The Washington Wizards got back into action on Monday night against the Brooklyn Nets with the chance to earn just their 10th win of the season.
Entering this matchup, it's fair to say not many people put much stock in the possibility that the Wizards will pull out a win, and understandably so following their horrid play this season. However, Washington entered the battle against another rebuilding team in the Nets on Monday and the Wizards young squad put together a solid performance to get back on the win column.
Following their first win in nearly a month, and their second victory over the Nets in February, let's take a look at the top performers from Monday's win.
Jordan Poole
Jordan Poole did what Jordan Poole does best in Monday's win leading Washington over Brooklyn. The Michigan product finished with a game-high 26 points, while shooting 8/13 from field goal rnage and 5/8 from beyond the arc.
The Wizards guard put together yet another performance that keeps fans intrigued at the possibility that one day Poole could put it all together and find the consistency to develop into a true star for the team as their rebuild continues.
Although efficiency and consistency is the main issue for Poole, shooting nights like these just prove how talented the playmaker is.
Bilal Coulibaly
Bilal Coulibaly started the season off strong and many believed that he was in line for a huge sophomore season. However, after his hot start to the year, the French product cooled down as he dealt with shooting struggles of his own over the course of the last couple of months.
However, even throughout the inconsistent shooting, Coulibaly has flashes his ability to be a two-way player leaving his marks on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Not to mention the potential he's shown as a facilitator throughout the season.
On Monday, Coulibaly helped Poole lift the Wizards over the Nets adding on 20 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists, while shooting 50% from the field, including three big shots from deep.
Marcus Smart
Marcus Smart finished Monday's game with 10 points, 2 assists and a rebounds. Although the stats aren't flashy, anyone who watched the game saw a gliimpse of exactly why Boston Celtics fans still love watching the gritty guard play to this day.
The veteran made multiple big time defensive plays, and was also involved in a pivotal play to draw an offensive foul down the stretch that gave the Wizards momentum to protect their home court.