Alex Saar in weightlessness

If it was necessary to award a trophy for the best “sophomore”, Alec Sarr he would have a say. THE Wizards’ French headquarters is improving a lot, and last night he had one of his best matches of the season with 29 points, 12 rebounds and 6 blocks against Portland ! His activity is exceptional, and his trainer appreciates his regularity.

“I think he’s getting more and more consistent. I always thought he had a good motor, but you have to discover the NBA, go through the trial by fire, like I said before.” by Brian Keefe. “He’s learning to do that regularly now. He’s experienced a lot, and he’ll continue to experience, like all these young players. But his consistency is improving, and that’s what’s been very impressive this year.”

Selected for the Rising Stars with two teammates, Alex Sarr is increasingly comfortable in this role of intimidator, covering his partners. “I know they’re going to be active. I know they’re going to be in the passing lanes or whatever. I know they’re going to be there. And they can press even harder because they know I’m behind, too. So it’s a win-win.” explains about his positioning.

In a very muscular matchup with Donovan Klingan, who took 13 offensive rebounds, Alex Sarr did not refuse to fight, and “he answered physically”.

“I’d say my teammates ‘absorbed’ (the upstream work) well and I just tried to be physical and get after them, really.” adds about his 12 shots. “I want to influence the defense as much as possible. I still want to get more rebounds, that’s my goal. Counter, to be active… Because that’s what really affects winning matches.”

Twenty nine shots taken!

There was a bit of waste on the other side of the field, but Alex Saar maintained a common desire to pass and play together. “It really feels like we’re sharing the ball, and it really gives that feeling. … When you’re playing the right way, there’s a lot of passing before the shot. And I feel like it’s a better shooting percentage.” confides. “That’s how basketball works: the ball ‘has energy’ when you share it, when you play with energy and when you make the right call. I feel like that makes you a better basketball player.”

Still, he has some regrets about that 11-of-29 shooting, including 3-of-9 from 3-point range. “They were late on my picks, so I had a lot of open shots. I would have liked to have put in a few more. It’s a lot of shots, and I wish I could have been more efficient tonight, but … it is what it is. You can’t be efficient every night, not yet. So … I’m working on it.”

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How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.