Washington Wizards: 3 players that need to step up vs Brooklyn Nets
By Ethan Smith
Thomas Bryant
In his first game in the bubble, Thomas Bryant struggled. Historically, Bryant has been great against Phoenix throughout his short career, but things were different inside the bubble. Bryant shot just 33 percent from the floor in the loss to Phoenix. Although his final statline may look ok – 10 points, 7 rebounds – it is nothing compared to what Bryant allowed Suns center Deandre Ayton to do all game. Bryant’s defense on Ayton was nearly nonexistent and the second-year center dominated down low. Ayton finished with 24 points and 12 rebounds, more points and more rebounds than any single Wizards player.
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While not as dangerous as Ayton, especially offensively, the Nets have a solid starting center of their own in Jarrett Allen. As one of the NBA’s best interior defenders, Allen will definitely make life difficult for Bryant around the rim. Allen will be looking to have a bit of a bounce-back performance of his own after a lackluster showing in the Nets’ loss to the Magic.
In two previous meetings this season, Allen averaged 11.5 points and 9.0 rebounds. In those games, Bryant averaged 12.5 points and 8.5 rebounds. This could turn into a battle of the big men.