3 unexpected Wizards standout in blowout loss against Memphis

The Washington Wizards took on the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night with a chance to end their two-game losing streak.

Washington entered the matchup with a solid chance to improve to 3-4 against the shorthanded Western Conference squad who was missing star guard Ja Morant.

Despite that, the Wizards struggled to find any consistency in their starting lineup which resulted in a blowout loss on the road. In their 128-104 loss, Washington struggled to get any contributions from their core players, but they did get some more than solid contributions from unexpected players on the roster.

That said, here’s a look at the three studs from the team’s loss.

Jonas Valanciunas

The Wizards elected to move Jonas Valanciunas back in the starting lineup against the Grizzlies and Brian Keefe’s decision to do so looked brilliant. Valanciunas came to play and the big man may have had his best game in a Wizards uniform in the battle.

The big man finished the matchup with 16 points, five rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Serving as an anchor on defense and an efficient addition on offense, he made a case for himself to be inserted into the team’s starting lineup permanently moving forward.

Nonetheless, the Wizards youth movement could lean to the 32-year-old staying in his current role with spot starts as needed in the future. Regardless, if he can continue his impressive play, he will not only boost his trade value, but help the Wizards compete for wins while he’s there.

Kyshawn George

Kyshawn George entered this matchup with all eyes on him after his career night against the Golden State Warriors on Monday. Despite moving to the bench, the versatile forward showed up and showed out.

George finished with 17 points, six rebounds and three assists while shooting 50% from field goal range (6/12 FG), and knocking down three triples in the loss. Although the team fell short, it was a great sign to see the rookie stack multiple good performances on each other.

If his growing confidence continues, he should be a key contributor all season long with a chance to develop into more.

Corey Kispert

Corey Kispert has continued his role as a reliable player on the bench for the Wizards this season. In preseason, the Gonzaga product showed out to the point many were wondering if he could be in line to take a step. The forward even earned a contract extension due to his solid play.

However, Kispert has struggled to start the season in terms of what his preseason play set his expectations to. But against the Grizzlies, the 25-year-old stepped up to the occasion.

Kispert finished the night with 14 points, two rebounds and one assist. Although the playmaker only took seven shots, his seven made free throws helped him shine in the loss.

Moving forward, Washington will need for Kispert to provide more solid minutes if they hope to stack wins.