Bradley Beal and TJ Warren trade buckets in the nation’s capitol
Despite trailing by as many as 22 points in the second quarter to the Washington Wizards, the Phoenix Suns were able to storm back to take the game 122-116. Since firing head coach Earl Watson following an 0-3 start to the 2017-2018 campaign and barring starting point guard Eric Bledsoe from play as a result of a controversial tweet, the Suns have been firing on all cylinders on their way to a 4-1 record under interim coach Jay Triano.
Before ditching Watson for Triano, Phoenix looked out of control and on the path to bottoming out among the league’s worst teams. However, under the direction and leadership of their new play caller, the team has appeared revitalized and driven to find success in what was expected to be a lost season.
Many players have stepped up to the plate in a big way to take on unfamiliar roles, but none more so than fourth-year man out of North Carolina State T.J Warren. The score first small forward averaged just 13.6 points in his first three outings, but has since scored 20.6 points per game over his last five appearances, including a surprising 40 point eruption in a win over the Wizards.
Warren’s offensive clinic was a sight to behold as he torched Washington’s defenders and ripped the cord all night. Of course the Suns won’t expect 40 out of him on a nightly basis, though it was nice to see someone outside of their sprouting superstar Devin Booker drain baskets in a hurry. Triano clearly trusts the young forward to play big minutes as a part of the starting five and it is likely he’ll have the opportunity to shoot at will going forward.
Washington nearly led the way through all four quarters, but failed to floor the gas pedal when they had their chance. The game wasn’t a total loss, though the blown opportunity to tack on an easier victory will surely sting for a while. Vaunted scorer Bradley Beal worked his magic and matched Warren tit for tat on his way to his own 40 point performance.
Although playing alongside Allstar John Wall has at times placed him outside of the spotlight, Beal is slowly proving he deserves to be recognized as legitimate standout star in an association full of transcendent talent. On top of belonging to an list of shooters and sneakily solidifying his spot as one of the NBA’s most underrated passers, Beal has bolstered his repertoire this season by adding more dribble drives and more free throw attempts as a result of his aggressive slashing.
Bradley Beal isn’t the only Wizard taking the next step in his development, Otto Porter continues to build off his breakout season from a year ago as the gifted Kelly Oubre is slowly coming into his own. Both players have taken strides little by little each year as they’ve watched their averages climb steadily. Washington’s staring five is dripping with young talent who have yet to hit their prime and assuming they can maximized their potential, they should be excited for what the future holds.
Even with a 4-3 record that doesn’t necessarily scream immediate title contention, the Cavaliers are reeling while the Boston Celtics are still searching for ways to replace the sidelined Gordon Hayward’s massive production. Washington is in a perfect position to take over the weaker Eastern Conference, and the time to strike is now. If they can take advantage of their opportune situation, the Wizards could realistically find themselves knocking on the door of a Eastern Conference Finals appearance.
