CLEVELAND — Washington Wizards rookie AJ Dybantsa wasted little time showing why he was selected first overall in the NBA draft, scoring a team-high 19 points in his professional debut Wednesday night. Despite his impressive performance, Washington fell 121-111 to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Dybantsa made his presence felt just 16 seconds into the game. Receiving the ball near the top of the key, the rookie drove past James Harden and attacked the basket before Cleveland center Jarrett Allen fouled him.
Although he could not complete the dunk he wanted, Dybantsa calmly converted both free throws to open his NBA scoring account.
"I was just trying to be aggressive from the jump. It's kind of always been my game regardless of level that I got," Dybantsa said. "I wanted my first basket to be a dunk so bad. I was telling my dad that, but I mean it's cool, got fouled."
The debut was an encouraging start for the Washington rookie, who missed the team's first four games because of a sprained ankle.
Dybantsa Makes Immediate Impact for Washington
Starting at shooting guard, Dybantsa scored nine points in the opening quarter, setting a notable mark for a Wizards rookie making his debut.
According to Sportradar, his first-quarter total was the highest by a Washington rookie in a debut since at least the 1996-97 season.
His first field goal came on an alley-oop finish after Trae Young delivered a crosscourt pass with 8:56 remaining in the first quarter. The basket helped Washington take an early 11-6 lead.
Dybantsa continued attacking throughout his 27 minutes on the floor, showing the scoring versatility that made him one of the most anticipated prospects in the draft.
He finished 8-of-12 from the field, adding two assists and two rebounds while committing two turnovers. His 19 points were the most by a Wizards rookie in a debut since Tom Gugliotta scored 20 against Charlotte in 1992.
The performance also tied for the fourth-highest point total by a rookie in his first game in franchise history.
For a player entering the league with the pressure attached to the No. 1 overall selection, the numbers offered plenty of encouragement.
Brian Keefe Praises Rookie's All-Around Game
Wizards head coach Brian Keefe was pleased with what he saw from Dybantsa, particularly his ability to create opportunities at the rim and make smart decisions with the ball.
Keefe also highlighted the rookie's passing and defensive activity, noting that his contribution extended beyond scoring.
"I thought he was terrific. You saw his ability to get to the basket, to make simple reads, great passing from him. I thought his defensive activity was terrific. Pretty impressive for a first game," Keefe said.
Dybantsa admitted he felt some nerves before tipoff, with family members traveling to Cleveland to watch his NBA debut. Once he converted his opening free throws, however, the occasion began to feel more familiar.
The rookie arrived in Washington after spending one season at BYU, where he led the nation in scoring with 25.5 points per game last season.
That college production helped establish him as a highly regarded prospect, and his first NBA appearance showed flashes of the offensive ability that made him the top selection in June's draft.
Anthony Davis Offers Advice Before Debut
Dybantsa also received encouragement from veteran teammate Anthony Davis, who urged the rookie to enjoy the moment rather than become overwhelmed by expectations.
Davis, the first overall pick in 2012, understands the attention that comes with being selected at the top of the draft. Deandre Ayton, selected first in 2018, is another former No. 1 pick on Washington's roster.
Davis scored 18 points against Cleveland and praised Dybantsa's composure and energy.
"He seemed like he was very calm, cool and collected," Davis said. "I think he came out with great energy and making his shots. It would've been good to get a win for him honestly, but I think he played really well."
The support from experienced teammates could prove valuable as Dybantsa adjusts to the pace, physicality and demands of the NBA season.
His debut suggested he is comfortable looking for scoring opportunities, even against established defenders such as Harden and Allen.
Cleveland's Allen also acknowledged the rookie's versatility.
"He scored from all three levels. He attacked the basket, midrange, good defense as well. He did it all for a rookie," Allen said.
Cavaliers Rally After Falling Behind by 13
While Dybantsa delivered a strong individual performance, Washington could not maintain its advantage.
The Wizards led by as many as 13 points in the third quarter, but Cleveland responded in the second half to secure the 10-point victory.
Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson said his team initially underestimated the improved threat posed by Washington.
"I think they're going to surprise some people. We kind of came out like it was the old Wizards, I think. And before you know it, we could have been down 20 easy. So I'm glad we turned it around in the second half, respected them properly," Atkinson said.
Washington entered the game with a 2-3 record, a better early-season position than its 1-15 start the previous season.
Although the defeat prevented Dybantsa from celebrating his debut with a win, the team's early competitiveness offered another positive sign.
Justin Champagnie Undergoes Foot Surgery
The Wizards also announced an injury update Wednesday involving forward Justin Champagnie.
Champagnie underwent surgery to repair a fracture in his right foot sustained during the first quarter of Monday's game against Charlotte. Washington did not provide a timetable for his return.
The injury adds another concern for the team as it continues through the early portion of the season.
For now, much of the attention in Washington will center on Dybantsa and how he builds on his first NBA appearance. His 19-point debut did not produce a victory, but it gave the Wizards an encouraging glimpse of what their top pick could bring to the franchise.
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