Wizards rally but fall short in season-opening loss

Doncic and Porzingis shine in the win

Kristaps Porzingis made his Mavs debut. The Unicorn sat out all of last season and this was the first time he’s been in regular-season action since February 2018. The two combined for 57 points as Doncic put up 34 points and 9 rebounds while Porzingis added 23 points and 4 rebounds.

Doncic also helped to get Bradley Beal ejected late in the fourth quarter. The Wizards had cut the lead to seven points but Double technicals were assessed and with Beal leaving the court that all but ended the Wizards rally. At the end of the day, the duo was too much for the Wizards to handle as they consistently had their way with the Wizards defense as they were the only players for the Mavs to score more than 10 points.

Hachimura makes an early impact

Rui Hachimura made his NBA debut and he looked really good. He recorded his first career double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. This included an early six points as he scored his first career points against Porzingis.

Overall it was a very solid opening night for the former Gonzaga big man. In 25 minutes putting up his first double-double on 46% shooting.

Rough night for Beal

Beal struggled on the night. He didn’t hit his first three-pointer until the fourth quarter. When he checked in with six minutes to go he guarded Doncic until he got ejected.

Overall Beal finished with 19 points on 7-25 shooting adding 9 rebounds and 6 assists. While the night was difficult there will certainly be better days ahead for the seven-year veteran.

Bright spots on the night

As mentioned earlier the team battled back to make this a game. In addition to Hachimura’s double-double Thomas Bryant also produced a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Off the bench, Moe Wagner poured in 13 points and shot 3-4 from three-point range. Jordan McRae scored 11 points with 5 assists including this thunderous jam.

On a night where the Wizards shot just 26% from three and got into foul trouble, this was a positive showing. The team did lead after one but played catchup the rest of the night,

On to Oklahoma City

While the Wizards rally fell short last night they will look to rebound Friday night in Oklahoma City against Chris Paul and company. The Thunder also come in at 0-1 as they lost 100-95 in Utah. The Wizards finish their three-game road trip in San Antonio before their home opener next Wednesday against the electric dup of James Harden and Russell Westbrook and the new-look Houston Rockets.