Washington Wizards Snap Losing Streak Behind Kyle Kuzma's Big Game in Return Home
A 126-107 victory for the Washington Wizards (3-14) over the Detroit Pistons (2-15) snapped their nine-game losing streak.
Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (33) drives to the basket next to Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) during the second half at Little Caesars Arena.
Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports
Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma led the team with 32 points, 12 assists, and eight rebounds.
READ MORE: Why Kuzma is an All-Star This Season
Kuzma grew up only an hour away from Detroit in Flint, Michigan so this is always a special visit for him.
The forward scored 18 of his 32 points in the third quarter, shooting 63 percent from the field and helping Washington break the game open.
"Growing up a Pistons fan my whole life... (I) always wanted to play on this court," Kuzma said after the game. "My mom (was) in the crowd, I can't disappoint."
Kuzma definitely didn't disappoint anyone, being he was only two assists away from a triple double.
The Wizards needed a performance like this from him and coach Wes Unseld Jr. ran with the hot hand playing Kuzma the entire third quarter.
"I thought his level of aggression was great but there was purpose," Unseld said about the 28-year-olds performance. "He took what the defense gave him and once he gets going, he's very capable of having big nights."
Washington needs this version of Kuzma to show up every night if they want to win more games.
You can see Kuzma starting to take on the role of leader for the Wizards and he is the perfect guy for it.
Not only is he a leader for the team but also for the community and he has fit right in with Washington D.C. since arriving.
Kuzma will certainly be wanted by other teams at the trade deadline, but he has voiced he is committed to D.C. and wants to stay with Washington.
The Wizards front office will do what it needs to do but Kuzma seems like the perfect veteran to keep around during this rebuild.
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