Washington Wizards: 3 takeaways from 2017-18 season opener

2. Marcin Gortat ready to play a big role in 2017-18

Another player that impressed in Game 1 of the 2017-18 season was Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat. Gortat finished the game with 16 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks for the Wizards’ frontcourt to lead the way.

He had 10 of his 16 total points in the final quarter, which included a huge dunk on a fastbreak play with point guard John Wall.

After averaging a double-double last season for the Washington Wizards, the 33-yeard-old center looks ready to protect the paint and anchor the Washington frontcourt.

Gortat was 7-of-12 from the floor with five total offensive rebounds in the game against Philadelphia. His veteran experience stood out among a roster of up-and-coming stars in the NBA.

It seems The Polish Hammer is ready to play a big role in any of the Washington Wizards’ success this season with his season debut. He stepped up big in the fourth quarter and made some big plays for the Wizards down the stretch.

If he can continue to close out games for Washington like he did against Philadelphia, this will be a tough team to beat.