Goga Bitadze goes perfect from the field in career game and needs more opportunity, but was cooled off on his own bench

He's 22 and needs consistent reps. The 2019 first-round pick is currently their third-string center. "He deserves to have more nights like this," Brogdon said.

Goga Bitadze watches as coach Rick Carlisle show him something on his board during a recent game. (Photo: PS&E)

Goga Bitadze had the best half of his NBA career Sunday in Washington DC, but then didn’t see the court again until late in the third quarter.

“Just a coach’s decision,” head coach Rick Carlisle said.

Yet seconds earlier, his opening statement was also just four words. “Third quarter killed us,” he said, referencing when they were outscored 39-26.

Bitadze is still getting his footing defensively. He’s a good shot-blocker, but he has a slower reaction time and isn’t as versatile when they’re switching. But how does one improve? By getting reps, learning through mistakes and building confidence. Most of all, consistency is key.