/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/35751784/452298240.0.jpg)
It wasn't pretty, but we'll take it.
After a back-and-forth game, Glen Rice Jr. decided he had had enough of the Heat. He put the game on his shoulders and led the Wizards on a 12-0 run to close out the Heat 78-67. Rice finished the game with a commanding 22 points and 10 rebounds.
While viewers of the game couldn't watch on TV, we were privileged to have David Aldridge as one of the sideline commentators. Aldridge is not only a top-notch reporter, he's also based in Washington, D.C. As a result, he's seen a lot of Wizards games--as you likely know. And if there was anyone more effusive about Rice than me or Mike, it was Aldridge. One of the most spot-on observations he made about Rice during the game was the fact that Rice was not only getting to the line constantly, but he was finishing through contact. That requires strength, concentration, and patience. That's something you definitely want to see in a rotation player; Washington's bench has been lacking scoring, and it's great to see there's a potential to have some from the backup backcourt.
As much as I enjoyed watching Rice, I think I liked watching Otto Porter more. Now, I don't think Porter did anything striking out there. But that's kind of the point to me. Summer league is where you go to figure yourself out or get someone's attention to give you a flier. Porter didn't need to get anyone's attention, and he looked like he had himself figured out. His movements were smart, precise, and collected. He knew where he needed to be and when.
Basically, he looked out of place--but in a good way. Like, in a "this is an NBA player who doesn't need to be here" kind of way. And that makes me really excited for the coming season.
With a win tonight, the Wizards advance in the D-League tournament. #OnToTheNextOne
Oh, and I'd be remiss if I didn't include this highlight from tonight's game.
Find out more about this mystery man here.