The Washington Wizards defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 128-116 behind an incredible debut from Anthony Davis, but it was Trae Young who did all the little things to ensure the home crowd went home happy. The four-time All-Star ran the offense to perfection, got to the line, and played a team-high 38 minutes to make sure the Wizards won. Washington wants to exit their rebuild and start contending. They need Young to make that a reality.
Ice Trae finished with 20 points, 13 assists, two steals, and just one turnover. It was a poor shooting night from the field, but that didn’t matter. Young made winning plays and sealed the game late with three clutch free throws. They don't need him to be a superstar. Washington needs Young to take care of the ball and make the team better.
This is exactly what the young Wizards have been missing in recent years. They keep losing games because the young talent doesn’t make winning plays. The offense went off the rails a bit early until Young settled things down. The Wizards exploded for 77 second-half points after Ice Trae took over.
Trae Young knows how to win the NBA
Young’s 13 dimes to one turnover is a masterclass. Fans know he is capable of leading the NBA in assists, but he took care of the ball and made all the right plays. Ice Trae helped Anthony Davis have 34 points in his Wizards debut and make team history.
Washington was plus-six with Young on the floor in the opener. There were a few defensive issues, especially as he tried to guard Jaime Jaquez Jr., but Young made good on his promise to compete.
The Bucks are not expected to contend, but this is the type of win Washington needs if they are going to make the playoffs. It's a must to beat the tanking teams. The Wizards simply weren’t doing that without a veteran point guard making the plays and running the offense.
Wizards knew they needed a veteran point guard to run this group
The Wizards bought low on Young last season, but he played just five games after the trade. They were trying to position themselves to get the number one overall draft pick, and it worked. AJ Dybantsa didn’t even play in the opener, and the Wizards still won.
Winger bet big on Young this offseason by signing him to a four-year, $212.7 million extension. Michael Winger needs this to work. Young is the team’s present and future at point guard. They need him to get the most out of the young talent and turn the Wizards from rebuilding into a contender.
He did just that in the season opener. Washington outscored Milwaukee by 17 in the second half to secure the victory. When the outcome was on the line, Young delivered.
Everyone said Young’s extension was an overpay, but he is proving his value already. Young has his warts, but he is one of the best offensive creators in the world. The Wizards have lacked a true point guard during their rebuild. They haven’t had anyone capable of running their offense like this since John Wall. The best point guards get paid handsomely. Washington did what they needed to do to keep Ice Trae in the nation’s capital.
Wizards plan on contending this season
Washington didn’t trade for AD and Young to miss the playoffs. They knew it was time to exit their rebuild and make a serious run. AJ Dybantsa will need time. Fans should expect growing pains, but the veterans will help them win.
It wasn’t just the stars. Deandre Ayton had 11 points, four rebounds, and two blocks in 15 minutes off the bench in the opener. The Wizards outscored the Bucks by six with the veteran center on the floor. Khris Middleton played 12 minutes off the bench to give them more veteran presence.
Trae Young is ready to help the Washington Wizards win. He missed the playoffs the last three years and wants to get back in the mix. Young led the Hawks to the conference finals in 2021. He knows how to win and is embracing this young squad in the nation’s capital.
The Wizards trading for Trae Young paid dividends in the season opener. He was exactly what Washington needed to secure a comeback win over the Bucks. This feels like it could be a special season. They need Ice Trae to make that a reality. So far, so good.
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