The Washington Wizards edged out the New York Knicks 111-109 in a closely contested preseason game at Madison Square Garden on October 8, 2026. This matchup was particularly notable for the NBA debut of AJ Dybantsa, the Wizards' first overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Dybantsa, a 19-year-old forward from BYU, contributed 11 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 steals over 23 minutes on the court. His defensive prowess was evident, leading the team in steals during his debut. (sny.tv)
Veteran players also made significant contributions to the Wizards' victory. Anthony Davis led the team with 16 points and 7 rebounds in just under 17 minutes, while Trae Young added 15 points and 4 assists. (si.com)
On the Knicks' side, Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson each scored 13 points, with Hart leading the team in minutes played at 21. Despite a strong performance, the Knicks' offense struggled with efficiency, shooting 42% from the field and 29% from three-point range. (sny.tv)
The game remained competitive throughout, with the Knicks holding a 10-point lead at one point in the third quarter. However, the Wizards mounted a comeback in the final frame, securing the win in the closing moments. (sny.tv)
This preseason opener provided a glimpse into the Wizards' potential for the upcoming season, highlighting the promising debut of Dybantsa alongside the impactful performances of seasoned players like Davis and Young.