Skip to content

Wizards end longest division-winning drought in pro sports

Action Images

It's been 38 long years since fans of the Washington Wizards last experienced what it was like for the team to win a division title.

Well, with their come-from-behind 119-108 victory (capped off by a 37-13 run to end the game) against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center Tuesday night, the Wizards have put an end to that depressing streak and officially clinched the top spot in the Southeast Division for the 2016-17 campaign.

Thus ends the longest drought of any team in American professional sports without a division crown.

The Charlotte Hornets/Bobcats have never won their division, placing the franchise at 27 seasons and 29 total years without such a title.

The NHL's Edmonton Oilers are currently at 30 years (1986-87), although they're currently just two points back of the Anaheim Ducks in the Pacific Division.

The Cleveland Browns of the NFL have a drought that extends back to 1989 (28 years), while the MLB's Pittsburgh Pirates are at 25 years.

The NBA's rule changes in 2015 have ultimately made winning a division rather meaningless, though, as the Wizards aren't guaranteed a top-three or even top-four seed in the Eastern Conference anymore as a result.

Tuesday's win over Los Angeles was the Wizards' fourth in a row, pushing their record to 46-28. All-Star point guard John Wall led all scorers with 34 points in 36 minutes, adding 14 assists, three rebounds, and four steals.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox