Dybantsa Scores 19 in NBA Debut as Wizards Fall

Washington rookie AJ Dybantsa made his NBA debut after missing the first four games with a sprained ankle, scoring a team-high 19 points on 8-of-12 shooting in 27 minutes as the Wizards lost 121-111 to Cleveland. The No. 1 pick scored the most points by a Washington rookie in his debut since Tom Gugliotta had 20 in 1992. Washington led by as many as 13 before Cleveland rallied for the win. Coach Brian Keefe praised Dybantsa’s scoring, passing and defensive activity, while Dybantsa said he wants to develop a floater and mid-range shot to handle the NBA’s taller interior defenders.