“It's kind of fun for me. So I like playing here.” Jeered as soon as he touches the ball, Alexandre Sarr even has the right to his own song on the floor of the Atlanta Hawks. “Sarr sucks”. A real resentment from Hawks fans towards the Frenchman, who refused to take tests for the franchise before his Draft.
But in his bubble, the #2 pick 2024 did not seem perturbed by the preferential treatment from the opposing public. Last night, despite the defeat of the Washington Wizards (117-129), the interior posted the best performance of his career: 20 points on 7/13 shots (3/4 long distance), 7 rebounds, 4 interceptions and 3 blocks.
A complete performance for the young French hopeful, the only member of his team with a positive differential (+10).
When the shots come in…
The big difference compared to Sarr's previous matches? The address of course. At three points, the Frenchman has had a really hard time adjusting the sights since his debut in the NBA (even in Summer League for that matter). Before last night, he was posting a terrible 8/48 from long range. Or 16.6% success rate.
But against the Hawks, the Wizards player was skillful. Particularly behind the arc: 3/4 being precise in the corner. With confidence, his game was able to develop with also a good rhythm in his attempts inside (7/13 in total).
“The key? Today, the shots fell in. Then I gained rhythm with easy baskets and by being successful at three points,” summarized Alexandre Sarr to the media.
Because indeed, his shooting successes absolutely do not sum up his match. They represent a great reward for this simply essential activity. While the Wizards started this game well (39-29 in the first quarter), Sarr set the tone thanks to an impressive volume of play.
As a reminder, he also compiled 7 rebounds (including 4 offensive), 4 interceptions and 3 blocks. An impact that was the driving force behind Washington's good times.
“One of the good things about Alex, and I think it was one of the keys in the first quarter, is his activity. The steals, the blocks, the offensive rebounds, that can lead to some good shots and I really believe he started his match that way,” judged his coach. Brian Keefe.
A real confirmation of the potential of the young 19-year-old talent. Because at the start of the season, he has not always been able to find his rhythm in attack. Particularly because of this famous clumsiness. On the other hand, in the game, he was able to maintain his impact. With defensive qualities already evident.
“We talk a lot about being in opposition to the opposing attackers. This way, I can come in to hinder or counter. That way, I can take more risks. But I'm still learning in this aspect of the game too,” he said. -he recalled.
A visible and promising development.
[ITW] Alex Sarr: “I would really like to play for the French team”
Alexandre Sarr, a model of confidence
Above all, this start to the season, not always easy on the offensive level, has highlighted his mental strength. Particularly scrutinized after his selection as #2 pick and a complicated SL, he never gave the feeling of doubt. Despite, once again, problems with its address.
And it is also revealing of the boy's personality: his best performance was achieved in a hostile atmosphere. Regardless of outside noise or even his offensive difficulties, Sarr remains a stable player.
“My confidence still remains the same? Yes, because I know that in the end, I will have to continue to take my shots. I have to play my game, so I have to stay confident,” approved the native of Bordeaux.
“He never gives up. Since I have been with him, I have never seen him give up. He continues to play, to give everything. The shots are not going in? It does not affect the way he plays in defense He's a guy who can move on quickly.
It's really very mature for a player of his age. It’s great quality,” praised Keefe.
And he's only 19! In a rebuilding project, the Wizards have time to develop it. And they do it quite well: even in his difficult moments, Sarr maintains good playing time with a starting role.
With in particular Bilal Coulibalyhe has the potential to be a long-term member of a competitive project in Washington. It will obviously take movements to balance the workforce (we need to get rid of Kyle Kuzma…) and find additional talents. But the two Frenchmen can embody a very interesting base.
In any case, during this meeting, Alexandre Sarr recalled the extent of his talent.
Alexandre Sarr, the Wizards coach has a plan in mind
