Washington Wizards: 3 Takeaways from 119-114 preseason loss to the Brooklyn Nets

Rui Hachimura’s Hot Hand

With just under three minutes remaining in the first half, the Wizards faced a 26-point deficit. With Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving absolutely sizzling hot in the first half, coupled with the absences of Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook, Washington turned to their second-year star Rui Hachimura to dig them out of the deep first-half hole. Hachimura, who averaged 13.5 points last season as a rookie, got into a rhythm as the game progressed. He was confidently stroking three-pointers (3/4) and finished with a team-high 18 points. Hachimura also grabbed multiple aggressive rebounds throughout the contest, including an impressive board over the 6’10 Kevin Durant followed by a monstrous slam that rose the bench to their feet.

Head Coach Scott Brooks and the Wizards will certainly be looking for improvement from Hachimura as he enters his second year in the league. His performance on Sunday is certainly a good sign for things to come this season. Having a third star alongside Beal and Westbrook would do wonders for their playoff chances.