The Washington Wizards finally broke free from their nightmare. On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., they crushed the Atlanta Hawks 132-113 in an Emirates NBA Cup Washington, D.C. game, snapping a 14-game losing streak that had haunted them since early November. The win wasn’t just a relief—it was a statement. And it came courtesy of one of the most explosive shooting performances in franchise history.
McCollum’s Shooting Clinic
At the center of it all was CJ McCollum, 33-year-old shooting guard. He didn’t just score—he orchestrated chaos from beyond the arc. McCollum dropped a season-high 46 points, making 10 of 13 three-pointers (76.9%)—one shy of his career best and the Wizards’ single-game record. He missed only three shots from deep. That’s not luck. That’s precision under pressure. And he did it while playing only 34 minutes, adding five rebounds and four assists. The crowd didn’t just cheer—they stood, roared, and stayed standing. When McCollum drained his tenth three-pointer with 3:12 left in the third, the arena erupted like it hadn’t since the last time they won at home.
And here’s the thing: the Wizards hadn’t won at Capital One Arena since April 2, 2025. That’s over seven months of silence. Now, for the first time in 237 days, the home crowd had something to believe in.
Sarr’s Breakout and Kispert’s Injury
McCollum didn’t do it alone. Alex Sarr, 20-year-old French center, turned heads with 27 points on 11-of-15 shooting (73.3%) and a double-double with 11 rebounds. His defensive presence—especially that block on Porziņģis that went viral on YouTube highlights—was a sign of things to come. Sarr isn’t just a project anymore. He’s a player who can carry a game when the offense stalls.
But the joy was tempered by injury. Corey Kispert, 25-year-old small forward, scored 19 points before leaving midway through the third quarter with a thumb injury. According to the Associated Press, the injury occurred during a drive to the basket. The Wizards said he’s undergoing further evaluation, but early reports suggest he could miss at least two weeks. That’s a blow. Kispert had been their most consistent perimeter defender this season.
Hawks’ Collapse and Porziņģis’ Fight
The Atlanta Hawks entered the game as one of the NBA’s top 10 scoring teams. They were 9-6 in their last 15 games. But from the opening tip, they looked lost. The Wizards opened the game with a 45-point first quarter—their highest ever—and led 77-31 at halftime. At one point, they were up by 33 points. The Hawks, led by Kristaps Porziņģis, 29-year-old Latvian power forward/center (22 points, 8 rebounds), tried to claw back. Onyeka Okongwu added 20 points, but their offense sputtered after the first quarter. They made just 4 of their first 18 three-point attempts. When the starters sat in the fourth, the final margin was still 19 points.
This wasn’t just a loss—it was their worst defeat since their season opener against Toronto, when they lost 138-118. Now, their NBA Cup record falls to 1-2. Their confidence, already frayed after a slow start to the season, took another hit.
Why This Game Matters
The Wizards were two losses away from tying their franchise record for consecutive defeats—a streak that dates back to 2009. They were in danger of becoming the first team in NBA history to lose 15+ games to start a season and still miss the playoffs. This win doesn’t fix their defense. It doesn’t erase their roster holes. But it does something more important: it gives them belief.
They made their first seven three-pointers. They moved the ball with purpose. They played with joy. For the first time this season, they looked like a team, not a collection of underperformers. And it was all sparked by McCollum, who has quietly become the emotional anchor of this squad.
The win improved their record to 2-15. It’s still the second-worst in the league. But they’re no longer chasing history—they’re trying to make some of their own.
What’s Next?
The Wizards head to Indiana to face the Pacers on Friday, November 28, 2025. The Hawks stay home, hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on the same night. Both teams are 1-2 in the Emirates NBA Cup Washington, D.C.. The tournament’s championship game is set for December 17 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
For the Wizards, the question isn’t whether they can make the playoffs. It’s whether they can build something lasting from this spark. For the Hawks, it’s about accountability. After a promising start, this loss exposed cracks in their identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did CJ McCollum’s performance compare to past Wizards records?
McCollum’s 10 three-pointers tied the second-highest total in Wizards history, one shy of Gilbert Arenas’ franchise record of 11 set in 2007. His 46 points are his highest since joining Washington and the most by a Wizard since Bradley Beal scored 47 in 2023. No Wizards player had made 10+ threes in a game since 2021.
Why was the first quarter so dominant for the Wizards?
The Wizards opened with perfect spacing and relentless ball movement, hitting their first seven three-pointers. Atlanta’s defense collapsed, switching poorly and leaving shooters wide open. The Hawks were out of sync after a long road trip, and Washington exploited every mistake—turnovers led to 18 fast-break points in the first 12 minutes.
What impact does Corey Kispert’s injury have on the Wizards’ future games?
Kispert’s thumb injury could sideline him for 2–3 weeks, forcing the Wizards to rely more on Sarr and Rui Hachimura at small forward. His defensive versatility was key against elite wings, and his absence may expose them against teams like Indiana and Milwaukee. The team has no immediate plan to call up a replacement from the G League.
How does this win affect the Wizards’ playoff chances?
Still slim. At 2-15, they’re 12 games behind the 8th seed in the East. But if they can string together wins—especially in the Emirates NBA Cup—they could gain valuable draft leverage and momentum. More importantly, this win proves they can compete when they play with energy and cohesion, something they haven’t shown consistently this season.
What’s the significance of the Emirates NBA Cup for rebuilding teams like Washington?
For teams like the Wizards, the Cup offers a chance to build chemistry without the pressure of the regular season. It’s also a platform for young players like Sarr to prove themselves against starters. A deep run could earn the franchise extra draft picks and national exposure—both critical for morale and fan engagement during a rebuilding phase.
How did the Hawks’ offense fall apart so quickly?
Atlanta’s offense relies on ball movement and spacing, but Washington’s aggressive closeouts disrupted their rhythm. They missed their first 11 three-pointers and turned the ball over 14 times in the first half. Porziņģis was double-teamed early, and the Hawks lacked a secondary playmaker. Without Trae Young (out with a hamstring strain), they had no one to create their own shot.
