Recap: Wizards Plagued By Familiar Issues In 120-105 Loss To Hawks

The Washington Wizards’ 120-105 loss to the Atlanta Hawks at Capital One Arena on Wednesday followed a script similar to the team’s first three defeats this season. The home team was outshot from long range and gave up far too many offensive rebounds.

Anthony Davis got off to a hot start, scoring 6 of the Wizards’ first 8 points. He tweaked his ankle just over a minute into the contest after landing on AJ Dybantsa’s foot on a closeout. But Davis still finished with 10 points through the first 12 minutes.

Despite Washington seemingly playing well, Atlanta stayed ahead with the three-ball. The Hawks hit 8 three-pointers in the first quarter alone to take a 37-32 lead after one.

Dybantsa had a tough night offensively. He looked out of control at times and failed to get a veteran whistle on some of his drives. He took his frustrations out on the rim with a two-handed jam in the second quarter.

A triple from old friend CJ McCollum gave the Hawks a 16-point lead with 2:13 to play. The Wizards closed the half on a 9-0 run to cut the deficit to 68-61. Davis led all scorers with 18 points, along with 6 rebounds and 2 blocks at the break.

Kyshawn George ran point whenever Young was off the floor. He evidently picked up a few things from the All-Star point guard, as he repeatedly found Davis and Deandre Ayton for easy baskets around the rim.

The defense was much improved in the third quarter, but it was the offense that lagged behind. Washington finally built up some momentum late when Trae hit a step-back three that got the team within four points of Atlanta.

Will Riley missed a clean look at a three on the following possession that would have gotten the Wizards to within one. The Hawks made it hurt as another old friend, Corey Kispert, connected on a four-point play on the other end.

George had a huge fourth quarter. He came alive with 12 points in the period but did not have much support from his Wizards teammates as the Hawks pulled away for the 15-point victory.

The Hawks more than tripled (19) the Wizards (6) in three-point makes. Atlanta already had Washington’s three-point total midway through the first quarter. The Wizards also gave up 19 offensive rebounds as Dyson Daniels and Onyeka Okongwu combined to grab 33 boards.

Davis powered through his ankle injury to tally 26 points and 10 rebounds. George flashed more of his star potential with 25 points on 10-of-14 shooting, on top of his 7 assists.

Dybantsa and Tre Johnson both struggled from the field in this one. The No. 1 overall pick had his first poor outing offensively, with 9 points on a 4-of-12 clip. He also badly missed on 3 of his 4 free-throw attempts. Johnson looked rattled after his first few misses. He continued to force his shots through garbage time, making just 1 of his 9 attempts.

The Wizards get an immediate chance to avenge the loss when they head to Atlanta to face the Hawks on Friday for their second NBA Cup game.