The sharpshooting of Tre Johnson led the another record in the Washington Wizards' loss against the Pelicans on Sunday
The Washington Wizards saw their win streak extend to eight games after falling by 20 points against the New Orleans Pelicans on the road in Sunday's loss, but similar to the rest of the season, there were flashes of optimism from the young core, including a new record set.
Rookie Tre Johnson would drain a three midway through the third quarter for his 100th career made three pointer, doing so in just his 50th career game.
Johnson beat the franchise record initially held by Kyshawn George, who previously held the record after reaching 100 made three pointers in 59 games.
The former Texas star did so after posting his fourth 20-point game of the season, shooting 7-of-13 from the field while draining four threes in 22 minutes.
Johnson is now 9-of-16 from three over his last two games while Sunday marked his seventh game already this season with four or more made threes. His career high came back on Jan. 24 when six of his eight made shots came from three in an eventual four point loss against the Charlotte Hornets.
Maybe the most encouraging aspect of Sunday's performance was it came courtesy of new Wizards guard Trae Young, who finished with a game-high eight assists in just 18 minutes, with fans quick to note the seemingly easy chemistry the two have enjoyed in short order. The Trae and Tre connection could fuel the future of the Wizards' backcourt as the tandem could enter next season as one of the best backcourts in the NBA, but for now, it's the latest sign of encouragement from one of the key young stars.
"This guy has been in our gym, working on his craft," Keefe said of Johnson last month. "He is just getting accustomed to the NBA, and he is growing every game...It is not just the scoring; I'm impressed with the pass. We know he can shoot and make plays for himself, but I've been really impressed with how he is involving his teammates. He draws so much gravity and so much attention, and he is getting others involved, which has been terrific."
Sunday also marked the return of Alex Sarr after making his first appearance in exactly one month after suffering a hamstring injury that kept him out of the Rising Stars Game in favor of Bub Carrington. After Keefe noted he would be limited in his first appearance, Sarr finished with seven points, four rebounds and one block in 18 minutes.