The Washington Wizards tipped of their season Wednesday with a 107-95 loss to the LeBron James-less Miami Heat in South Beach. While it is always fun to have hot takes and wild assumptions after a game–the first one is always the best time for those. However, I think there is a few things we can takeaway from the Thunder’s opening season loss.
Paul Pierce is going to be a big part of the Wizards success this year
The 37-year-old future hall of famer looked good in his first game for the Wizards. The swingman dropped 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting while also contributing six rebounds and five assists.
There is a possibility that Pierce, because of his age and the mileage on him , may wear down as the season goes on, but with the Wizards dealing with injury issues early on in the season, it is going to be important for Pierce to carry a big chunk of the offseason in the first part of the season.
I think we saw Wednesday that he will be able to do that while guys like Bradley Beal are out. Pierce played an extremely efficient game against what i think may end up being one of the four best teams in the Eastern Conference.
We saw Wednesday just how good Chris Bosh can be, but I think the way Pierce played tonight show make Wizard fans optimistic moving forward.
Otto Porter may be a contributor this season
As a said before, this is one game. One game out of 81 other games. However, I think we saw Wednesday just how much more comfortable Porter is in his second year as an NBA player.
Maybe it is the rec specs or maybe the crazy theory that NBA players get more confident as they enter their latter years is true.
Porter scored 13 points tonight on 4-of-7 shooting in more than 23 minutes of action. He only played more than 23 minutes once last season and 13 points was a career-high.
While it is nothing to freak out about from a number three overall pick, it should make most Wizard fans feel good inside after they endure Porter’s season last year.
Rasual Butler may not be with the team tomorrow
Yeah, this happened. RIP Rasual.
The bench may have been weak, but don’t worry
Look, the Wizards had two guys suspended for the season opener (DeJuan Blair and Nene) and Glen Rice Jr. is a battling an ankle injury. The bench only scored 20 points Wednesday, but that will surely improve.
With Nene off suspension, now he will start, moving Drew Gooden to the bench. Gooden looked awesome Wednesday, scoring 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting. He should provide a bench spark from game to game.
Blair will bring a tough presence around the rim who can score and rebound. Rice is another guy I am really high on who can affect the game in a variety of ways with his athleticism while also knocking down the 3-point shot at a high clip.
The Wizards bench should improve as the season goes on and they get healthier.
Next up: @ Orlando Magic, 7 p.m.