Washington Wizards: 3 takeaways from 2017-18 season opener

The Washington Wizards spoiled Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz’s debut with the Philadelphia 76ers in a 120-115 victory to open the 2017-18 season. Here are three takeaways from the victory.

The Washington Wizards got the 2017-18 NBA season off to a 1-0 start with a close victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. In a game that saw 12 lead changes and the Wizards trailing 59-56 at halftime, Washington found a way to earn a solid team victory in the end.

John Wall and Bradley Beal were their usual selves in Game 1 of the season. Wall finished with 28 points, eight assists, five rebounds and two blocks. Beal finished with 25 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block.

The Wizards were able to overcome 18 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two steals from rookie point forward Ben Simmons. They also got past a team-high 29 points and seven rebounds for Sixers forward Robert Covington, who shot 7-of-11 from 3-point range.

Washington got a solid performance from its bench in the victory. The Wizards’ second unit outscored Philadelphia’s bench 41-25, with second-year forward Kelly Oubre Jr. leading the way.

The Washington Wizards learned a lot about themselves in their season opener and their experience together showed in the end with some highlight reel plays. Here’s a look at three takeaways from their season-opening victory.