Davis Gave Washington Something to Cheer About

The crowd at Capital One Arena was chanting "MVP" for Anthony Davis on Wednesday night, which tells you something about how hungry this fan base has been. The Wizards opened without AJ Dybantsa — the No. 1 overall pick still sidelined by that left ankle he sprained in the preseason finale — and Davis stepped into the void and gave the building a reason to stay loud.

It was one game, and Washington's situation is still complicated. Dybantsa's absence was the story heading into the opener, and it remains a concern until he's back on the floor. But Davis's debut landing the way it did — with genuine crowd energy, not polite applause — is at least a sign that this roster has something to offer while the rookie works his way back.

The Trae Young extension, the Dybantsa pick, the Davis acquisition: the front office has been stacking pieces for a reason. Wednesday was a small, early confirmation that the Davis piece might hold up its end. The next few weeks will tell more, once Dybantsa is healthy enough to play alongside him.