Washington Wizards Deni Avdija. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
There was a lot to be happy about when the Washington Wizards beat the worst team in the Eastern Conference. Bradley Beal recorded his fourth consecutive 30-point game; Russell Westbrook extended his triple-double streak to seven games; Daniel Gafford was the first Wizard with consecutive four-block games since 2013. But if the Wizards want to make some noise in the play-in tournament and eventually the playoffs, they’ll need contributions from other places besides their brilliant backcourt. They’ll need good play from rotation guys like Deni Avdija, and the rookie showed what he can do with the ball in his hands during the team’s 121-100 win over the Detroit Pistons.