Charlotte, N.C. (AP) — The Washington Wizards clinched a hard-fought victory against the Charlotte Hornets on February 3, 2025, with a final score of 124-114, handing the Hornets their fifth consecutive loss. The win marks another positive step for the Wizards as they aim to regain some momentum this season.
Bilal Coulibaly led the Wizards with 26 points, showcasing his scoring prowess. Corey Kispert provided substantial support off the bench, tallying 25 points, including five 3-pointers. The Wizards took control of the game, particularly during the second quarter, scoring 46 points to take command.
On the other side, Miles Bridges put forth an impressive performance for the Hornets, recording his first career triple-double with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. Unfortunately for Charlotte, the absence of star players LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller due to injuries was felt, as they struggled to find consistent scoring.
The game, held at Spectrum Center, saw the Wizards dominating early on, leading by as much as 26 points at one stage. Despite the valiant efforts from Bridges and Nick Smith Jr., who added 24 points, the Hornets failed to return to form, struggling offensively during the matchup.
The Wizards’ performance was particularly noteworthy coming off their recent win over Minnesota, which ended their agonizing 16-game losing streak. Kyle Kuzma contributed significantly to the Wizards’ efforts, scoring 22 points, and notable contributions came from Jonas Valanciunas, who added 14 points and 17 rebounds.
With the Knights aiming to build on this victory, Coach Wes Unseld Jr. emphasized the importance of the win, particularly against opponents like the Hornets who have found themselves reeling. “We wanted to build on some positive momentum, and getting this win on the road helps us immensely,” Unseld said.
For the Hornets, the game underscored the challenges faced with both Ball and Miller sidelined. Charlotte has not won since their last game with the Wizards, where they fell 123-114 on December 19, and their scoring has dwindled without their primary playmakers. Bridges noted, “It’s on us to step up. We can’t let the absence of key players dictate our performance.”
The Wizards are now set on the right path, no longer the league’s lone team with single-digit victories. This encouraging win against the Hornets may signify the start of their resurgence. Looking at the standings, they will aim to capitalize on this positive energy as they head through the remaining stretch of the season.
Although they still reside near the bottom of the rankings, this success allows the Wizards to demonstrate their potential and grit moving forward. The memory of their lengthy losing streak may fade slowly, but the joy of these hard-earned victories is sure to bring spirits up among fans and players alike.