Beal, Westbrook confident in new backcourt partnership

Russell Westbrook made his long-awaited Washington Wizards debut on Saturday in the club's preseason finale against the Detroit Pistons.

The former MVP logged just 17 minutes, but it was enough to leave a favorable impression on his new backcourt mate Bradley Beal.

"It was great energy ... I don't think it will be tough as people are trying to make it out to be," Beal told reporters following the Wizards' 99-96 victory, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. "We both do a really good job feeding off of each other, just adjusting to how each other plays.

"The most important thing is his pace and energy he brings to the table ... it just works out well. We just continue to play off each other, feed off each other, and push each other."

Westbrook had a team-high plus-11 rating to go along with eight points, seven boards, and three assists.

The 32-year-old's ability to push the tempo was evident as the Wizards posted 10 fast-break points in the first half, but they didn't score any more the rest of the way. Westbrook sat out the remainder of Saturday's contest.

The nine-time All-Star will undoubtedly help Washington's transition game this upcoming season, but most importantly, Westbrook hopes to keep Beal amongst the Association's top scorers.

"Our job is to make the game easier for him," Westbrook said. "Find a way to constantly feed him the ball so he can score at a high rate. He has shown he is able to do that. He is going to be great. I am not worried about Brad one bit."