The Washington Wizards overcame a long-standing 16-game losing streak by rallying in the fourth quarter to defeat the Charlotte Hornets 112-100 during Friday’s NBA action. Led by Kyle Kuzma and Deni Avdija, the Wizards showcased a strong fourth quarter, outscoring the Hornets and reclaiming their confidence.
“I think the pride kicked in,” Avdija said. “We were like, man, we lost so much in a row, we’re trying to get out of this slump. This is our chance right here. We knew that’s our chance. We have tough games coming up and this game was close, it was down to the wire, and I think everybody was like, OK, enough.”
Despite previous setbacks, the Wizards managed to avoid setting a new team record for consecutive losses, while the Hornets now face the longest active losing streak in the NBA. Miles Bridges‘ stellar performance for Charlotte wasn’t enough to halt their downward spiral.
Washington demonstrated resilience, overcoming a fourth-quarter deficit by focusing on their strengths and pushing towards the basket. Interim coach Brian Keefe praised Kuzma and Avdija’s decisive plays that ultimately led to their victory.
“That’s their game. That’s their strength,” Washington interim coach Brian Keefe said. “When we’re playing good, we’re making quick decisions and those guys are getting downhill.”
The victory marked Washington’s first win since January, ending a drought of home wins that stretched back to December. The Wizards’ successful offensive strategy in the fourth quarter underscored their potential for growth and learning from past mistakes.
“It’s definitely not fun,” Avdija said. “You definitely can take the good out of it, like progress, learning. You get to make mistakes and learn from them, but it’s definitely not fun. I think we showed character today. At some point in the game, I felt like we were breaking apart again, and we were all, like, letting go of the rope a little bit. And I don’t know, something changed.”
Both teams struggled with their long-range shooting throughout the game, but the Wizards’ efficient field goal shooting in the crucial moments led them to a much-needed win. Despite the absence of key players due to injuries, Washington’s collective effort in the fourth quarter showcased their determination to break the losing streak.
The Hornets and Wizards are now looking ahead to their next matchups, with Charlotte hosting Brooklyn and Washington visiting Miami, as they aim to build on their performances.
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