The new era of Washington Wizards basketball is off to a promising start. The new-look squad defeated the visiting Milwaukee Bucks 128-116 on Wednesday night.
Forward Anthony Davis, in his Wizards debut, led the charge for Washington. He finished with 34 points and 12 rebounds in his first game since January.
With No. 1 pick A.J. Dybantsa sidelined with an ankle sprain, Davis was an obvious star in Wednesday’s game. The home crowd rewarded him with MVP chants just minutes into the game.
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By all accounts, it was the liveliest Wizards crowd at Capital One Arena in years. Fans haven’t had much to cheer about as the franchise tanked its way to a combined 50-196 record over the last three seasons.
“Even when I was here last year, very first home game, it was like, ‘Dress Like a Seat’ night in here,” Davis joked after Wednesday’s victory.
The home opener was just the beginning.
“I’d like it to be a little more packed in there,” Davis said. “But the crowd was great; they were into it, got us over the hump.”
Davis and guard Trae Young arrived as advertised. The All-Star point guard dished out 13 assists with 20 points of his own, despite struggling from the field. He converted just four of his 13 shots, missing all six three-pointers.
The Wizards can afford an injury to Dybantsa and an off night for Young if Davis dominates.
“I wasn’t surprised by what he did tonight,” Young said. “I don’t want to put too much pressure on him, but for me, having a guy like that, I want to help him get MVP.”
The Wizards return to Capital One Arena with a tougher test on Friday as they face Kawhi Leonard and the Toronto Raptors.
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