Winning a game by 53 points should lead to a ray of positivity beaming through the postgame media availability session. Following the Indiana Pacers' 162-109 historical beatdown of the Washington Wizards on Thursday, Rick Carlisle took the time to say something nice about his opponent. Carlisle complimented an award-worthy rookie.
Although the Wizards didn't have a shot at winning for the Capital One Arena crowd, at least they have a player who could bring home a trophy of some sort.
NBA.com currently ranks third Wizards Alex Sarr in its Kia Rookie Ladder. Ascending the ranks after such a historically woeful team performance would be counterproductive, but his team-high 22 points do showcase the rookie's potential.
Carlisle took note of the rookie's effort after the game.
"He's [Sarr] got a high ceiling... He stretches the floor and he can block shots, and he plays with a real upbeat vibe, very likable player as you watch him," Carlisle said.
Sarr finished with 22 points on 8 for 15 shooting, recording 83.3 percent from the charity stripe. Thursday's contest wasn't his best outing from 3, as he converted only one shot of five from deep against the Pacers.
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However, despite Thursday's disappointing performance, the Wizards rookie has averaged 36 percent from 3 over his last 15 games.
Washington stood no chance against the Indiana team coming off a buzzer-beater loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, courtesy of a LeBron James tip-in, a night prior. Carlisle doesn't provide unnecessary commentary, especially praise, unless warranted.
Carlisle's ray of sunshine isn't a mere effect of the 53-point win; it's also a sign that Sarr has a bright future in the NBA.
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This story was originally published March 28, 2025 at 8:15 AM.