The N.B.A.’s Race to the Bottom

On Wednesday, during a break in a 153–131 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Washington Wizards led a fan onto the court to attempt a half-court shot, blindfolded, for a chance to win ten thousand dollars. The fan chucked the ball clear of the backboard. “Oh, my—” exclaimed an on-court announcer, cutting herself off as a group of jubilant mascots swarmed the fan. “Somebody’s rich!” she exclaimed. “The mascots are going crazy! The contestant is going crazy! The crowd is going crazy!” The crowd was not going crazy, but never mind.