Alex Sarr Scores 12 Points, Wows NBA Fans Despite Wizards Preseason Loss vs. Knicks

Washington Wizards rookie Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, enjoyed another solid preseason game on Wednesday.

Sarr finished with 12 points, nine rebounds, three blocks and three assists at the New York Knicks. Three days earlier, he had 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting, four rebounds and three assists versus the Toronto Raptors.

The Wizards didn't fare well either time, losing 117-94 to New York and 125-98 to Toronto. But it's clear that Sarr is a bright spot with an exciting future.

There weren't meany highlights for Washington, but Sarr provided one with a smooth backdoor cut leading to a slam dunk.

What's most impressive this preseason is the fact that Sarr has vastly improved since summer league, when he struggled mightily, especially on offense.

Per John Hollinger of The Athletic, Sarr's 3.8 summer league PER was worst among all first-round rookies. He shot 9-of-47 for 5.5 points per game and finished with a 22.6 percent true shooting rate.

Sarr has fared far better through two preseason games, though, impressing fans and analysts.

Sarr and the Wizards will play at home for the first time this preseason when they host the Raptors on Friday. Their first regular season game is Thursday, Oct. 24 at home versus the Boston Celtics.