WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Washington Wizards found their stride with a commanding 137-123 win over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night, ending a six-game losing streak. This victory marked only the second in their last 17 games, with the other win coming against the Detroit Pistons.
Kyle Kuzma led the way for Washington with 31 points, complemented by Jordan Poole’s impressive 30 points, which he reached by the end of the third quarter. Poole’s performance was efficient, finishing 12 of 18 from the field with eight assists. Tyus Jones contributed significantly with his second career triple-double, achieving 13 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds.
The Wizards also benefited from Corey Kispert’s 23 points, showcasing a balanced and effective offensive effort.
Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton, who had 19 points and 11 assists, left the game with a left knee contusion, casting uncertainty over his availability for the next game. The Pacers, who had scored 143 points against the Wizards earlier in the season, struggled offensively, shooting just 45% from the field. In contrast, Washington excelled with a 57% field goal percentage and a notable 13 of 27 from beyond the arc.
The game turned in the Wizards’ favor in the second quarter with a 15-0 run, leading to a 69-55 halftime advantage. This momentum continued in the second half, with Washington maintaining control and extending their lead to as much as 24 points.
For the Wizards, rookie Bilal Coulibaly showed promise, contributing 17 points, including a standout one-handed dunk in the first quarter. Isaiah Jackson led the Pacers with 20 points.
Despite the fast-paced style of both teams, only the Wizards managed to translate this into high scoring. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged the team’s struggles and the need to adapt, especially amidst a busy schedule with multiple away games.
Looking ahead, the Pacers will face Minnesota on Saturday night, while the Wizards are set to play Phoenix on Sunday night, both teams aiming to build on their performances in this high-scoring matchup.
