Story By: Sol Tucker
Photos By: Sol Tucker
Washington, D.C–
Tonight featured one of the hottest stars in the NBA in Luka Doncic visiting Capital One Arena, the end result was the star in Kyle Kuzma putting on a show for fans to see in the 113-105 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.
Kuzma led the way with 36 points and carried a heavy load of the scoring without either Porzingis or Beal in the lineup tonight. Porzingis out with left groin strain and Beal not with the team after being placed in health and safety protocols.
Rui Hachimura added 23 points for Washington and was a key factor off the bench tonight. He also provided the extra spark after the Wizards fell behind 22-8 but quickly rallied and eventually pulled away thanks to a trio of 3-pointers by Kuzma early in the fourth quarter.
“It’s a character win, it’s a gutsy win, however you want to characterize it,” coach Wes Unseld Jr. said. “Never ideal to be down a few players, especially two guys that really do a lot for you offensively.”
The biggest separation of the night came when they closed the third quarter strong and led 87-83 before Kuzma opened the fourth with a 3-pointer. He later made two more 3s to make it 98-86.
“I just got a good rhythm right from the jump,” Kuzma said. “I just really just set my intentions on the night of just trying to be aggressive, trying to score first and then find my teammates second.
Tonight, was the first night the Wizards wore pink jerseys as part of their City Edition Cherry Blossom uniforms. The court as well as the signage around the area reflects the D.C spring tradition that brings hundreds of thousands to the city each spring to the see the trees that were gifted to the city along the Tidal Basin.
Next up for the Wizards is a date with the soaring Jazz on Saturday night.
