Just like he did in the playoffs last year when matched up again Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson, Nene played a huge role in the Wizards 93-86 win over the Toronto Raptors in overtime of game 1. Nene was able to be an option the Wizards had confidence to go through during the game.
Nene led the Wizards in the plus-minus statistic with +10, which shows the Wizards responded well whenever Nene was in the game. Hopefully Randy Wittman notices this and sees how Nene is not only helping himself get on the scoreboard, but he is also helping his teammates get their opportunities.
The Big Brazilian needs to keep up this work if the Wizards want to keep winning games and moving on in the playoffs. When teams underrate his ability to score and make an impact, Nene is at his best. Performances like tonight from Nene will significantly help the Wizards compete for a title.
