Alex Sarr Scores 12 Points, Wows NBA Fans Despite Wizards Preseason Loss vs. Knicks
Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIOctober 10, 2024
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
Washington Wizards rookie Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, enjoyed another solid preseason game on Wednesday.
Sarr finished with 12 points, nine rebounds, three blocks and three assists at the New York Knicks. Three days earlier, he had 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting, four rebounds and three assists versus the Toronto Raptors.
The Wizards didn’t fare well either time, losing 117-94 to New York and 125-98 to Toronto. But it’s clear that Sarr is a bright spot with an exciting future.
There weren’t meany highlights for Washington, but Sarr provided one with a smooth backdoor cut leading to a slam dunk.
NBA @NBANo. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr sneaks backdoor for the slam early in NY 💪
WAS-NYK on NBA League Pass
📲 https://t.co/o8rEVFA3jd pic.twitter.com/LAb5ciI41m
What’s most impressive this preseason is the fact that Sarr has vastly improved since summer league, when he struggled mightily, especially on offense.
Per John Hollinger of The Athletic, Sarr’s 3.8 summer league PER was worst among all first-round rookies. He shot 9-of-47 for 5.5 points per game and finished with a 22.6 percent true shooting rate.
Sarr has fared far better through two preseason games, though, impressing fans and analysts.
Corey 🇦🇺 @Rooey23Alex Sarr is special, everything else sucks though
Utility Sports @_utilitysportsAlex Sarr’s defense is SO real
He’s had about 4 “whoa” plays in the first half against the Knicks. If/when the offense develops, Washington has a real cornerstone piece
Jonah Barkey @jonahbarkeyWow Alex Sarr doesn’t look half bad, it’s almost like judging rookies (especially bigs) in summer league systems is the dumbest thing ever
🚀 DC Rising 🚀 @DC__RisingIn these two pre season games, I’ve noticed Alex Sarr being much more aggressive when grabbing rebounds.
In summer league, I noticed he was almost waiting for the ball to fall to him.
Good stuff.
Obj*PooleBilalBubSarrWiz*daDon @ObjdaOriginalYeah I think y’all can stop worrying about Alex Sarr😂
Eye-Jay @ij_andrettiI like how Alex Sarr plays defense
The Good Guy @ZakberryAlex Sarr is super raw… but he got that audacity lol…. He’s gonna be interesting to watch
SET @insetwetrustAlex Sarr is the real deal. Thank you Jesus.
27 @27woorldMiss or make I love that Alex Sarr is taking the open shots .
AK @TheDashedLineYeah Alex Sarr is pretty good. IDK WTF y’all on
Angle Fantasy Basketball @anglefantasybbI’m encouraged to see Alex Sarr making contact on his screens. It’s the little things.
Az😴 @gbaziyeeeveryone who was calling alex sarr a bust yall can stay on that side
Sarr and the Wizards will play at home for the first time this preseason when they host the Raptors on Friday. Their first regular season game is Thursday, Oct. 24 at home versus the Boston Celtics.
