Alex Sarr showcasing his potential after shaky start to rookie season

Scoring a career-best against a three-time MVP is no small feat, and the 7-foot youngster made his presence felt beyond just points, tying his career-high with five assists and demonstrating his all-around versatility. This performance follows a strong showing against the Detroit Pistons, where he posted 19 points and four blocks in a win over an Eastern Conference team that has emerged as a legitimate threat in recent months.  

Like most rookies, Sarr has endured his share of growing pains, but he has taken a noticeable leap since the All-Star break. Over the last nine games, he has averaged 16.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.4 blocks per game. While his overall shooting efficiency has been inconsistent (39.1 percent from the field), his three-point shooting has been a bright spot, hitting 37.7 percent from beyond the arc on 2.2 made threes per game.  

During this stretch, Sarr has scored the fourth-most points (149) among all rookies while also ranking fourth in blocks (13) and third in made three-pointers (20) out of the centers, trailing only Quinten Post of the Golden State Warriors (24) and the Utah Jazz's Kyle Filipowski (26).  

The 19-year-old's recent surge has also put him in the NBA history books. According to the league, he is now the youngest player in NBA history to record 60 made three-pointers, 300 rebounds, 105 assists and 70 blocks to begin a career—an impressive testament to his all-around game.  

Despite owning the league’s worst record at 15-53, the Wizards have shown unexpected signs of life, winning six of their last 10 games—including two straight—on the back of Sarr’s improved consistency. If his recent performances are any indication, Washington may have found a cornerstone for the future.