In Washington's previous game, against Philadelphia, Danny Abdia was almost completely wiped out of the Wizards' rotation, coming up to play only in the final three minutes of the game, when the decision was already clear.
But tonight (Wednesday to Thursday) Abdia was given another chance to prove he was an integral part of the team's rotation - and proved he deserved the minutes.
The Israeli forward received 23 minutes on the floor tonight from acting coach Joseph Blair and answered with 13 points (4 from 7 from the field, 2 from 3 from three, 3 from 3 from the line), 5 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal and a block.
Although his team lost 119: 118 to Brooklyn at the end of a dramatic game, Abdia again provided good defensive ability especially against James Harden, which he blocked immediately when he came into play towards the end of the first quarter.
For Kyrie Irving, who finished with 30 points, he had a harder time keeping up.
Roof on the Arden on one side, rebound and assist tip on the other for Abdia pic.twitter.com/y9KG5FBiTT
- Washington Wizards 🇮🇱 (@washwizardsil) January 20, 2022
"I thought before the game that Abdia would be a good match-up against Harden," Acting coach Blair said at the end, "and he really did a good job. They scored some hard shots even when we did the right thing defensively. In the second half we kept good and created some 24-second situations. "Obviously we have to fight like that from the start. Kyrie Irving is a great player who came back and lost nothing from his game."
Only pic.twitter.com/rCdrSKZBJR
- Washington Wizards 🇮🇱 (@washwizardsil) January 20, 2022
Despite his return to rotation, rumors continue in the American media about the future of the Israeli, and there is a growing appreciation that Abdia may be included in a trade that is supposed to bring to the Wizards the high-ranking Lithuanian Domantas Savonis.
"Washington can be expected to aggressively approach the trade deadline as they target Indiana Pacers superstar Domantas Savonis. He adds: "Roy Hachimura and / or Danny Abdia will have to be included in such a deal."
Either way, the Wizards' next game will be against the Toronto Raptors Friday through Saturday at 3 p.m. Israel time.
Defense leads to attack.
Coz ⬅️Treez ⬅️ Danny pic.twitter.com/XPA3LHEmFy
- Washington Wizards 🇮🇱 (@washwizardsil) January 20, 2022
Danny 3⃣ pic.twitter.com/oxBIHIBHUk
- Washington Wizards 🇮🇱 (@washwizardsil) January 20, 2022 Wrong?
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