AJ Dybantsa scores 19 points in NBA debut against Cavaliers
The former Massachusetts high school star made his Washington Wizards debut on Wednesday, overcoming an ankle injury and a slow start to finish with a double-double performance in a loss to Cleveland.
By Claire Darwish ·
AJ Dybantsa entered the NBA as the first Massachusetts-born player selected first overall since Patrick Ewing in 1985. He made his official debut for the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night in Cleveland, ending a six-day absence due to a right ankle injury sustained in the final preseason game.
The 19-year-old guard finished with 19 points on 8-for-12 shooting. He also recorded two rebounds and two assists. His shooting split included one made three-pointer on three attempts and two free throws on two attempts. The Wizards lost the contest to the Cavaliers by a score of 111 to 121.
Dybantsa began the game on the front foot. On the first possession, he used a screen from teammate Anthony Davis to get past James Harden. He attempted a dunk but was fouled in the air by Jarrett Allen. He converted both free throws, a moment he described as settling his nerves after waiting four games to play.
He said, “I wanted my first basket to be a dunk.” He added, “Waited four games to play my official debut, definitely had some butterflies coming in. But once I got those free throws, I was pretty much set.”
Wizards head coach Brian Keefe praised his performance. He noted, “I thought he was terrific. You saw his ability to get to the basket from the opening play. His ability to make the simple reads. Great passing from him. I thought his defensive activity was terrific.”
Dybantsa spent much of the game guarding Harden, a player he has admired since age 11. He limited Harden to 16 points on 5-for-18 shooting. Dybantsa acknowledged the difficulty of the matchup, stating, “It’s a tough cover. That’s been one of my favorite players growing up.”
His first field goal came after a pump fake on Peyton Watson. He lifted a floater over Allen, who has a 7-foot-5-inch wingspan. Later in the game, he secured the dunk he had envisioned. Trae Young threw a lob from three-quarter court, and Dybantsa finished with a two-handed slam while Harden looked on.
The Wizards started the season 2-2 while Dybantsa recovered. Teammates told him not to rush his return. Once cleared, the advice shifted to playing freely. He noted the season still has 70 remaining games for the team to adjust.
Source: The Boston Globe
