The Washington Wizards have quickly gone from what looked like another lost season to contending for the upper half of the Eastern Conference playoff picture. We examine why on the latest episode of The Step Back's Day-to-Day NBA Podcast.

Jen Julie Smith of WizOfAwes.com joins the show to talk what explains the Wizards' turnaround, how John Wall and Bradley Beal are gelling on the court, Otto Porter having a career season and sparking the team with his shooting and cutting, Kelly Oubre breaking out over the past month, what Scott Brooks is doing differently than Randy Whitman, and how Markieff Morris is fitting in.

We also discuss what was up with the all-black funeral clothing vs. the Boston Celtics and what the Wizards' needs might be before the trade deadline.