Washington went into Dallas and beat the Mavericks, 117-107.
The Wizards’ bench played a significant role in the outcome of this game. It started ugly with the Mavericks going up by as many as 14 points. Towards the end of the first quarter, Tre Johnson and Cam Whitmore entered the game while Kyshawn George returned to the lineup. That group was able to turn the tide as the Wizards went on a 26-12 run to tie the game at 35.
This game in a lot of ways was about George, who put up a career-high 34 points.
It was not just his scoring though. He made an impact on both ends, including picking up 11 rebounds, a game-high 3 blocks along with 2 steals. Much of Dallas’ defense towards the end of the game centered around stopping him, including having one of their strongest defenders, Naji Marshall, pick up George at three-quarters court, to slow him down.
Cannot forget to mention, Tre Johnson was tremendous on this night, scoring 17 points on 13 shots, off the bench.
After the Wizards were able to build a 17-point lead in the third, the Mavericks started chipping away increasing attention on George as well as attacking the basket on the offensive end. The Mavericks struggled for much of the evening against the Wizards’ pressure defense, but
At times it looked like the Mavericks were going to complete the comeback, getting as close 4 points, but the biggest moment at the end of this was a simultaneous off-ball foul while Bub Carrington hit a 3-pointer. That created a 4-point play opportunity, putting the Wizards up by nine, 108-99. The Mavericks could not muster another run and the Wizards finished the Mavs off for their first win of the season.
Special Note
As noted during the Monumental Sports Network broadcast, Kyshawn George has become the youngest player in franchise history to open a season with consecutive 20-point games.
