Keefe’s Wizards Start Showing Defensive Progress
Washington is 4-3 through its first seven games of the 2026-27 season, with coach Brian Keefe earning notice for his defensive approach and rotation management as of November 3.
The Washington Wizards have opened the 2026-27 season with a 4-3 record, giving coach Brian Keefe an early chance to show how his team can perform under his direction. After years of emphasizing defense during a rebuilding period, Keefe is beginning to see players’ effort translate into results.
Washington’s 103-94 victory over Orlando offered a clear example. The Wizards held the Magic to nine points in the third quarter with a switching defense, and Keefe won both of his challenges during the game. The team has posted a top-eight defensive rating, even while missing Alex Sarr and, for much of the early stretch, AJ Dybantsa.
Keefe has also had to work through changes to his lineup. Bilal Coulibaly stepped into a larger role while Dybantsa was out, Justin Champagnie joined the second unit, and Trae Young adapted to a less ball-dominant role. After Champagnie suffered a foot fracture last week, Keefe gave Will Riley some minutes as the team adjusted its rotation.
There are still issues to address. The Wizards have not been taking or hitting many three-pointers, have struggled to secure defensive rebounds, and at times have used multiple centers among Anthony Davis, Sarr and Deandre Ayton. But the early results suggest Keefe is building defensive habits while managing an evolving group of players.