The Washington Wizards travelled to Atlanta on Tuesday night to face the Hawks in a matchup that could make or break their hopes of making the playoffs. A game that at times looked dire ended up being a huge win for the Wiz.
They started off the game fast, running every opportunity they had. A strategy that worked at first as they leapt out to an early lead behind a six-nothing run from Kyle Kuzma. However, near the end of the first quarter, the toll that the pace was taking on them was obvious. The Wizards are one of the worst fast break teams in the league, placing near the bottom in total points on the break. This was not a style they are used to at all.
The Hawks took advantage of the clear fatigue showcased by the Wizards as they controlled the end of the first quarter and the entirety of the second and third quarters as well, although by a slim margin.
Even after expending plenty of energy, the Washington Wizards fought through.
The Wizards never really went away though, always staying within eight points of the Hawks. Every run put together by their opponent was matched with a run of their own. It was an incredibly back and forth game.
Ultimately, the Wizards put together a late run behind the stellar play of Bradley Beal and Kyle Kuzma who combined for 65 points. They both had key stops against Trae Young to not only give them a lead, but also extend it to six with under a minute remaining.
Other key contributions were Daniel Gafford with 13 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, three blocks, and a steal, Deni Avdija with 13 rebounds, and Corey Kispert with three made shots from beyond the arc.
The Washington Wizards came into the game understanding that they could not lose tonight without risking their position in the postseason. They lived up to that pressure and performed wonderfully.