WASHINGTON — The Washington Wizards finished dead last in defensive rebounding last season. They allowed 13.1 offensive rebounds per game because Alex Sarr, who isn’t the greatest rebounder despite his 7-foot-1 frame, had no assistance on the back end.
So Will Dawkins acquired Anthony Davis and Deandre Ayton to help. But through five games of the 2026-27 season, rebounding remains an issue.
The Wizards rank 28th in rebounds per game (49.8) and 29th in offensive rebounds allowed per game (15.2). They’ve allowed 36 offensive rebounds and 45 second-chance points over their last two games. Their inability to finish defensive possessions has swung potential wins into frustrating losses.
“Some of our shot selections, the offensive rebounds — we have to get better at rebounding the basketball,” Davis said after Washington’s 121-111 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. “We’re really good in the half court. It’s just the second and third opportunities killing us and getting us scrambling.”
