USA Basketball Wins Close One Against Australia in Pre-Olympic Tune-Up

Young Wizards Show Flashes of Brilliance in Summer League Win

The NBA is a tough business. It takes more than just talent to succeed; you need players who can take control of the game and make a difference. This is especially important for rebuilding teams like the Washington Wizards, who are starting fresh after a rough season.

Right now, the Wizards are simply looking for young players with potential, ones who have the courage and confidence to step up and impact the game. This might be what summer league coach Cody Toppert was hinting at when asked about rookie Alex Sarr before his debut.

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Toppert wants to see a "killer" in Sarr, someone who brings an aggressive mentality on both offense and defense. He wants a player who sets the tone defensively and isn't afraid to take charge offensively.

Well, Wizards fans might be excited to hear that Friday night's summer league game offered a glimpse of hope. It seems the team might have drafted not just one, but two players with that "killer instinct": Sarr and guard Bub Carrington.TH EE

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Carrington started a bit nervous against the Atlanta Hawks, but he fought through it to put up a solid performance with 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. He overcame his pre-game jitters and played with confidence, something that's crucial for young players.

Sarr, on the other hand, impressed with his defensive presence. He showed a knack for blocking shots, swatting away three attempts in a short span of time. He also displayed some unexpected skills, showing good ball handling, making some nice passes, and even hitting a couple of three-pointers. He finished the game with 12 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and of course, the 4 blocks.

The best part? The Wizards won the game 94-88!

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Of course, both Sarr and Carrington have a lot to learn and improve on. That's perfectly normal for young players. But what matters most is that they showed the potential and the desire to make a difference in the game.

Sarr, with his rim protection, earned the nickname "the anchor" of the Wizards' defense from Coach Toppert. Carrington, just shy of 19, showed he can not only shoot well but also make smart passes and control the flow of the offense.

Carrington started strong, draining a three-pointer right away and following it with two free throws. Coach Toppert was particularly impressed with how he handled the pressure early on and took control of the team's organization.

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It's important to remember that summer league games are more like showcases than real games. The competition the Wizards faced was a young and inexperienced Atlanta team. They'll face much tougher opponents in the regular season.

However, Friday night's game offered a positive glimpse into the future. Sarr and Carrington seemed to handle the pressure well and showed flashes of brilliance. They might just be the kind of young building blocks the Wizards have been searching for.

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