Beal returns to District as Wizards face the Suns

Guess who’s back at Capital One Arena? Bradley Beal was back in the District on Sunday for the first time in an opposing team’s uniform since the Wizards traded him to the Phoenix Suns in June. 

Beal has had a rocky start to this season in Phoenix, missing 24 of the team’s first 49 games with back issues, an ankle sprain, and a broken nose. In recent games, the shooting guard has started wearing a mask to protect his face. 

The injuries have affected Beal’s performance on the court, especially in recent weeks. In his last 10 games, he shot 20% from three-point range and averaged 15.5 points per game. 

Washington’s post-Beal era has been a disaster. The Wizards are 9-39 this season, the second-worst record in the NBA. 

Beal earned three All-Star nods and set a franchise record for career 3-pointers in 11 seasons in the District. He also ranks second in points and steals for the Wizards, trailing Elvin Hayes and former teammate John Wall, respectively. 

Beal told reporters that the D.C. homecoming started to set in on Friday after the Suns lost to the Atlanta Hawks. 

“Being back in the building, seeing familiar faces. I have no idea what to expect, to feel, but I’m kind of going in with just an open mind, open heart,” Beal said. “Embracing all the feels, embracing the love. Whatever I get, you know, being thankful for the moments that we had here and just take it all in.”

Beal missed the Suns’ first game against the Wizards in December, a 112-108 home victory. At the time, the loss dropped Washington to 4-21 as they careen toward the draft lottery. Wins have been few and far between for the Wizards this year.

Meanwhile, Beal, Kevin Durant, and the Suns are sixth in the Western Conference. They have their eyes set on a deep playoff run. 

“Growing up in that area, I know how important the Wizards are to the youth and how much they respect guys that play for the team,” Durant, a Maryland native, told the Arizona Republic. “Brad has left his mark in D.C. over the past decade. It’s going to be cool to see the reception for him when he comes back. Look forward to going out there and playing our best for him so we can get this W.”