The Washington Wizards started off the season with one of the worst stretches of basketball in franchise history.
Following the team's horrid start, the Wizards remained in sole possession for the No. 1 overall pick for majority of the first few months of the season. However, after the team reportedly addressed the teams start behind closed doors, Washington seemingly turned the corner and put together multiple solid performances together over last couple of weeks,
The Wizards managed to add two wins to their record and put together multiple solid performances that made it clear Brian Keefe's young squad seemed to be elevating their level of competition on a nightly basis.
Amid the team's random desire to add a few wins, it opened the door for team's to get ahead of them in the race for the top overall pick. Furthermore, the team that passed them up was the New Orleans Pelicans who have dealt with struggles of their own throughout the season.
Fortunately for the Wizards, the team got the opportunity to add another game on their side in the pursuit for the top pick with their 110-98 loss to the Pelicans on Friday. Following the loss, the 6-27 Wizards trail just behind the 7-29 Pelicans as the long season continues.
Nonetheless, with yet another game for Washington in the books, here's a few takeaways from the team's 27th loss of the year.
Kyle Kuzma returns to starting lineup and boosts his trade value
Kyle Kuzma has struggled throughout the start of the season in a pivotal year for the Wizards in which the odds to trade the veteran have seemingly skyrocketed. Between injuries and lack of execution on the court, it seemed if Kuzma had done anything this season it was tanking his trade value.
However, after returning from injury and suiting up off the bench for the Wizards in the last couple of games, the Utah product finally returned to the starting lineup agaisnt the Pelicans. In the game, Kuzma finished with 28 points, five rebounds and one assists, while shooting 13/23 from field goal range and 2/5 from three.
In addition to his offensive contributions, Kuzma added on two steals and a block on the defensive end.
Alex Sarr shines again
Alex Sarr entered Friday's matchup fresh off of being named the NBA's Rookie of the Month for December. The French product carried the momentum into the matchup with NOLA where he finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds and three assists, while shooting 6/9 from field goal range and 3/6 from beyond the arc.
As the game slows down for Sarr, the rookie continues to show why Washington is so high on his potential.