Top Pick AJ Dybantsa Scores 19 in Debut Loss to Cavaliers

Dybantsa Makes His Debut

AJ Dybantsa made his NBA debut on Wednesday night. The top pick in the June draft started at shooting guard for Washington and scored 19 points. He played 26 minutes after missing the team first four games because of a sprained ankle.

Dybantsa scored nine points in the first quarter. His 19 points were the most scored by a Wizards player in a career debut since Tom Gugliotta scored 20 points in 1992.

Cavaliers Come Back to Win

The Wizards built a 76-63 lead early in the third quarter when Dybantsa threw down an alley oop off a pass from Kyshawn George. Cleveland cut into the lead with a 14-6 run. Evan Mobley made a layup with 11:19 left in the fourth quarter to give Cleveland a 94-92 lead. That was their first lead since late in the first quarter.

Washington moved ahead 105-104 later in the fourth quarter. Cleveland then scored nine straight points to take control and win 121-111. It was the 17th straight victory for the Cavaliers over Washington, which is the longest active streak in the league. Cleveland has won three straight games after losing its opener at Philadelphia.

Evan Mobley led the Cavaliers with 24 points, including ten points in the fourth quarter and a career high five three pointers. Peyton Watson, who was acquired from Denver during the offseason, added 22 points and six rebounds in 28 minutes. Donovan Mitchell chipped in 19 points. For Washington, Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr scored 18 points each. Bilal Coulibaly scored 17 points while making his first eight shots, and Kyshawn George finished with 11 assists.

What it means for the next game

Charlotte Hornets at Washington Wizards (NBA, Fri, 30 Oct): Washington Wizards win 48%, Charlotte Hornets win 52%; projected score Washington Wizards 118, Charlotte Hornets 116. Our safest pick: Wizards +6.5.

Washington Wizards at Orlando Magic (NBA, Tue, 03 Nov): Orlando Magic win 79%, Washington Wizards win 21%; projected score Orlando Magic 122, Washington Wizards 112. Our safest pick: Magic to win.