The Washington Wizards had a prime chance to get back in the win column against the struggling Phoenix Suns on Thursday night
There's no denying the Wizards struggles this season haven't come as a surprise, but for Phoenix, the second-straight year with a star-studded roster continuing to underperform was not on anybody's bingo card.
When Phoenix made the move to acquire Bradley Beal from the Wizards, it seemed like the Suns would be destined to make a deep playoff run and potentially finally get over the hump and bring home the Larry O'Brien trophy. However, after that didn't happen, the Suns opted to move in a different direction at head coach firing Frank Vogel and hiring Mike Budenholzer.
However, through a few months of play, the Suns struggles have continued with Beal being part of a starting lineup change that led the former Wizards star to the bench as the Phoenix continues to eye the trade market.
Nonetheless, with the team's struggles persisting, it seemed like there could be an opening for the Wizards young squad to find a way to steal a win on their home court against the Western Conference squad.
However, between the 37-point outing from Devin Booker and the hot shooting night from Grayson Allen off the Suns' bench, the Wizards found themselves losing yet another game with a 130-123 loss.
Now, with a 6-33 record on the season, it's hard to pull any positives from the Wizards play as the team and their fanbase continue to look ahead to the NBA Draft in the offseason as they continue to lead the race for the No. 1 overall pick.
However, one positive to take away from the loss to the Suns is the fact that the Wizards saw plenty of potential flash from a reigning first-round pick,
Kyshawn George emerges for Wizards despite loss
The Wizards may not have pulled out a win on their home floor, but rookie Kyshawn George used the opportunity to put together arguably the best games of his young career. The Miami product had shown flashes all season long of just how versatile he could be, but he struggled to string together consistent outings.
Nonetheless, on Thursday, his performance against the Suns was exactly what the team's front office and first-year head coach Brian Keefe were hoping to see when they drafted him.
George ended the night with 24 points, 4 assists and 4 rebounds, while shooting 80% from field goal range including six threes. If the versatile forward can continue to build on this performance, he has all the tools to develop into a big time player in Washington, especially if the Wizards staff continues to prioritize his development.
The Wizards and George will return to action against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday.