For the Wizards, it has been a season of missed opportunities and floundering around .500 all season long.  On Monday, it was a chance for the Wizards to give their fans a Christmas present, but instead the D-Fenders took away their home court and made it look like L.A.

This was a team that only had 3 wins on the season.  Early in the game it looked like there was going to be magic at the “Double C,” but by half-time the Wizards’ collapse began.  With the Wizards unable to defend or hit any baskets, the L.A. D-Fenders were able to put together a strong second half.  Questions were left to be answered on the Wizards side of things, like: Where have the Wizards been all season long?  Is this the mark of a Central Division Champion?  Does Dwayne Ticknor have it in him to replace a legend in Bismarck (Dave Joerger)?  Can the Wizards put together a consistent effort?  Maurice Baker seems to be the only answer that the Wizards have.  In the D-League you need team unity, but the Wizards aren’t showing that right now.  Even though the Wizards jumped on the D- Fenders early, in the end, the fresher legs and the will of the D- Fenders is what won them the ball game.  The Wizards looked consistent at times, but consistency was lacking the throughout whole second half.  Where are the Wizards’ big consistent players?  5-6…stunning for a team that is supposed to be at the top of the D- League.  They are searching for an identity.  Who are these Dakota Wizards?  Sure you’ve got Baker, but he can’t save you every night.

You’ve got to find a way to get your consistent magic back, or this team (that we are so used to seeing at the top of the minor league basketball world) might be going home early.  It has to do with the attitude of the players.  They need to come together right now, or they can kiss the season goodbye.  What I saw on the floor last night did not resemble the magical team that fans once adored.