The Wizards went into Gainbridge Fieldhouse seeking a win in their first game of the 2022-23 season. Thanks to impressive performances from their main trio, Washington got that first victory, beating the Pacers 114-107.
Wizards head coach Wes Unseld Jr. had been keeping his cards close to his vest when it came to the starting lineup leading up to the first game of the season. Shortly before tip-off, it was announced that Deni Avdija would get the nod as the fifth guy alongside Monte Morris, Bradley Beal, Kyle Kuzma, and Kristaps Porzingis.
Despite not playing in the preseason due to a groin injury, Avdija looked sharp right from the jump. He was trusted with the assignment of guarding the Pacers' best player, Tyrese Haliburton, and did a nice job making things difficult on him.
Late in the second quarter, Avdija was defending a drive and tweaked his right ankle. He appeared to be in major pain but ended up being able to put some weight on it and walked off the court. He would not return to the game, despite being medically cleared in the fourth quarter, according to Unseld Jr.
The Wizards looked strong for most of the first half, getting out to a big lead early in the game and surviving a Pacers run in the second quarter. They held a 60-52 lead going into the break.
In the second half, the Wizards continued their solid play. They were controlling the paint on both offense and defense and getting whatever types of shots they wanted. Kuzma, Beal, and Porzingis all put up big numbers, but everyone stepped up when called upon.
Monte Morris was only on the court for 21 minutes but played the classic point guard role to near-perfection, scoring seven points to go along with six assists, six rebounds, two steals, and best of all, only one turnover. He was a steady hand on offense.
Off the bench, Delon Wright was a menace on defense and played in the closing lineup. Will Barton scored 17 points on 5-of-10 shooting from the field and 3-of-4 shooting from deep and was also a part of the closing group. And Daniel Gafford was a beast in the paint, scoring 12 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the field in just 16 minutes.
Of course, it wouldn't be the NBA if things came easy. With under a minute and a half remaining in the game, the Wizards were up by 11 points and looked to have the game secured, but a string of made shots and questionable decisions got the Pacers within three points with under 20 seconds left. Thankfully, the Wizards were able to hang on and secure the win.
"Not ideal," said Wizards head coach Wes Unseld Jr. "But certainly easier to teach and learn after a win than it is a loss."