Sarr’s Growth Sparks Wizards, Porzingis Remains Out, Hornets Duo Clears Back-to-Back Hurdle
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WASHINGTON, DC — Second-year center Alex Sarr continues to make noticeable strides for the Washington Wizards, most recently drawing “M-V-P” chants during Tuesday’s victory over the Atlanta Hawks.
According to the team’s tracking numbers, the Wizards are nearly 13 points per 100 possessions better when the 7-footer is on the floor. Sarr’s most marked improvement has come as a finisher around the basket, complementing the rim protection (2.0 blocks per game) and playmaking flashes he displayed as a rookie.
“I wish it happened more,” Sarr said of the moments when opponents abandon drives because of his presence rather than test his shot-blocking.
Veteran Guidance in Washington
Head coach Brian Keefe also credited veterans CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton for steadying a young roster during a challenging start. McCollum recently accepted blame for a foul charged to second-year wing Kyshawn George, telling his teammate, “That’s on me… next time, I’ll stay.” Middleton added that he watches the locker room’s mood closely, working to “flip” negative thoughts after tough losses.
Porzingis Sidelined by Illness
In Atlanta, Kristaps Porzingis will miss Sunday’s matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers as he continues to battle the illness that also kept him out of Friday’s game against Cleveland, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. The 7-foot-3 forward has appeared in 12 of the Hawks’ first 20 games, averaging 18.7 points and a career-high 3.3 assists, though his outside shooting has been inconsistent.
Hornets Stars Manage Minutes
Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller cleared a significant hurdle Saturday by playing on the second night of a back-to-back, a rarity after injury-filled seasons. Head coach Charles Lee called the outing “another positive step,” but both guards hit predetermined minute caps and were unavailable when the game reached overtime.
Lee said Ball’s workload is “a constant dialogue” involving the medical and coaching staffs. “Credit Melo, credit Pat Chasse, our director of performance, and his whole staff for putting together a comprehensive plan,” the coach noted.
Charlotte will continue to monitor the duo’s progression as they enter the next phase of their return-to-play programs.
Source: Hoops Rumors
