Dybantsa Scores 19 Points in Wizards Debut
The No. 1 pick returned from an ankle injury to guard James Harden and finish with a double-digit performance in a 121-111 loss to the Cavaliers.
By Thomas Obasi ·
AJ Dybantsa entered Cleveland on Wednesday night carrying a week of anticipation and a bruised right ankle. The Washington Wizards star had sat out the first six days of the season while resting an injury sustained in the final preseason game. He wanted his first NBA bucket to be a dunk, but the opening possession delivered a different moment.
On the Wizards' first play, Dybantsa used a screen from Anthony Davis to blow past James Harden. Evan Mobley blocked the shot and center Jarrett Allen fouled him in the air. Dybantsa sank both free throws to start his career. He finished the game with 19 points on 8-for-12 shooting from the floor, 1-for-3 from three-point range, and 2-for-2 from the line. He also recorded two rebounds and two assists in the 121-111 loss.
Wizards head coach Brian Keefe praised the rookie's activity level. He noted that Dybantsa made simple reads and passed the ball well. Keefe called the performance impressive for a first game.
The matchup against Harden provided a test for the 19-year-old. Harden, who won MVP eight years ago, scored 16 points on 5-for-18 shooting while guarded by Dybantsa. Dybantsa called it a tough cover but said he stayed solid. The first field goal of his career came after he beat Harden to the baseline and lifted a floater over Allen's 7-foot-5-inch frame.
Dybantsa finally got his dunk in the third quarter. He slipped behind Harden during a transition play and finished a lob from Trae Young with a two-handed slam. The moment capped a night where he adapted his game to the league's size.
The Wizards gave Dybantsa two pieces of advice during his time off. They told him not to rush while he recovered and to play free once he was ready. He heeded that counsel on the court. The team holds a 2-2 record and has more than 70 games remaining in the season.
Dybantsa became the first player from Massachusetts to go No. 1 in the draft since Patrick Ewing in 1985. His debut established his role in a frontcourt that includes two former No. 1 picks, Anthony Davis and DeAndre Ayton.
