What's Driving Washington Wizards' Early Season Success?

The Washington Wizards, despite losing to the Toronto Raptors on Friday, are off to a 4-2 start this season. But what is behind this hot start? I believe that the driving force is the improved all-around play of point guard John Wall.

Wall has been important for a Wizards squad that has lost several role players to injury, lending a helping hand as a passer, scorer and defender.

Scoring

Wall has continued his improved play from last season, averaging virtually the same amount of points with 19.2 points per game.

Even with the same amount of scoring, Wall has improved his shooting percentage to 44 percent, which also ties a career-high mark. The former University of Kentucky guard is averaging above 40 percent from every distance except three-point range, including 40 percent from 16 feet out to the three-point line.

As a matter of fact, Wall is averaging a career-high percentage from three feet out to the three-point line.

According to Zach Harper of CBSSports.com, Wall's improved jumper is only making it more difficult on defenses:

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His improving jumper since the beginning of last season has shored up the biggest weakness in his game. Adding a more than adequate jump shot gives him the option of deciding how to dissect a defense. Most of his damage will come with the pass, but he's so fast and quick that a defense has to be ready to help over from the weak side when he decides to drive.

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This has been gravy for Wall, as we all know what he is capable of in transition:

Wall has regressed back to his pre-2013-14 three-point numbers, which is something that will have to improve if the Wizards hope to contend for a title.

Passing/Ball Movement

In the four wins the Wizards have this season, they are putting up a 1.8 assist-to-turnover ratio. In the two losses, that ratio falls to 1.4. The Wizards are led in this department by Wall, who is currently fourth in the NBA with 9.5 assists per game.

Wall accounts for 53.8 percent of the Wizards' assists when on the court, serving as the primary ball-handler and initiator on offense.

Exceptional play by Wall has been an indicator of success, as he has averaged .5 more assists and .5 less turnovers in the four wins this season.

Wall's passing is often set up by his pickpocketing ways, as seen by this clip from the Orlando Magic game, during which a steal turned into the NBA's Assist of the Night:

Defense

The Wizards are giving up 15-plus more points per game to opponents when Wall is not in the game, which is the most obvious indicator of the team's reliance on its star guard.

Wall is fifth in the league in steals with 2.7 per game. The Wizards are counting on Wall to account for over a quarter of their steals.

His athleticism is always good for several plays that negate opponent points and are liable to end in points for the Wizards on the other end.

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