Shooting guard has hit 43 of his last 60 shots
In the midst of the best stretch in his two years with the Wizards, Nick Young’s confidence has peaked. So what happens when he runs into the inevitable dry spell? Interim coach Ed Tapscott isn’t concerned.
“If you’ve earned your minutes and you know you’re part of the rotation, you’re confidence will take you through any mini-slumps,” said Tapscott.
While Young’s talent has never been questioned, his confidence has. It was up early this year, wavered in December, but has returned. In the last four games, he’s averaged 25.7 points, hitting 71 percent of his shots.
“He knows we’re gonna run some plays for him, so he doesn’t feel pressed,” said Tapscott. “When you get minutes and you get plays called for you, you can be selective. Better shots means more makes.”
Tonight when the Wizards (7-31) host the Knicks (14-22), the visitors will have to game plan for the 6-foot-6 guard. Wednesday in New York’s 128-122 win, Young riddled the Knicks with 13-of-17 shooting for 33 points. It was the third time in four games that Young scored a career high.
“The difference has been my confidence level,” said Young. “Coach is running plays for me and seeing my shot go in is always good.”
Change does not suit Young. Last year, when he got a trial as starting point guard, he struggled mightily and returned to the bench two games later.
This year, Young had an adjustment period after Tapscott replaced Eddie Jordan as coach. A month later, when the Wizards re-shuffled their backcourt via trade, Young made only 15 of 60 shots (25 percent) over the next nine games.
But now Young has found his comfort level. Could two-on-two games with Gilbert Arenas, who is rehabbing from knee surgery, have helped?
“Playing against somebody you look up to, idolize, it’s worked wonders for his confidence,” said Caron Butler. “Now he’s just coming out, playing at an all-time level.”
