3 Takeaways after Wizards fall to 0-2 with loss to Cavaliers

The Washington Wizards hosted the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers in Washington for a Saturday night showdown. 

Washington entered the matchup following their first loss of the season to the Boston Celtics on Thursday night. Looking ahead to Cleveland, the Wizards had a good opportunity to put themselves at .500 before they hit the road for a matchup against the Hawks on Monday. 

Unfortunately, the Wizards weren’t able to capitalize on the opportunity ahead of them, falling short to the Cavs in a 135-116 loss. Now, at 0-3, Washington will travel to Atlanta for a showdown with the undefeated Hawks. 

That said, here are 3 takeaways from the Wizards' second loss of the season. 

Bilal Coulibaly post career-high

Despite the Wizards' lackluster performance against Cleveland, the team did manage to find some small victories in the loss. The major one is the growth of second-year man Bilal Coulibably in the team’s second game of the season.

The French product reset his career high with 23 points, six rebounds, and one assist on the night. The guard shot 56% from the field (9/16), including an impressive four-of-nine from three. 

If this is a sign of what’s to come for the Wizards' young talent, it’s at least a good sign for Washington fans as they look toward the future.

Kyle Kuzma's struggles continue 

Kyle Kuzma was the one veteran that the Wizards opted to keep on the roster despite the robust market for his services over the offseason. General manager Will Dawkins saw Kuzma’s fit as an offensive weapon and his experience in the league as a useful piece to fit alongside a young Wizards core.

Nonetheless, through two games, the 29-year-old has struggled to serve as the reliable offensive piece Washington hoped he could be for Brian Keefe’s squad.

Following his inefficient 14-point night against the Cavs, Kuzma is now a combined 9/32 on the season from the floor. If the Wizards hope to get in the win column soon, they’ll need their veteran starter to turn things around. And if he can’t soon, he may be even more of a trade candidate than originally thought as the deadline approaches.

Jordan Poole stays efficient in limited minutes

Jordan Poole showed out in the team’s first game of the season against the Celtics. Poole then followed up that impressive performance with an efficient outing against the Cavaliers over the weekend.

The Michigan product finished the night with 14 points, six assists, and one rebound on four of nine shooting from the field. Not to mention, his four-made baskets came from three-point range (4/7 3PT).

If the guard can continue his efficient play as both a scorer and facilitator, he could prove to be the primary ball handler that the Wizards entered the season hoping he could become.