Last season, Wizards forward Otto Porter was often cheered into games by the fans late in blowout victories as the team’s fans ridiculed the third overall pick. This season, the story has been far different, as fans now realize Porter is a solid option for the Wizards to bring off the bench, or even start if necessary. In last night’s 101-87 win over the New York Knicks, Porter got his 11th career start, including his second in a row, as the Wizards chose to rest starting small forward Paul Pierce.
Otto managed to score 17 points on 7/9 shooting, which included 2/3 from three-point range, and 1/2 from the free throw line. The nearly double-double also included 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and a block. Otto’s plus-minus of 24 was also tied with John Wall for the team lead in the victory. If the team is performing well with Otto on the court, Wittman may have to throw a good chunk of minutes to him come playoff time.
The Wizards are now 6-5 in games Porter starts throughout his career, including the two game winning streak the Wizards are currently riding. With Otto’s confidence seeming to be as high as it has eve been, the Wizards now have another option to bring off the bench when Pierce needs to come out to take a breather. Wittman’s choice to rest Paul Pierce has proven to be the right one as Porter has come in and clearly improved his skill set throughout the season.
