AJ Dybantsa, the No. 1 pick, finally played his first NBA game on Oct. 28.
He led the Washington Wizards with 19 points in a 121-111 loss to Cleveland.
He sprained his left ankle in the preseason finale on Oct. 16 and sat four games.
He drove past James Harden, drew a foul, and made both free throws to start his career.
No Wizards rookie had more first-quarter points in a debut since at least 1996-97.
Trae Young threw a long lob pass. Dybantsa slammed it down at the 8:56 mark.
He shot 8 of 12 from the field and 1 of 3 from deep, with two assists and two boards.
His 19 points are the most by a Wizards rookie in a debut since Tom Gugliotta in 1992.
He is one of seven No. 1 picks ever to lead his team in scoring in his debut.
"I thought he was terrific," said coach Brian Keefe. "Pretty impressive for a first game."
The Wizards host the Charlotte Hornets on Oct. 30. Expect a minutes limit to stay.
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