It took three overtimes, but the Washington Wizards got a 149-146 win over the Phoenix Suns Saturday. They did so behind a triple-double by Bradley Beal — 40 points, 15 assists, and 11 rebounds, and a perfect night shooting for the 21-year old Thomas Bryant.
Bryant made all 14 of his field goal attempts, scoring a career-high 31 points. He also grabbed 13 rebounds and dropped two assists. He capped his perfect night shooting with an emphatic dunk in triple overtime that extended Washington’s lead to 144-141.
Bryant’s perfect night was just the seventh occurrence in NBA history with at least 14 made baskets and first since Gary Payton in 1995, according to Basketball Reference. He also came just one shot away from joining Wilt Chamberlain as the only players to shoot perfect and make a 14 field goals or more — Chamberlain did so three times. NBA history. Crazy thing is Bryant had no idea he was having a perfect night, as he admitted to reporters following the win.
Even Beal was clueless Bryant was perfect from the field, saying “14 for 14?!?! Let me see that!” as he grabbed the stat sheet to examine, according to Ben Standig of NBC Sports Washington.
Beal added he was “proud” of the young center making plays and called him an “MVP” in the process.
Bryant has become a steal for the Wizards, who acquired the former Indiana Hoosiers product in a summer trade from the Los Angeles Lakers. Then brought on for depth and development, Bryant has asserted into the starting lineup with Dwight Howard out following lower back surgery and Ian Mahinmi struggling.
However, Saturday against the Suns was the first game Bryant attempted double-digit shots and he did not disappoint. With his perfect night, Bryant is now shooting 66.3 percent from the field in 23 games for the Wizards. It might be time to get him more shots and playing time, right?
