Nov 10, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook (0) attempts a shot against Washington Wizards small forward Martell Webster (9) during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Losing the way the Wizards lost last night obviously isn’t a pleasant feeling. Washington had a victory over a legitimate championship team in their hands on the road, but simply let it slip after a few crucial mishaps.

Despite the devastating loss in Oklahoma City to the Thunder, the Wizards have to find a way to learn from it and move on. In the past, losses like the one that took place last night would’ve been chalked up as a moral victory but at this point in their rebuild, the Wizards don’t have any more room for those losses. It’s simple: Either you win, or lose..and the Wizards lost last night.

The Wizards’ ability to compete against top-tier teams on a nightly basis is evidence of their growth and maturation over the past couple years. In the past Washington would’ve been obliterated in Oklahoma City, but nowadays the feeling is a bit different around the nation’s capital. The Wizards are playing like a team deserving of a spot in the post-season, and with that said, they aren’t drastically underestimated each and every night. Led by John Wall and his determination to finally take his team to “the promised land”, the Wizards have played with a fire we haven’t seen in years. Having veterans that actually produce on the floor like Nene, Marcin Gortat, and even Al Harrington has fueled the likes of Wall and Bradley Beal each and every night. Washington doesn’t have any more excuses and yesterday was no different. Without losses that are honestly hard to comprehend given the fact that Washington was up by double digits with just minutes left to go, their wouldn’t be any way for the Wizards to grow as the season progresses. Randy Wittman has consistently gotten his team ready to play against elite level competition, and I cannot commend him enough for his efforts:

We played extremely well…”Missed 13 free throws. Coming into a place like this, go 13-for-26 (at the foul line) and you still have a chance to win the game. This one hurt, but I’m proud of them. They busted their tails, gave themselves a chance. -Randy Wittman

-quote via CSN Washington

With all that said, it’s time to move on to the next one. As much as losses hurt, the Wizards can’t sulk and dwell on the disappointing aspects of the loss. The Wizards’ confidence is still sky high, knowing that they’re in a much better place than they were just a season ago, and it has to get carried over on Tuesday against the Dallas Mavericks.