Washington Wizards Vs. Nets: Robinson Displays Potential on Both Ends

Washington Wizard guard Jerome Robinson was the hero last night in DC. Hopefully, this can be the game that jumpstarts his Wizards career.

After a nail biter in their previous game against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Washington Wizards came down to the wire once again last night against the Brooklyn Nets. After a back and forth affair that saw the Wizards squander an 18-point lead, Brooklyn had all the momentum after going up one with 24 seconds left.

However, on the next possession, Bradley Beal was double-teamed near the half-court line and was able to dish it to an unlikely hero.

Newly acquired Jerome Robinson received the Beal pass and was able to knock down what ended up being the game-winning three with 8 seconds left to give the Wizards the lead.

It was a fantastic finish for Robinson who played one of his best all-around games since joining the Washington Wizards. Robison’s final stat line saw him with 9 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and a block in 20 minutes of action.

Although this stat line might not jump off the page, Robinson’s activity on both ends of the floor was very encouraging and should be exciting for Washington Wizards fans to see.

He showed last night in flashes that he has a lot of ability both offensively and defensively. Were there hitches in his game last night? Absolutely, but for a guy who up to this point has not had the chance to find his footing in the NBA, getting to feel more comfortable game by game is a positive sign.

Standing at 6’4, 190 pounds, Robinson has shown that he can use his size and basketball IQ to his advantage.

One of my favorite stretches of last night’s game occurred in the second quarter when Robinson came down to clear out the right side and then hit an off-the-dribble step-back jumper up against bigger defender Caris LeVert.

Then on the ensuing possession, LeVert asked for a clear out to go right back at Robinson. LeVert tried to go baseline but Robinson beat him to the spot and was able to poke the ball out-of-bounds. It was a great showing and while watching this you could tell that  I was…excited.

In last night’s battle, Robinson showed exactly why he was a lottery pick in various plays throughout the game. He was able to show that he has a multi-faceted offensive game, he can handle the ball, beat you off the dribble and shoot the jumper. He also showed that although not the fastest guy, Robinson can use his IQ to his advantage and can be a very good on-ball and help-side defender.

When the jumper might not be falling, Robinson also showed that he knows how to attack accordingly, which is another skill that some young players tend to forget.

Up until this point, Jerome Robinson has struggled to find his shot after coming out of college known as a lethal shooter. But to me, I believe the more time he spends on the floor and the more confidence he builds while he’s out there, the jumper will come back into rhythm. Hitting the game-winner will hopefully be a jumpstart for him and give him a nice confidence boost.

Even when his jumper is not falling, Robinson has shown he can contribute in other ways. In particular, on the defensive end.

Although it is yet to be fully put on display, the Washington Wizards may have something in Jerome Robinson. In a season in which the young guys will get the chance to see a lot of minutes, Robinson will have every opportunity to show why he can be another added piece to this young Wizards core.

Although he may not be your typical, “3-and-D’ mold of a player, Robinson has a lot of ability that if he can put it all together will be useful.

The Wizards as we all know have struggled mightily defensively and Robinson is the perfect type of young player who they could develop into a real deal defender as they try to improve on that end.

In a much different environment with different expectations, Robinson will have less pressure on him and will be able to work accordingly.

It has been a small sample size thus far for Jerome in a Wizards uniform and he has not yet had a real “breakout” or “hot streak”. However, in his more limited action, Robinson has shown the flashes that the Wizards want to see and will continue to give them more faith in him.

With added minutes and a chance to flourish, Jerome Robinson could be a hidden gem for the Wizards. It still may be a little early to call and we will need to see him really put it all together, but Jerome has shown some promise.

The opportunities will be there it will be all on him to show what he can do. With a team looking to add as many pieces as they can for a potential reload next season, Jerome Robinson is in a prime spot to show he can contribute.