WASHINGTON — John Wall has spent the first seven seasons of his career building respect as one of the game’s top point guards. In 2016-17, his best campaign to date, Wall’s pass-first disposition ignited a Washington Wizards offense that finished as one of the top scoring teams in the NBA. But as the curtains opened Wednesday night, Wall displayed a new personality.

Wall was on the floor for more minutes than any other player and played with clear intentions: to score. The result was a 120-115 win over the Philadelphia 76ers in the Wizards’ nationally televised season opener.

“It’s just wolf season,” Wall explained. “I put a lot of hard work and dedication into this summer. Just being healthy and able to work but without my teammates, those guys making shots and playing defense and setting screens for me, I wouldn’t be able to be the player I am.”

A television reporter asked a follow-up question, seeking more enlightenment to this “wolf season,” to which Wall replied: “Just keep watching.”

On Wednesday, Wall howled for 28 shots, three away from his career high, and scored 28 points to go along with eight assists and five rebounds. His not-so-efficient shooting night (10-for-28) didn’t seem to bother the sold-out crowd at Capital One Arena, announced at 20,356, as Wall’s aggression created the first GIF-worthy clip.

In the first quarter, as Wall pushed past 76ers point guard T.J. McConnell, he watched his opponent fall to the floor then ferociously attacked the rim with a left-handed dunk from just outside the restricted circle. The play even wowed coach Scott Brooks.

“I was telling my coaches,” Brooks said, “I can’t believe he does that.”

Wall’s scoring intensity might have dulled the brightness of others. Otto Porter Jr. opened the game by scoring the Wizards’ first eight points. He hit midrange jumpers, drove to the rim and hustled for a second scoring opportunity with a heads-up play — appearing to mature from the player who mostly feasted from spot-up shooting a year ago. Then after his early burst, he scored just two more points and finished with 10.

Bradley Beal found his spots on 6-of-17 shooting for 25 points, six rebounds and Marcin Gortat, playing as the single big for most of the game, collected 16 points and 17 rebounds. As a team, Washington outworked Philadelphia for a 52-48 rebounding edge despite starting power forward Jason Smith collecting just one rebound due to an abbreviated night.

Through 10 years and 101 career starts, Smith had never strolled out with the starting five for a season opener. So when the moment came Wednesday night, Smith soaked up the spotlight, jogging out of the tunnel and pointing at the team’s cameraman as his image flashed on the overhead scoreboard. However, seven minutes into the game, Smith jogged off the floor, holding his right shoulder as team medical staffers followed. Smith was diagnosed with a sprained right shoulder and did not return.

Smith’s injury is the latest blow to the team’s power forward depth. Projected starter Markieff Morris (hernia) remains at least two more weeks away from rejoining the lineup.

candace.buckner@washpost.com

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