Las Vegas Summer League Opener: Highlights, Challenges, and Player Performances

Unexpected Brilliance from Tre Johnson

During the opening game of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Tre Johnson’s debut was marked by a remarkable play that quickly became a social media sensation. The move, which drew praise from his coach for his “high basketball IQ” and admiration from teammates for his scoring ability, was actually an unintentional masterpiece. Johnson, the sixth overall pick in the recent NBA draft by the Washington Wizards, executed a pump fake in the first quarter against the Phoenix Suns that caught everyone off guard.

In a moment of improvisation, Johnson’s fake caused Suns rookie center Khaman Maluach to leap prematurely. Attempting to pass to fellow rookie Will Riley, Johnson inadvertently bounced the ball off Maluach’s calf, creating a fortunate ricochet. Without hesitation, Johnson recovered the loose ball and drove straight to the basket for an easy layup, showcasing his quick thinking and agility.

Despite the Wizards’ 103-84 defeat, Johnson’s performance stood out. He scored 18 points, demonstrating his smooth shooting stroke by converting 7 of 13 field goals and hitting 3 of 5 three-pointers. His offensive prowess was evident, hinting at a promising NBA future.

However, the team struggled overall, especially from beyond the arc, where they shot a mere 20% (6 for 30). Additionally, a significant rebounding deficit of 14 rebounds contributed to their loss. Koby Brea led the Suns with 19 points, setting the tone for a competitive game.

Johnson reflected on the team’s effort, emphasizing the need for better cohesion and defensive intensity. “We have good chemistry offensively, but we need to be more committed on defense for the full 40 minutes,” he stated. When asked about defensive lapses, he admitted, “We were just jogging back, not putting in enough effort.”

Beyond his scoring, Johnson contributed two assists, three rebounds, and a steal. While he acknowledged some questionable shot choices, his efficient scoring indicated that his shooting ability, particularly his jumper, will be a valuable asset at the NBA level.

Rebounding and Physicality Concerns for Sarr

From the outset of summer league preparations, the Washington Wizards expressed a desire to establish a reputation as the most physical team on the court. According to assistant coach J.J. Outlaw, this goal was not fully realized in their first outing, primarily due to rebounding struggles. The team’s inability to dominate the boards was a clear indicator of the physicality gap.

Starting center Alex Sarr, who faced challenges with defensive rebounding during his rookie season, managed only four rebounds in 31 minutes of play. When asked about Sarr’s physical presence, Outlaw pointed to a collective effort, stating, “I didn’t see the level of physicality from us as a team, not from any one individual.”

Sarr, at 20 years old, aimed to showcase his offseason improvements by asserting himself against Phoenix’s Khaman Maluach, the tenth pick in the 2025 draft. Despite a late-game surge-where he made his last four shots in the final 3 minutes and 11 seconds-the overall performance reflected familiar issues from his rookie year. Sarr finished with 15 points on 5-for-10 shooting, along with three blocks and four turnovers.

His first score was a lob dunk from Kyshawn George, marking a promising start. Throughout the game, Sarr demonstrated some progress, including a hook shot over Maluach and a finished alley-oop, indicating growth in his finishing ability and pass reception-areas he had been working to improve during the offseason.

Looking ahead, Sarr’s immediate focus is on preparing for the upcoming training camp with the French national team, where he aims to secure a spot for EuroBasket. Despite his current commitments, he views participating in summer league as a valuable opportunity to refine his skills and gain experience with new teammates. “Any chance to work on my game is worthwhile,” he explained. “Summer league provides a platform to improve and get game reps, so I see no reason not to participate.”

Emerging Talent: George’s Breakout Performance

Among the Wizards’ 2024 draft class, second-year wing player Kyshawn George delivered a standout performance against Phoenix. The 21-year-old led all scorers with 24 points, complemented by a team-high seven rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Despite some struggles with turnovers and fouls-accumulating five of each-his overall impact was undeniable.

George showcased his scoring versatility, shooting 10 for 18 from the field and hitting 3 of 9 three-pointers. His ballhandling improved noticeably from his rookie season, often orchestrating Washington’s offense with confidence. In the first half alone, he executed a variety of impressive moves, including a step-back jumper, a fadeaway, and a powerful transition drive that pushed back Maluach before finishing with a layup.

He credited offseason two-a-day practices for enhancing his explosiveness and stability, which translated into a more confident and balanced game. “The work I put in during the offseason really paid off,” George said. “I feel more explosive and in control on the court.”

George emphasized his readiness to shoot and make smart decisions, reinforcing his commitment to consistent improvement. “I’m not afraid to take shots, and I always aim to make the right play,” he affirmed. His performance in Las Vegas suggests he’s on track to become a key contributor for the Wizards in the upcoming NBA season.