Story By: Sol Tucker
Photos By: Sol Tucker
Indianapolis, IN–
As we said earlier this week, if the Wizards were able to stay healthy, they could run with the best teams in the NBA. Tonight, the Wizards proved that with a healthy Kyle Kuzma and Bradley Beal in the line-up they could dominate any team in the league.
Beal led the way for the Wizards with 23 points and Kuzma added 20 points. Kristaps Porzingis had 15 points and 10 rebounds as the Washington Wizards finally had a game where they led wire to wire to beat the Pacers 114-107 Wednesday night.
Another stat that sort of stood out that it has not been done in almost 20 years, the Wizards winning consecutive openers for the first time since 2004-05.
“We know teams are going to heat him up, using him as a facilitator,” Wizards Head Coach Wes Unseld Jr. said. “I thought he did a pretty good job; it was pretty good balance tonight.”
While the Wizards seemed to have found a line-up that works for now, the Pacers are searching for answers with a bunch of young raw talent that could make things happen on any given night, but who is going to be their scoring leader?
The Pacers fans and the league as a whole had a chance to see Benedict Mathurin, the No. 6 overall pick in June’s draft. He made four of his first six shots, including two 3-pointers, in the first half, scoring 12 points and grabbing four rebounds. He made 7 of 15 with three 3s.
Washington will take a day off and face Chicago Friday night in their home opener. The Bulls knocked off the Heat to start the season 116-108
The Pacers have a day off to regroup before facing the Spurs on Friday night at home.