Washington Wizards Preview: 3 Things to watch for vs. the Denver Nuggets

No. 2 – Can the Wizard’s new starting lineup move to 3-0?

Did the Washington Wizards finally find their best starting unit? Two games may be a little too early to tell but they sure are off to a great start! Washington is 2-0 with Garrison Mathews and Moe Wagner joining the starting five alongside Russell Westbrook, Bradley Beal, and Rui Hachimura. Mathews has now started three straight games after getting his chance against the New York Knicks this past Saturday with Beal sitting out for rest. Coach Scott Brooks has since kept him in the starting lineup and it’s beginning to pay dividends.

In his three starts, Mathews is averaging 5.6 PPG, 1.3 RPG in 19 mins of play. Usually, numbers never lie but in this case, they do. He hasn’t put up the most eye-popping stats these past few games but his impact has been felt in various ways. Averaging onr steal and one block as a starter, Mathews has been engaged and locked in on the defensive end. His effort on this side of the ball has made up for his lack of offensive production at the moment.

When it comes to effort and tenacity, Moe Wagner is always going to bring it. Wagner was finally given a chance to be the starting center these past two games and he’s been fully embracing the opportunity. In two starts, he’s averaged 13 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.0 block, and an impressive 3.0 steals in 23 mins of play. Wagner plucking the ball away from John Wall after he had just been stripped and casually hitting a three was probably the best play of the game and epitomized what Wagner brings to the floor.

Wagner is always hustling non-stop and he never quits or gives up on a play! He’s a dog and Bradley Beal has been highly complimentary of the energy he brings to the game.

Let’s hope this new starting lineup can continue their stellar play because the Wizards have another big challenge ahead of them with the Nuggets in town.