Alex Sarr's NBA Debut Disheartens Fans After Wizards Blowout Loss vs. Tatum, Celtics

Zach BacharContributor IOctober 25, 2024

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 11: Alex Sarr #20 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of a preseason game at Capital One Arena on October 11, 2024 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Alex Sarr failed to surpass expectations in his NBA debut.

The No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 draft struggled offensively as the Washington Wizards fell to the Boston Celtics by the final score of 122-102.

Sarr finished with two points, five rebounds, one assist and two blocks in 22 minutes on the floor. He shot 1-7 from the field, missing all five of his attempts from behind the arc.

While it's worth noting that Sarr was facing off against the reigning champions who finished with the No. 2 defensive rating in the NBA last season, it was still a rough start to his career.

The 19-year-old showed promise on the defensive end of the floor, recording a block and a dunk as part of an impressive two-way sequence in the first quarter.

NBA @NBA
A first on both ends for the No. 2 pick... Expect a lot more dunks and blocks from Alex Sarr 💯 BOS-WAS | NBA League Pass 📲 <a href="https://t.co/B13N9YxVoV">https://t.co/B13N9YxVoV</a> <a href="https://t.co/9ys9fnRwfV">pic.twitter.com/9ys9fnRwfV</a>

Sarr's defense wasn't enough sometimes, though. Jayson Tatum welcomed the rookie to the association by hitting a pull-up triple over him just before halftime.

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Bleacher Report @BleacherReport
Jayson Tatum giving Alex Sarr a welcome to the league moment 😅 (via <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSCeltics?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NBCSCeltics</a>)<a href="https://t.co/wEWjtzHk5R">pic.twitter.com/wEWjtzHk5R</a>

Fans were disappointed with Sarr's performance.

Ser Troy Haliburton @TroyHalibur
Alex Sarr is 7-foot-1 and his first two NBA shots were threes and misses. His third shot was dunk. These things are not coincidences. Young fella needs to dominate the paint first and work his way out, not outside in.

Daniel Donabedian @danield1214
Wizards want a timeout after Derrick White splashes a wide-open triple. So far, it's been a rough debut for Washington's first-round pick Alex Sarr.

Hawley Bronson @HawleyBronson
Can someone please tell Alex Sarr he's not KD. Go into the paint. Get rebounds. Set a screen.

Zack Cox @zm_cox
Not an easy NBA debut for No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr tonight. Jayson Tatum just hit two straight 3s over the Wizards rookie, and Jrue Holiday baited Sarr into fouls on back-to-back possessions.

Dialante @Deetalksalot
Have to get sarr some easier looks outside of catch and shoot 3s

Cam @502Cavs
Alex Sarr can't shoot whatsoever please stop shooting

agus 🧙🏼‍♂️🧉 @1of1agus
Somebody remind Alex Sarr he's 7'0, dudes only shooting 3s and he has yet to hit one

The Wizards were able to keep up with the Celtics for the majority of the first half, although Boston entered halftime with a 10-point lead due to a 15-3 run to end the second quarter and didn't look back for the remainder of the contest.

Jaylen Brown finished with a game-high 27 points on 50 percent shooting, while Tatum recorded a double-double by scoring 25 points and pulling down 11 rebounds.

Sarr will look to improve in the Wizards' second game of the season, a clash with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday.