Wizards’ Bradley Beal is shining in ways you wouldn’t expect

Time to rejoice in D.C. The Washington Wizards are undefeated at 2-0! Yes, the season is very early, but it is okay to be a little optimistic for once. One of the reasons to be optimistic is the new and improved version of Bradley Beal.

Beal has been great through the first two games, but not in the ways you would think. Prior to this season, he is usually known for one skill — scoring. The man averaged 30 plus points per game for consecutive seasons, however, he has become more well-rounded through the Wizards first two games of the year.

In the first game against the Indiana Pacers, Beal led the Wizards in scoring with 23 points, but his playmaking stood out. He had six assists, but the bigger development was how comfortable he was dishing the ball out.

This was his first regular season game playing with Kristaps Porzingis, and the duo looked good together. Despite the good playmaking, his bucket-getting was still superb.

It all came together for Beal against Chicago

The second game against the Chicago Bulls is what highlighted this improved version of Beal. The scoring was there as usual, with him going back and forth with DeMar DeRozan for most of the game. Beal put it all together that game.

There were no wasted moments on the court while facing a playoff team. Defense has never been his strong suit, but he did make some key plays on that end.

He was efficient on the floor shooting 9 for 14 from the field while continuing the playmaking trend with another six assist outing.

The biggest moment of the game was decided by Beal himself. With the game tied at 100 even, Beal stepped up with a clutch shot to push the Wizards to 2-0 on the season.

It was an all-around performance from Beal. Throughout the off-season, he has been adamant on wanting to win with the Wizards. Some have scoffed at him and have just labeled him as a bag chaser after he secured that $250 million supermax extension.

However, the Wizards look different, and so does Beal. He is trying his best to incorporate his teammates while knowing when it is time to get his. That is what a leader does. Beal might have found that extra gear to be the leader we all have hoped for.