NBA Japan Games 2022: The Warriors Crushed the Wizards in the Opening Game in Japan

The Golden State Warriors outperformed the Washington Wizards in the opening game of the preseason in Japan with a score of 96-87. Although neither club used their starters for long stretches of the game, as was to be anticipated, there were still a few standout moments. Meanwhile, fans in person and at home were treated to top-notch basketball thanks to James Wiseman’s 20-point effort and hometown hero Rui Hachimura’s firm response.

James Wiseman’s Heroics

The 2020 No. 2 overall selection returned to the floor on Friday for the Warriors’ preseason game against the Wizards after playing only 39 games in his rookie season and missing the entirety of his sophomore year due to a knee ailment. He led the Warriors to a victory with game-high 20 points to his name in 24 minutes off the bench. Meanwhile, he made 8 of 11 field goal attempts. Moreover, Wiseman added eight rebounds, an assist, and a block. All in all, he played remarkably well, leaving everyone in awe.

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The New Comers

Donte DiVincenzo, a rookie for Golden State, finished with nine points in 17 minutes off the bench on 3-of-4 shooting from the field. He scored two 3-pointers, grabbed seven rebounds, and made two assists.

Patrick Baldwin Jr. and Ryan Rollins, two rookies, played their first preseason games against the Wizards. The farmer finished with eight points on 1-of-5 shooting and claimed two rebounds and an assist. Meanwhile, the latter scored seven points on a 2-of-3 shooting from the field and grabbed a rebound. Moreover, Rollings spent 11 minutes in the court while Baldwin stayed in the court for eight minutes.

Meanwhile, Steph Curry started the preseason with six points on 1-of-7 shooting from the field, one triple, three rebounds, and two assists in a 13-minute cameo in the first half.

On the other hand, Rui Hachimura scored a team-high 13 points and grabbed nine rebounds for the Wizards. Meanwhile, Bradley Beal and Monte Morris both scored nine points each. Beal grabbed two rebounds and made three assists, but Morris had one rebound and five assists.