PREVIEW: The Washington Wizards arrive at Paycom Center ranked second in efficient three-point shooting and quick tempo, but their defensive vulnerabilities present a significant challenge against Oklahoma City's elite perimeter defense. Washington has struggled early, dropping three of their first four games after a heartbreaking overtime loss to Philadelphia on Tuesday. Alex Sarr led the charge with 31 points and 11 rebounds, and the team shot efficiently from the field and beyond the arc, yet squandered a 19-point fourth-quarter advantage in a disappointing finish. The Wizards' concerning weakness lies in their low free-throw rate and inefficient shooting from the charity stripe, ranking near the bottom of the league in both categories. The Oklahoma City Thunder continue their championship defense with five consecutive victories and show no signs of slowing down. The home team boasts exceptional free-throw shooting at 86.4 percent and a defensive scheme that forces opponents into difficult shot attempts, allowing few high-percentage opportunities at the rim. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander paced Tuesday's victory over Sacramento with 31 points on efficient shooting, while the Thunder overall shot just 45 percent from the field but controlled the glass and made crucial defensive adjustments in the fourth quarter. Despite owning the league's best defensive rebounding and maintaining a low turnover rate, Oklahoma City's slow tempo and isolation-heavy offensive approach contrast sharply with Washington's up-tempo style, setting up a fascinating clash of philosophies.