What Washington Wizards Showed in Double Overtime Loss vs Pistons

The Washington Wizards lost their sixth consecutive game in a double overtime thriller against the Detroit Pistons. Despite the 144-140 outcome, there were several notable and positive takeaways from the game, particularly from Alex Sarr, Trae Young, and Anthony Davis. However, the game also reflected Washington’s continued defensive problems, questionable execution and inability to close out close games.

Alex Sarr definitely had one of his best overall performances of his career, if not his best, as he dropped 30 points on 12-of-14 from the field. However, most importantly, Sarr went 4-of-6 from the three, which is an essential important development for him and the Washington Wizards moving forward. If Sarr is able to shoot the three at a respectable clip on solid volume, this will clear up driving lanes for AJ Dybantsa in the future, but also give Sarr more optionality and flexibility on his offensive game. Sarr would then be able to attack closeouts and also operate in more pick and pop situations that should enhance and raise his offensive ceiling. Last night, Sarr’s ability to score from different areas of the floor was especially encouraging as his shot selection and shot diet was very commendable. 

Trae Young showed exactly why the Wizards acquired him as he scored 37 points on 8-of-23 shooting from the field, including a game tying three to send the game to overtime. He also had 14 assists as he either scored or assisted on a substantial portion of Washington’s offense, reinforcing his value as the team’s primary initiator. Although his shooting efficiency wasn't particularly good, he managed to get to the free throw line 17 times, which is a new season high for him. Trae Young's free throw rate has been dropping over the course of November as he has averaged 6.6 free throw attempts per game compared to 9.5 free throw attempts per game in October. 

Anthony Davis was dominant, but foul trouble proved costly. Davis was a force offensively and on the glass, but the Wizards lost their most established interior presence at a critical moment in the second overtime session. AJ Dybantsa did not have a great shooting night and struggled against Ausar Thompson’s pesky ball pressure, but he made a clutch midrange jumper with less than a second remaining to force double overtime. AJ grabbed eight rebounds and had 4 assists so even though his offense wasn't clicking, AJ found other ways to contribute. 

Overall, this was arguably one of the Wizards most encouraging offensive performances of the season, but it also exhibited by the team that remains 4-9. The Wizards received 97 combined points from Young, Davis and Sarr, but their limited bench production remains stagnant and a momentum killer, which proved costly for the Wizards last night.