Wizards Fans Remain Loyal Despite Losing Season

Hometown crowd packs arena to support struggling team

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:37am

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A dynamic, cubist-inspired painting depicting the energy and excitement of a basketball game, with players and spectators rendered in a fragmented, geometric style using bold, contrasting colors.Loyal Wizards fans pack the arena, their passion for the game transcending the team's losing record.Odenton Today

Despite a dismal 17-65 season, the Washington Wizards continued to draw large crowds at the Capital One Center, with over 15,000 fans attending a recent game against the Chicago Bulls. Fans, including families and young basketball players, expressed their unwavering support for the hometown team, citing the game-day experience and bonding opportunities as reasons for their loyalty.

Why it matters

The Wizards' loyal fanbase during a losing season highlights the deep connection between a community and its local sports team, even in the face of poor on-court performance. This story showcases the passion and dedication of sports fans who prioritize the overall experience and camaraderie over wins and losses.

The details

The Wizards lost to the Bulls 118-109, but the crowd remained engaged and enthusiastic. The Bulls were led by Tre Isaiah Jones, who had 31 points, and rookie Colin Sexton, who added 27 points. For the Wizards, 20-year-old Baltimore native Carlton Kaleel 'Lil Bub' Carrington III scored a team-high 14 points. Despite the Wizards' final regular-season record of 17-65, fans continued to flock to the arena, including a group of mothers from Southeast DC who brought their sons to the game, and a retired Under Armour employee who attended with his young granddaughter.

  • The Wizards lost to the Chicago Bulls on April 9, 2026.
  • The Wizards finished their regular season on April 12, 2026, with a 130-117 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The players

Tre Isaiah Jones

A player for the Chicago Bulls who scored a team-high 31 points in the game against the Wizards.

Colin Sexton

A rookie player for the Chicago Bulls who scored 27 points in the game against the Wizards.

Carlton Kaleel 'Lil Bub' Carrington III

A 20-year-old Baltimore native and second-year NBA player for the Washington Wizards, who scored a team-high 14 points in the game against the Bulls.

Dana Dolvin

A 70-year-old retired employee with the Under Armour corporation in Baltimore, who attended the game with his third-grade granddaughter, Stella Deshazo.

Rommell Miranda

A 40-year-old fan who attended the game with his wife Janna Miranda, 38, and their two children, Jerrell, 10, and Lea, 6.

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What they’re saying

“We realize the team is having a tough year, Stella loves all sports including basketball, so this is a great opportunity for me and her to share something in common.”

— Dana Dolvin, Grandfather

“For us, it's like a family outing. We enjoy our drive up here and once we're inside the arena, it's all about the food, watching the people and just overall having a good time as a family.”

— Rommell Miranda, Fan

What’s next

The Wizards will look to improve their roster and performance in the upcoming season, with the additions of star players Tre Young and Anthony Davis expected to bolster the team.

The takeaway

The unwavering support of the Wizards' fanbase, even during a losing season, demonstrates the deep-rooted connection between a community and its local sports team. Fans prioritize the overall game-day experience and bonding opportunities over wins and losses, showcasing the enduring power of sports to bring people together.