The Wizards are now 1-2.
In a matchup of the No. 1 and No. 2 picks in this year’s NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards topped the Atlanta Hawks, 121-119.
The Wizards came out flat to begin the action, turning the ball over three times in the first three minutes as Atlanta grew a 12-2 lead. Bub Carrington came off the bench to score a quick eight points as the Wizards trailed by three after the first quarter. Kyle Kuzma’s struggles continued in the first half, shooting 2-8 FG and scoring just five points. Jordan Poole made 7-9 FG en route to a 19-point half, continuing his hot start to the season. Washington, behind 13 turnovers, trailed 61-54 at the half.
Kyle Kuzma came alive in the 3rd quarter, draining three straight threes to bring the Wiz back. Kispert added an emphatic dunk as the Wizards won the quarter 30-22 and led by one entering the 4th.
In the final frame, Jordan Poole drilled a clutch three to give the Wizards a late lead. The Hawks stormed back and had a chance to win at the buzzer, but Coulibaly clamped Trae Young, forcing a miss as the Wizards held on for their first win of the season.
Kuzma: 25 pts, 11 reb, 7 ast
Poole: 26 pts, 6-8 3pt
Kispert: 21 pts
Check out a live postgame recap of the Wizards’ exciting victory!