Takeaways: Wizards get reality check in Thrashing vs. OKC

The Washington Wizards and their fanbase had higher hopes coming into the 2026-2027 season than they had in a long time. Armed with an improved roster — highlighted by first overall pick AJ Dybantsa and a healthy Anthony Davis — playoff contention seemed tangible. 

That's not necessarily untrue, but Saturday night's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder was a brutal reality check for where, exactly, the Wizards stand in the NBA's hierarchy. 

The Thunder are a tried-and-true contender, the winner of the NBA Finals in 2025 and a conference finalist in 2026. The Wizards are... not that, or at least not yet, and it was abundantly clear in a 114-75 blowout. 

Here are three key takeaways from the loss, which dropped Washington to 4-6 on the season coming off consecutive humbling defeats.

1) Trae Young needs to find a way to score efficiently

Trae Young, one of two massive trade acquisitions Washington pulled off last season, has had some moments as a creator this year. He has not, though, found his scoring touch. 

Young had a rough night against the Thunder, attempting just six shots, making one and scoring a paltry four points. It adds (honestly, subtracts might be a better word) to what has been a tough year with the star point guard shooting just 41% from the field coming into the game, and under 30% from deep. 

Young is a playmaker first, but he needs to find a way to score points in an efficient manner to lift a young offense. 

2) Anthony Davis was missed

The Wizards were without Anthony Davis against the Thunder due to an ankle injury. Who knows if his presence on the court could've changed the outcome in what was eventually a 39-point loss, but it sure couldn't hurt. 

Davis, as expected, has been the team's leading scorer and most consistent offensive option. Without him, the squad struggled to put together anything, really, scraping to just 75 points on the night. 

Availability is always the question with Davis, and Wizards fans are certainly hoping his absence doesn't become a consistent issue. 

3) AJ Dybantsa is a truly talented scorer 

Even on a pretty miserable offensive night for the team as a whole, AJ Dybantsa found ways to shine. 

Dybantsa added another good scoring game to his early-career collection, putting together a nice 19/6/3 stat line on 7/15 shooting. He looked impressive against a championship-caliber opponent, a bright spot in what was an otherwise rough evening.