Following the Washington Wizards historically rough start to the season, reports surfaces that the team was handling the lack of competitiveness behind closed doors.
Shortly after, Washington seemed to turn a corner beating the Hornets twice in a one week span and consistently putting competitive efforts on the court despite of losses. In fact, the team's overtime loss to the Knicks on Saturday arguably was one of the team's best performances of the season considering they were without both Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma.
On Monday, they had the opportunity to turn around and get the win over the same New York team that barely escaped the first matchup in Capital One Arena over the weekend. However, the team didn't rise to the challenge falling back into bad habits that got them to this point in the season. As a result, the Wizards got embarrassed on their home court yet again with a 126-106 loss.
Nonetheless, here's a look at a couple takeaways from the Wizards 25th loss of the season.
Jonas Valanciunas continues to be steady regardless of his role
There's no denying that Jonas Valanciunas has been one of the hottest names in trade rumors up to this point in the season. At 32, the big man doesn't fit the timeline of the Wizards rebuild and his time in Washington could be shortlived for all we know. However, that hasn't stopped the former top five pick from giving his all on a nightly basis.
Valanciunas has showed up whether he's been inserted into the starting lineup, or serving as a key bench player. Regardless of the position he's been in, he continues to show why his professionalism is so valued in not only the Wizards organization, but the league as a whole.
Finishing the night with a team high 22 points and nine rebounds, Valanciunas trade value will only increase from here if the Wizards do opt to trade the big man before the February deadline.
Kyle Kuzma returns to action
Kyle Kuzma missed the team's last 12 consecutive games nursing a rib injury. Following a couple week absence, the wing returned to action for the Wizards against the Knicks on Monday. Off the bench, Kuzma shot 4/9 from field goal range and 0/3 from beyond the arc in his nine point outing in his return.
While his future in Washington is uncertain, it's at least good news for the team to get the veteran back on the floor to evaluate his play while they still can.