WASHINGTON — The Wizards returned to Capital One Arena on Saturday for their preseason home opener against the Detroit Pistons.
It marked the home debut of several Wizards, including AJ Dybantsa, Anthony Davis and Deandre Ayton and served as Alex Sarr’s first game action since March 27 following offseason foot surgery. It also marked Trae Young’s first ejection as a Wizard after he and Daniss Jenkins got into a confrontation in the third quarter.
The Wizards shot 60% from the field and 55% from three in a dominant 40-20 first quarter but allowed Detroit to creep back by halftime. Fourteen first-half turnovers didn’t help.
But as they did on Thursday, Washington’s reserves won the second half and carried that effort into overtime. Felix Okpara swatted one at the rim before posterizing a Pistons defender on the other end. Justin Champagnie drilled a few triples. And the Wizards pulled away late for a 114-108 win.
Here are three takeaways from Saturday’s contest.
Dybantsa dazzles
After a dominant defensive performance against the Knicks, Dybantsa showed his offensive bag on Saturday en route to 14 points and seven rebounds in 23 minutes.
The No. 1 pick started with another blow-by layup, this one on Collins for his first points of the night. What followed was an incredible display of speed, skill and athleticism.
Dybantsa hustled for a rebound and turned up the floor. He quickly passed one defender with a mean behind-the-back move before hanging at the rim and finishing an and-one layup that brought COA to its feet.
Dybantsa again struggled outside of the paint. He made just four of his 10 field-goal attempts, including both of his 3-point attempts.
Tre Johnson is in for a big year
After battling injuries and poor PG play during his first NBA season, Johnson is healthy and happy to have a PG like Young running the show.
Johnson drilled four triples in the first quarter, three of which were assisted by Young. The most impressive came in transition when Young dropped a between-the-legs feed to Johnson for his first three.
Johnson tallied 15 points on 4-6 3PT, with one of his misses an end-of-quarter heave.
Keefe’s hints at rotation
The Wizards previewed their opening-night rotation during Sarr’s return. The starters — Young, George, Dybantsa, Davis and Sarr — dominated the first quarter.
Halfway through the frame, Johnson and Ayton entered for Young and Sarr. Then Bilal Coulibaly replaced Davis and Bub Carrington entered for Dybantsa. Those nine played every first-half minute, with the exception of a few Will Riley minutes toward the end.
George again played point guard when Young was out. Champagnie didn’t enter until the fourth quarter, which doesn’t bode well for his rotational chances.
It appears the nine that played early will comprise Keefe’s rotation. Khris Middleton, who’s still ramping up, could feature at times. As could Riley.
Bonus notes:
I’m proud to report that I am 1-0 in the basketball shuffle game that’s displayed on the Jumbotron at Capital One Arena. I’ll update this tally as the season goes on, but a fantastic start for me.
Appreciate the quick piece, Mr. Finberg.
Technically, the flaw still exist, shooting efficiency, pace and turnover control, partial decision making.In the past, if one teams top two athletes lack of offensive feeling, its hard for that team to stay in the game.But now, as the motor leagues emphasis rotation depth, more facilitator, more game changer, the situation gonna be different. This aligns with current wizards.AD locked in through miscellaneous things( box out, gap help, grab rebound, part of the playing making, gets the feed from good passer) to nurturing the confidence and tendency,Trae keen on playmaking, smooth tempo, Dybantsa, George, Trey.Johnson, Ayton, Sarr and other guys from the second line up like Riley respectively take over the role they assumed, convert to the good hustle, movement, calm choice and athleticism downhill attack. Those elements really boost teams ceiling, making it a fun piece to watch, combines to the ultimate collectivism. Expect this team done more things!
Thanks again for the update from frontline!
Best Regards
Peter (Hao Zhu)
I think they've got to find a way to keep Champagnie in the rotation...even if he's not suiting up every night. He's such a spark plug.
Will Riley I know is still developing, and obviously if the pieces keep clicking like they have in the first two preseason games it's hard to argue, but it's tough to see him so far down the rotation. The price to pay for bringing in so much outside talent.