Shorthanded Wizards Fall to the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-105
The Washington Wizards were back at home to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite keeping the game close for the majority of the game, the Wizards lost 114-105 to the Cavaliers. Forward Deni Avdija remained inactive with a left heel contusion.
Just before the game, Corey Kispert wasn’t feeling well (per Interim Head Coach Brian Keefe) and would be announced as out for the game with a non-COVID illness.
Then about six minutes into the game, Bilal Coulibaly was announced as out for the remainder of the contest with a right pelvis contusion.
What was already a tough matchup-up looked to be even more grim with this news. However, the Wizards made a strong go for it with the efficient play of Forward Kyle Kuzma and Guard Jordan Poole.
Wizards guard Jordan Poole scored a season-high 31 points (11-21 FG, 6-13 3PT), five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Tonight, marks Poole’s sixth career game with at least 30+ points, 5+ rebounds and 5+ assists in a single game and is his first-such game as a member of the Wizards (last; 12/30/22 vs. POR). And he has now topped 20+ points in 16 total games this season, including in back-to-back games.
Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma scored 27 points (10-24 FG), seven rebounds, five assists, one block and one steal in a season-high 39 minutes of action. Kuzma has now scored 20+ points in five of his last seven outings.
Washington guard Landry Shamet notched his second-straight start (due to Avdija’s injury), tying a season-high 15 points (3-8 3PT) while adding five rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Wizards guard Tyus jones dished out a team-high 10 assists and has now compiled double-figure assists in four of his last five games.
