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The Washington Wizards picked up the second win of Summer League after downing the Sacramento Kings, 104-85, on Sunday night, but there was a lot more beyond the box score that stuck out. Diving into the key takeaways from game two:
Dybantsa Watch
After going 0-for-5 from three in his Summer League debut, Dybantsa opened the scoring for Washington with a transition three for an encouraging early bucket, but it would mark his only make from deep on the night. Dybantsa finished with 23 points on 6-of-15 shooting, including 17 points on 4-of-8 shooting and 4-of-4 from the line in the first half, but his performance was a lot less about what he did offensively than his defensive prowess.
Dybantsa flashed what he showcased as a prospect after he switched on Darius Acuff in the first quarter, generating a tip on Acuff's three point attempt before getting ahead of the play to set up an easy transition layup. Yet just like in game one, Dybantsa was constant around the rim and active crashing the glass, evident as he led the team with five rebounds at half before cooling off with just two in the second half. Yet the second half gave him a chance to step in as more of the point-forward that the Wizards reportedly wanted to give the top overall pick. The next step will be shot selection and not forcing scoring opportunities, but Dybantsa continues to show why he was viewed as the instant impact prospect out of BYU.
Riley's Scoring Touch Never Left
After posting 18 points in the opener, Riley was already up to 19 points through three quarters before finishing with a game-high 32 on 9-of-14 shooting and 6-of-8 from three, doing so in a variety of ways. Riley of course got back to the deep ball where he proved comfortable a year ago, highlighted by a four-point play in the fourth quarter, but the sophomore wing also created inside the arc including an impressive off hand reverse layup in the first half that he made look too smooth. He also did it while being aggressive getting to the paint, at times battling against Acuff. It's what you want and expect out of the 6-foot-9 wing ahead of a hopeful jump in year two with Sunday marking an encouraging showing.
Defensive Standout in the Making?
After Jamir Watkins was inactive after tweaking his knee against Utah, Sunday provided a chance for Washington to find out who else would be able to step up as the go-to perimeter defender. Former Warriors and Nets guard Reece Beekman, who spent last season in the G League, proved to be the one to answer the calling after holding Acuff to nine points in the first half while registering three steals in the win. Whether the former NBA guard is able to latch back in the league in Washington could emerge as a question through the second half of Summer League with the backcourt still able to add another ahead of 2026-27.
Seth Trimble also added a pair of second half steals with one leading to an easy breakaway layup after finishing 3-of-10 in 21 minutes.
Okapra's Defense Emerges
The former Tennessee forward started to show why he ended his career as an All-SEC Defensive Team selection after registering three blocks, including two in the third quarter, before flashing on the offensive end with a cleanup dunk in the final minutes to keep Washington's healthy lead. Washington also turned to the former second round pick to help facilitate the offense in the first half where his effort was consistent whenever he was on the floor. Though he finished with just four points and three rebounds in 18 minutes, Okpara was more aggressive defensively with a chance to now build on that on Tuesday night against Caleb Wilson and the Chicago Bulls.
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Dybantsa Watch
After going 0-for-5 from three in his Summer League debut, Dybantsa opened the scoring for Washington with a transition three for an encouraging early bucket, but it would mark his only make from deep on the night. Dybantsa finished with 23 points on 6-of-15 shooting, including 17 points on 4-of-8 shooting and 4-of-4 from the line in the first half, but his performance was a lot less about what he did offensively than his defensive prowess.
Dybantsa flashed what he showcased as a prospect after he switched on Darius Acuff in the first quarter, generating a tip on Acuff's three point attempt before getting ahead of the play to set up an easy transition layup. Yet just like in game one, Dybantsa was constant around the rim and active crashing the glass, evident as he led the team with five rebounds at half before cooling off with just two in the second half. Yet the second half gave him a chance to step in as more of the point-forward that the Wizards reportedly wanted to give the top overall pick. The next step will be shot selection and not forcing scoring opportunities, but Dybantsa continues to show why he was viewed as the instant impact prospect out of BYU.
Riley's Scoring Touch Never Left
After posting 18 points in the opener, Riley was already up to 19 points through three quarters before finishing with a game-high 32 on 9-of-14 shooting and 6-of-8 from three, doing so in a variety of ways. Riley of course got back to the deep ball where he proved comfortable a year ago, highlighted by a four-point play in the fourth quarter, but the sophomore wing also created inside the arc including an impressive off hand reverse layup in the first half that he made look too smooth. He also did it while being aggressive getting to the paint, at times battling against Acuff. It's what you want and expect out of the 6-foot-9 wing ahead of a hopeful jump in year two with Sunday marking an encouraging showing.
Defensive Standout in the Making?
After Jamir Watkins was inactive after tweaking his knee against Utah, Sunday provided a chance for Washington to find out who else would be able to step up as the go-to perimeter defender. Former Warriors and Nets guard Reece Beekman, who spent last season in the G League, proved to be the one to answer the calling after holding Acuff to nine points in the first half while registering three steals in the win. Whether the former NBA guard is able to latch back in the league in Washington could emerge as a question through the second half of Summer League with the backcourt still able to add another ahead of 2026-27.
Seth Trimble also added a pair of second half steals with one leading to an easy breakaway layup after finishing 3-of-10 in 21 minutes.
Okapra's Defense Emerges
The former Tennessee forward started to show why he ended his career as an All-SEC Defensive Team selection after registering three blocks, including two in the third quarter, before flashing on the offensive end with a cleanup dunk in the final minutes to keep Washington's healthy lead. Washington also turned to the former second round pick to help facilitate the offense in the first half where his effort was consistent whenever he was on the floor. Though he finished with just four points and three rebounds in 18 minutes, Okpara was more aggressive defensively with a chance to now build on that on Tuesday night against Caleb Wilson and the Chicago Bulls.
Wizards Roundtable also offers a fan community. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Wizards. Create an account, click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our free community and follow for all of our coverage, analysis and more!
Continue reading...
