The top two picks from this year’s NBA Draft will face off for the second time in three days on Wednesday, as the Washington Wizards host the Atlanta Hawks. Atlanta’s No. 1 overall selection, Zaccharie Risacher, and Washington’s No. 2 pick, Alex Sarr, first squared off on Monday in a dramatic 121-119 come-from-behind victory for the Wizards.
The 19-year-old Risacher, making his second career start, struggled from the field, scoring just four points on 1-for-8 shooting. The 6-foot-9 forward is averaging 7.3 points and 2.5 rebounds through four games. Sarr fared better in his first NBA win, scoring seven points on 3-for-11 shooting, and adding nine rebounds and two blocks. Also just 19, the 7-footer is averaging seven points and 6.7 rebounds per game in three outings.
For Washington, rebounding from a franchise-worst 15-67 record, it was veterans Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma who led the charge to secure their first win. Trailing by 13 points at one stage, Poole and Kuzma caught fire, scoring 26 and 25 points respectively. Poole’s stepback three-pointer with 51 seconds left extended Washington’s lead to 118-112, and he later sealed the game with two free throws.
Coach Patrick Keefe, who took over midway through last season and had the interim tag removed in May, celebrated his first victory. However, the Wizards will miss Kuzma (groin) in the rematch. Atlanta is already dealing with significant injuries just four games into the season. The Hawks will be without Bogdan Bogdanovic (hamstring) for about a month following a non-surgical procedure. De’Andre Hunter (knee) is questionable for Wednesday, while Dyson Daniels (right hip flexor strain) and Vit Krejci (adductor strain) will also miss the game.
Despite Monday’s loss, there was a bright spot for Atlanta in Jalen Johnson’s performance. The fourth-year forward, who signed a five-year, $150 million contract on Oct. 21, scored a career-high 29 points, along with 12 rebounds and seven assists. Johnson is averaging 15.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and four assists this season.
The Wizards and Hawks will see how their young talents fare against each other once again in this intriguing matchup.
