148, Wizards 115 (1-8)

November 8, 2025: Mavericks 111, Wizards 105 (1-9)

November 10, 2025: Wizards 135, Pistons 137 OT (1-10)

Another week, another four losses for the Wizards. After two straight blowout defeats, Washington looked like they might pull off a couple wins, first against Dallas where they squandered a late lead, and again in Detroit, where they surrendered a game-tying three with 1.6 seconds left before falling in overtime. Everything was a mess this week, from injuries to poor execution in crunch time to whatever the hell is going on with Jaylen Brown's hair. Not awesome.

Brian Keefe Isn't Helping

I've talked a lot about individual players on this team, but I haven't mentioned the coach yet. Coach Keefe is in a precarious position because the Wizards are effectively forced to tank this season in order ensure that their 2026 draft pick conveys, so winning is not the priority for this year's Wiz. Still, you have to position your young players to succeed and learn good habits in the NBA, and using rotations that are loaded with defensive liabilities and ball stoppers all at the same time makes it impossible for off-ball players like Tre Johnson and versatile playmakers like Kyshawn George to thrive.

The team's performance should reflect the talent and experience, but it's currently worse than that. Keefe needs to show some aptitude at managing this roster if he wants to continue on as the team's leader as they look to turn the corner in the near future, because this current output is simply unacceptable.

Bilal Coulibaly Is Gone Again

A big chunk of this week's struggle stems from BIlal Coulibaly once again being absent due to injury. I've discussed his value as a point of attack defender and his absence along with Kyshawn George's was felt against Cleveland when Donovan Mitchell and company had their way, putting up 148 points without breaking a sweat. Hopefully Coulibaly can get back on the court soon, because his defense is needed and more importantly, he needs to show that he can be a reliable player from a health standpoint in addition to his game when on the floor.

Sarr Shows an Extra Dimension

I've talked about Alex Sarr in a positive light every week, and I think it's fair. Alex has shown growth as an offensive player both in skill and toughness, but I had my eye on him particularly against Boston this week. The Celtics typically play a five-out style of offense that demands opposing centers defend on the perimeter. They also frequently hunt mismatches with big men, and Jaylen Brown attempted to attack Sarr in isolation twice in the first half. Both attacks led to Sarr blocks. He initially ceded ground to Brown but used his length and leaping ability to close on the basket and reject Brown's layup attempts at the last minute.

Sarr will be tested like this regularly against the best teams in the league. It's the modern offense in the NBA, and if he proves he can hold up against guards and wings in one-on-one, it makes his defense that much more valuable as this team moves from the tank to a competitive squad. It's something I will continue to monitor as the season goes on.

Up Next

The Wizards will only have two games next week, traveling to Houston tomorrow night and then hosting the Nets on Sunday. Maybe we can win that one.

See ya next Tuesday.