Russell Westbrook led the gang, found Thomas Bryant open for an easy walk, while the big Washington Wizards man made a mistake and then immediately ran to Bryant to shout his approval.
In his first game with the Wizards, Westbrook recorded just 17 minutes in the first half in Washington’s 99-96 victory over the Detroit Pistons. But his impact was felt by his energy, pace and ability to move the ball and attract the attention of the defense.
“In the first half you could really see how many open kicks I got,” witch striker Davis Bertans said of Westbrook’s impact. “And how good-looking I was and that was all Russ would say.
“He set the tone for driving and kicking … I’m pretty sure he’ll get better from here.”
After being kept out of the Wizards’ first two pre-season games, Westbrook played in the team’s final before the regular season opened in Philadelphia on December 23rd. Westbrook finished with 8 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and shot 4 10, including 0-for-3 from behind the arc.
“It was good,” Westbrook said of his first wizarding game. “I won, the most important part … I like where I was tonight.
“My job is to try to set the tone. Get them ready to play.”
The Wizards saw Westbrook’s influence on the offense in the ability Bradley Beal had to work one-on-one against the defenders and how much the Wizards tried to push the pace. Washington led to 16 and had 10 quick break points in the first half when Westbrook played.
“It felt great,” Beal said of the game with Westbrook. “It was a great energy … I don’t think it’s going to be hard, because people are trying to do that. We both do a very good job, feeding each other, just adjusting to the way they play with each other.
“The most important thing is the pace and energy it brings to the table … it works well. We just keep playing with each other, feeding each other and pushing each other.”
While Beal missed all seven 3-point attempts, he scored 15 points and hit seven goals. Beal averaged 30.5 points last season, but drew the attention of most opponents as the only wizard star.
“Our job is to make it easier for him,” Westbrook said. “Find a way to feed him constantly with the ball so he can score at a high rate. He has shown that he is capable of doing that. It will be great. I’m not even worried about Brad.”
Bryant received the attention that Westbrook attracted, scoring 22 points and scoring 7 of 12 shots. And wizard coach Scott Brooks liked to see an animated Westbrook celebrate Bryant’s dunk with a foul and cheer on the big man in the first quarter.
“Very well,” Brooks said when asked about Westbrook’s first pre-season action. “He looked like that in the whole training camp. His spirit is to win, not about statistics. He plays the right way and teaches our young boys the right things.
“It’s nothing spectacular, what he tells the boys, the way he trains his teammates and listens. What he did, how he prepares and how he trains and how he watches the game is invaluable.”