Washington Wizards: 3 takeaways from 118-110 loss to Brooklyn Nets

All eyes on Rui Hachimura

Once Davis Bertans and Bradley Beal decided they wouldn’t be playing in the NBA restart, it became pretty clear who the Wizards’ number one option was going to become. So I guess it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Rui Hachimura is now getting number-one-option type attention.

While foul struggles limited Hachimura’s effectiveness against the Suns, it was the Net’s defense that was mostly responsible for slowing Hachimura down throughout the game.

Much like Bradley Beal saw as the Wizards’ number one option all season, Hachimura saw double team after double team whenever the ball was in his hands. Already formidable in the paint with Jarrett Allen protecting the rim, the Nets collapsed on Hachimura in the post and worked tirelessly to prevent him from establishing position.

By the end of the half, Hachimura had only two points. By the end of the game, he had only nine points on two made field goals. He got his other five points at the foul line. It was the seventh time this season that Hachimura has finished a game with two or fewer made field goals.

Already limited on the offensive end, the Wizards will continue to struggle in the bubble if their new number one can’t get it done against double teams and extra attention.

If nothing else, this should hopefully accelerate Hachimura’s offensive growth. His court vision is already looking better.

https://twitter.com/WashWizards/status/1289999163577442304?s=20