Washington Wizards: Studs and duds from 107-98 loss to Philadelphia 76ers

Stud: Thomas Bryant

Thomas Bryant has been the Wizards’ best player through four games in the NBA bubble. After nearly missing out on a double-double vs. the Phoenix Suns (10 points, seven rebounds), Bryant has poured in three straight double-doubles.

• vs. Brooklyn Nets: 30 points, 13 rebounds
• vs. Indiana Pacers: 20 points, 11 rebounds
• vs. Philadelphia 76ers: 19 points, ten rebounds

These are impressive numbers from a guy who’s been a bit of a disappointment after last year’s breakout season. Maybe the bubble was what he needed to get right.

Whatever it is about being in Orlando, Bryant’s balling. He’s looked more aggressive on the offensive end than he did for most of the season. And he’s really knocking down his three’s.

In the bubble, Bryant is averaging 4.5 three-point attempts each game, and he’s making 44 percent of them. Bryant is now shooting 41 percent from three on the season on 1.7 outside attempts per game.

But it wasn’t Bryant’s offense that was most impressive vs. Philadelphia. Although Bryant’s been getting big numbers in the bubble, so having opposing centers. Defensively, Bryant hasn’t provided much since the season restarted. Against Philadelphia, though, Bryant looked locked in. He finished with four blocks and was a presence around the rim, refusing to get shoved around by the 76ers’ big bodies.

Bryant finished the game with a career-high four blocks, leading Scott Brooks to call it “the best defensive performance (he’s) seen him play” The points are great, but the Wizards need more defensive games like that out of their young center.