'It's on': Wizards embrace measuring stick game vs. Cavs

The Washington Wizards aren't backing down from anyone these days.

Having launched a furious 27-11 run over the last two months to climb into third place in the East, the Wizards are feeling confident ahead of Monday's showdown with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

"It's on, for sure," Wizards guard Bradley Beal said told J. Michael of CSN Mid-Atlantic. "We're climbing in the rankings. We're going to keep climbing. They're a targeted team with a big red X on their back and we're coming after them, too. We're excited. We're amped up about it. I'm definitely excited because I didn't play the first game."

The Wizards remain 2.5 games back of the Boston Celtics for second in the East, and 4.5 back of first place, but their recent run of form has them feeling confident. Washington grounded the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday with a comfortable 105-91 victory to improve to 9-1 over their last 10.

The game against the Cavaliers will therefore serve as a measuring stick. Washington lost by 11 in their first meeting with Cleveland this season, which dropped the team to 2-6 back in November, but the Wizards have found their stride whereas the Cavs are stumbling as of late. That spells opportunity.

"I was playing bad last year," John Wall said. "This time we're playing better. That's the best team you have to go get. They're the best team in the East. They've been to two straight (NBA) Finals. They won the championship last year so we know what the ultimate goal is. That's what we're trying to strive to get."