Russell Westbrook drove out onto the track, found Thomas Bryant open to an easy dunk when the Washington Wizards’ big man made a mistake, then immediately ran to Bryant to shout his approval.
In his first game with the Wizards, Westbrook recorded just 17 first half minutes in Washington’s 99-96 win over the Detroit Pistons. But his impact was felt with his energy, pace and ability to get the ball moving and get the attention of the defense.
“You could really see in the first half how many open shots we got,” said Wizards forward Davis Bertans of Westbrook’s impact. “And how many good looks we had and it was all I would say Russ.
“He set the tone for driving and pedaling … I’m pretty sure it’s going to get better from here.”
After being held out of the Wizards’ first two preseason games, Westbrook played in the team’s final tune-up for the regular season opener in Philadelphia on December 23. Westbrook finished with 8 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and shot 4-for-10, including 0-for-3 from behind the arch.
“It was good,” said Westbrook of his first match as a wizard. “We won, the most important part … I love where we were tonight.
‘My job is to try to set the tone. Get them ready to play. ‘
The Wizards saw Westbrook’s influence on the attack through Bradley Beal’s ability to work one-on-one against defenders and how much the Wizards tried to ramp up the pace. Washington led with a staggering 16 and had 10 fast-break points in the first half when Westbrook played.
“It just felt great,” Beal said of playing with Westbrook. “It was great energy … I don’t think it will be difficult as people are trying to make it. We both do a really good job of feeding each other, just adapting to how each other plays.
“The most important thing is his pace and energy that he brings to the table … it just works well. We just keep playing against each other, feeding each other and pushing each other.”
While Beal missed all seven of his three-point tries, he scored 15 points and hit seven field goals. Beal averaged 30.5 points last season, but drew most of the defense’s attention as the Wizards’ lone star.
“Our job is to make the game easier for him,” said Westbrook. Find a way to constantly give him the ball so that he can score quickly. He has shown that he can. He will be great. I’m not worried about Brad. ”
Taking advantage of the attention Westbrook drew, Bryant scored 22 points and made 7 out of 12 shots. And Wizards coach Scott Brooks loved seeing an animated Westbrook celebrating Bryant’s opinion with the error and cheering on the big man in the first quarter.
“Really good,” Brooks said when asked about Westbrook’s first preseason action. “He’s looked like this from training camp. His mind is about winning, not statistics. He’s playing the right way and teaching our young boys the right things. He’s great.
“He’s nothing short of spectacular, what he tells the boys, how he coaches his teammates and they listen. What he’s done, how he prepares and how he trains and how he watches the game is priceless.”