The Washington Wizards lost to the Toronto Raptors 112-102 in the second game of the season, but they were competitive with one of the East's best teams. The Raptors closed strong to make this game look a bit one-sided, but it was far from it. Kawhi Leonard and Scottie Barnes are an elite two-way forward duo, and the Wizards were without number one overall draft pick AJ Dybantsa for the second straight game. Even without the elite talent, Washington proved the rebuild is over.
Toronto scored 34 points in the first quarter and had a 13-point edge after 12 minutes. Over the last three years, the Wizards would have pulled the plug right there, but this team battled back. They won the second and third quarters to make this game. The Raptors ended up with the victory, but things are different this year.
Wizards fans should be excited after two games. They won their season opener for the first time since 2022. Washington was competitive in game two. They couldn’t quite find a way to win, but it was an off night for the two stars. That won’t happen often. Here is a look at why supporters should be encouraged.
3. Trae Young will shoot better
Young hasn’t found his jumper yet. He isn’t known for having an efficient field goal percentage, but things won’t be this bad. The four-time All-Star shot five of 15 from the field in the loss to the Raptors after going four of 13 in the opener. He has made just four of his 16 3-point attempts to start the year.
Ice Trae is the veteran point guard Washington needed. He made the plays to ensure they won the opener. He had 12 assists to just three turnovers against the Raptors, who have one of the best defenses in the league. Once Young finds his shot, the Wizards offense will be even more dangerous.
Young’s scoring has been saved by getting to the free-throw line. He had 20 points in the opener behind making 12 of his 16 free throws. The undersized guard made eight of his ten against the Raptors to finish with 22 points. Young is setting himself up for a fantastic first full season in the nation’s capital when his jumpers start falling.
2. AJ Dybantsa will help Kyshawn George
The Wizards have needed George to operate as a secondary creator with Dybantsa out, and it hasn’t gone well. The 22-year-old had eight turnovers to just three assists against the Raptors. He had four turnovers to three dimes in the opener and has dealt with foul trouble in both games. George is a special talent, but he is slightly overtaxed in his current role.
Dybantsa will solve that problem. The rookie led the NCAA in scoring and showed a special scoring ability this preseason. He won’t be dishing out ten times per game like Trae Young, but Dybantsa will create space and draw defenders. That will simplify things for George when tasked with running the second unit.
The Wizards can’t have George turning the ball over four-plus times every night. He needs to be better, but this is a new group, and the return of the number one overall pick will help him make plays.
1. Anthony Davis will be better
AD had just five first-half points on two-of-nine shooting from the field and four turnovers. It wasn’t the future Hall of Famer's night from the jump. The Raptors were throwing Barnes and Leonard on him. They are two of the best defenders in the world. This was a tough matchup coupled with an off night for Davis. That won’t happen often for one of the 75 best players in NBA history.
Fans saw just how special AD is in his Wizards debut. The big man had 34 points and 12 rebounds in the season opener. He was elite against the Bucks and will be often. Davis is still learning his new teammates and getting comfortable.
The Wizards need to get him the ball more. There won’t be many nine-point nights on three of 12 shooting from the field. The Raptors were fronting Davis in the post and making it hard to get him the ball. Washington has to find their superstar. AD is their best player. He needs more than 12 shots, and the Wizards have to get him easier looks to get going.
Washington Wizards fans should be encouraged by Friday’s performance. The Raptors won, but this was far from a blowout on a night where Trae Young and Anthony Davis struggled.
This team is done losing. They believe they can make the playoffs and plan on doing just that. The first two games were a strong start. It feels possible, especially once AJ Dybantsa returns, so let the hype build.
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