By JOHN LIKANJE
Saturday was the last day of the preseason, meaning most teams used this opportunity to either activate their full-time starters or limit their minutes in advance of Opening Night. For the Detroit Pistons and Washington Wizards, it was no different. However, just because it was the preseason doesn’t mean it was the right time for Thomas Bryant to shine. Here is a review of how he and Isaiah Stewart performed to end preseason play:
Thomas Bryant, Washington Wizards
High School: Bishop Kearney (before one year at Huntington Prep School)
Game result: 99-96 victory over the Detroit Pistons
Game statistics: 22 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including 3-of-6 from long range and 5-of-5 from the free throw line, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal in 24 minutes
Although the main story was Russell Westbrook making his team debut, there was a fair bit of spotlight on Thomas Bryant as well – specifically, how he would react from Thursday night. Despite filling the box score, the 6-foot-10 center let his emotions get the better of him at times, especially in the third quarter when he got upset with both Blake Griffin and the referees. The result was two technical fouls during the contest and a $45,000 fine issued the afternoon leading up to Saturday’s game.
However, instead of letting Thursday’s events carry over, Bryant responded with his best outing of the preseason: game-high in points scored and tied for first in field goals made (Bradley Beal). The former Bishop Kearney star released his anger on Mason Plumlee with three powerful finishes: a left-handed hook shot off a Deni Avdija entry pass, a State of Liberty-esque layup while being fouled off a Russell Westbrook dish and a putback slam.
RUSS drops it to Thomas Bryant for his first @WashWizards assist! 🙌#NBAPreseason on NBA LP pic.twitter.com/v3AyynrzC6
— NBA (@NBA) December 20, 2020
Bryant showcased his outside touch as well with a pair of three-pointers from the top of the key, including one in transition, and a much-needed shot from the right wing at the start of the third quarter in which the Wizards struggled to score.
Big board.
Bigger PUNCH. 😤#WizPistons | @nolimittb31 pic.twitter.com/KHAyPEJhA4— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) December 20, 2020
An underrated, yet impressive part about Bryant’s night was his free throw prowess. The 6-foot-10 center was perfect from the line for the second straight game (he converted 6-of-6 from the charity stripe in Thursday’s game).
Overall, Bryant completed preseason play with averages of 14.3 points on 48.1 percent shooting (13-of-27) and 6.7 boards. The former Bishop Kearney star put together a productive preseason and displayed major improvement in his shooting from the foul line and beyond the arc (he made 11-of-11 free throws and six three-pointers).
Now, the real test begins. After a four-month hiatus between the bubble and the preseason and playing three games in seven days, Bryant will have four days to rest and prepare for Opening Night against Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers. Game is slated for Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Wells Fargo Center.
Isaiah Stewart, Detroit Pistons
High school: McQuaid (before two prep years at La Lumiere)
Game result: 99-96 loss to the Washington Wizards
Game statistics: two rebounds in four minutes
Despite playing hard on both ends of the court and staying solid in limited minutes, it appears Isaiah Stewart will start the season on the outside looking in regarding a rotation spot.
Although his impact doesn’t reflect in the box score, Stewart still fulfilled his role of boxing out big men, battling on the glass, setting screens for guards and acting as the roll man in the pick-and-roll. It just comes down to the fact that Jahlil Okafor and Mason Plumlee put together solid outings and will be the de-facto centers for the start of the season.
As of now, it seems the only way Stewart will receive meaningful minutes is based off matchups. Otherwise, Dwane Casey is putting his trust in Okafor and Plumlee at the center position going forward.
The Pistons start their season on Wednesday as well, taking on the Minnesota Timberwolves at 8 p.m. in the Target Center.
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