Wizards history: how the team snapped their last 16-game losing streak

The Wizards end the streak versus the Hornets

Much like the 2024 team, the 2010 Wizards took a 16-game skid into a matchup with the Hornets. However, back then, the name "Hornets" belonged to New Orleans, who would later become the Pelicans. While Wizards center Andray Blatche lost the opening tip to Emeka Okafor, Blatche would nail an 18-foot jump shot for the first made field goal of the game for either side.

By the end of the first quarter, Blatche had a team-high 12 points on 6-of-7 shooting, leading the Wizards to a 23-19 advantage after a quarter of play. In the second frame, Blatche handed the center duties to 22-year-old JaVale McGee, who posted seven points before halftime.

The second half is where Wizards wing Mike Miller took over. With 10 points in the third quarter, Miller granted Washington with a 13-point cushion, the team's largest lead of the night. However, a fourth quarter slide put the Wizards in jeopardy of losing their 17th game in a row.

After the Wizards pulled out to an 87-75 lead with 4:31 remaining, the Hornets rallied, going on an 11-1 run to cut the Wizards' lead down to just two points. Trailing 94-91 with 5.5 seconds remaining, Hornets forward David West lined up a three-point attempt, which was off the mark and gathered by Miller on the rebound. The 30-year-old knocked down a pair of clutch free throws to seal the game for the Wizards.

Will history repeat itself for the Wizards?

Flash forward to 2024, the Wizards of today face a similar challenge. Much like the team before them, this team has struggled to maintain leads and close out games. With Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole each performing well in recent games, Washington will need someone to step up and slam the door on a late run.

Interim coach Brian Keefe will look to make the adjustments needed to secure the Wizards' first win since January 29th when the Hornets come to visit the District on Friday night.