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With a first double “double-double”, Kyle Kuzma confirms his very good start to the year | NBA

Kyle Kuzma had come close to being the hero of the Wizards’ opener of 2022 with his 3-point shot coming in 3 seconds to go, until DeMar DeRozan grabbed a prayer bet from the corner.

The former Lakers player was not discouraged so far and has chained the big performances since, with in particular an exit to 36 points and 14 rebounds against Charlotte and a new “masterclass” this night in Orlando with 27 points, 22 rebounds and the last second victory counter.

“I almost sent us into overtime because when I saw Bradley Beal counter Gary Harris, I rested a little on my laurels, I didn’t realize that there was still so much time on the clock “, he explained about his victorious counter on Chuma Okeke at the last second, which allowed him to be decisive in addition to making stats.

The Wizards, who won over the wire, can therefore thank Kyle Kuzma for his 22 rebounds in particular, his new career record. The player who was already 13 catches at the break, said it was the first time in his life that he exceeded the 20 rebound mark, after having captured up to 19 in high school.

“I’m just fully focused. I take care of my body every day, I rely on a whole team around me to work, get enough sleep ”, he added to explain his canonical start in 2022. “I make sure I have the right energy in a match, to be competitive. Because we try to win, we do not swing the season even if we had difficult times. I know that I am important in the team and that I have to be there every night. That’s what it is to be a leader and to start in the five major. Its important to me “.

A less crazy, more efficient player

His coach Wes Unseld Jr., for his part, stressed the importance of Kyle Kuzma’s role in this Washington team, the player having more freedoms compared to his years at the Lakers.

“Kyle Kuzma had some important actions, he was exceptional on the rebound. We know he can put in big shots, he’s been doing it since the start of the season. He remained aggressive, which is great because he was able to manage the balance between handling the ball, reading the game well, and aggressiveness on an individual level. Sometimes he does a little too much when the money-time arrives. I must congratulate him on that, because he is not afraid of important moments ”, welcomed his coach, Wes Unseld Jr. “We saw him in only one role, and that role has grown since he’s been here. It was positive for us, in the creation, the rebound, the defense. He may also play with more freedom than in previous years ”.

Kyle Kuzma in any case seized the opportunity to shine with the Wizards after being sacrificed by the Lakers, who wanted Russell Westbrook.

“I just knew that after being traded it was a golden opportunity for me to improve my game and show everything I’ve learned, but also what I’m capable of. That’s what I’m just showing right now ”, he added. “It’s a just a daily process, whether it’s defense, rebound, whatever I talked about when I got here. And I stuck to that. I have also adopted a scorer mentality, but I try to do everything. I know what I’m capable of, I’m just here to try to win games, whatever it takes ”.

Kyle KuzmaPercentageRebounds
SeasonTeamMJMinTirs3ptsLFOffDefUntilPdFteIntBpCtPts
2017-18LAL773145.036.670.71.15.16.31.82.10.61.80.416.1
2018-19LAL703345.630.375.20.94.65.52.52.40.61.90.418.7
2019-20LAL612543.631.673.50.93.64.51.32.10.51.50.412.8
2020-21LAL682944.336.169.11.64.56.11.91.80.51.70.612.9
2021-22WAS373344.031.969.01.07.48.42.92.10.72.00.715.0
Total3133044.733.672.21.14.96.02.02.10.61.80.515.2

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