The Washington Wizards didn’t just win — they exploded. On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., the Wizards crushed the Atlanta Hawks 132-113 in an NBA Cup group playWashington, D.C. matchup, snapping a 14-game losing streak that had them one win away from tying the franchise’s worst skid in history. And it wasn’t just any win. It was the kind that changes a locker room’s DNA — led by CJ McCollum, the 33-year-old shooting guard who dropped 46 points and nailed 10 three-pointers, missing just three shots from beyond the arc. One shy of his career best. One shy of the Wizards’ franchise record. He didn’t just shoot well — he made every shot feel inevitable.
From Desperation to Dominance
For weeks, the Wizards had been the NBA’s most haunting example of futility. Their 14-game slide had fans wondering if the rebuild was broken. The team hadn’t won at home since April 2, 2025 — over seven months ago. But on this night, they didn’t just show up. They announced themselves. The opening quarter was pure chaos in the best way: 45 points. Seven straight threes. A 29-point lead by the 1:56 mark. The Hawks, who entered the game at 11-7 and ranked fifth in the Eastern Conference, looked stunned. They hadn’t lost by this much since their season opener against Toronto. Now, they were down 33.The Supporting Cast Stepped Up
McCollum didn’t do it alone. Alex Sarr, the 20-year-old French center-power forward wearing #20, turned in a career-defining performance: 27 points, 11 rebounds, and a defensive presence that disrupted Atlanta’s rhythm. His 18.1 points per game average before this night suddenly looked like a teaser. Meanwhile, Corey Kispert, the 25-year-old Iowa native, added 19 points before leaving midway through the third quarter with a thumb injury — a concerning development for a team that can’t afford to lose depth. The Hawks’ duo of Kristaps Porzingis (22 points) and Onyeka Okongwu (20 points) fought hard, but they were outgunned. Jalen Johnson, Atlanta’s 23-year-old leading scorer at 22.4 points per game, managed just 14 — well below his season average.
Why This Win Matters More Than the Score
This wasn’t just about ending a streak. It was about proving the Wizards’ roster can coalesce under pressure. McCollum, acquired in the offseason as a veteran stabilizer, finally had the supporting cast to match his intensity. Sarr’s emergence as a reliable two-way force is a revelation. And the team’s 77-point first half? The highest in franchise history since the 2000s. For a team that’s been outscored by an average of 12.3 points per game this season, this was a statement: they can play with anyone, when they’re locked in.The NBA Cup Context
This game was part of the NBA CupWashington, D.C. group stage — a new tournament designed to inject urgency into early-season games. Both teams entered at 1-2. The Hawks, who still lead the East’s middle tier, now face a tougher climb. The Wizards, at 2-15, are still last in the league — but this win gives them momentum heading into Friday’s road trip to the Indiana Pacers. The Hawks, meanwhile, host the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 28, with their playoff hopes suddenly looking more precarious.
What’s Next? The Road Back
The Wizards’ next two games — against Indiana and then Boston — will determine whether this was a flash in the pan or the start of something real. If Sarr stays healthy and McCollum continues to carry the offense, Washington might sneak into the play-in conversation by March. But the real test? Can they replicate this energy on the road? They’ve lost 13 of their last 14 away games. This win was electric. But consistency? That’s the next mountain.As for the Hawks? Their two-game win streak is gone. Their defense looked disorganized. And with Jalen Johnson underperforming and their bench outscored by 22 points, coach Quin Snyder has work to do. The team’s 11-7 record no longer feels safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How rare is CJ McCollum’s 10 three-pointers in a single game?
Only six players in NBA history have made 10 or more threes in a single game. McCollum became the 33rd player ever to hit 10+ threes, and the first to do it since Stephen Curry in 2024. For the Wizards, it’s the first time since Gilbert Arenas hit 11 in 2006. McCollum’s 10 threes came on just 13 attempts — a 76.9% clip, the highest among all 10+ three-point games in NBA history.
What’s the significance of the NBA Cup for the Wizards’ rebuild?
The NBA Cup gives younger players like Alex Sarr and Corey Kispert high-stakes games to prove they belong. For a team with only two wins all season, these games are development labs disguised as tournaments. A strong Cup run could boost trade value, fan engagement, and draft lottery positioning — even if they don’t win the whole thing. This win was the first step in showing they can compete when the lights are brightest.
Why did the Hawks collapse so badly in the first quarter?
Atlanta’s defense was out of sync. They switched too late on screens, failed to close out on shooters, and didn’t rotate to the corners. The Wizards’ first seven threes came from seven different players — a sign of perfect ball movement. The Hawks’ starting backcourt of Jordan Poole and Bogdan Bogdanović combined for just 11 points in the first half, well below their season averages. It was a perfect storm of poor execution and elite shooting.
How does this win affect the Wizards’ draft lottery odds?
It doesn’t — at least not directly. The Wizards are still last in the league at 2-15. But the NBA’s draft lottery system rewards teams with the worst records, so a win like this doesn’t hurt their chances of landing a top pick. Still, if they keep winning, they might move up slightly in the standings, which could lower their odds. The front office is likely hoping to stay near the bottom — but this win proves they’re not just building for the future. They’re trying to win now.
Is Alex Sarr the real deal?
Tuesday’s performance — 27 points, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks — suggests yes. Sarr, the 2024 second-round pick, was projected as a defensive specialist. But his offensive footwork and mid-range game have improved dramatically. He’s now averaging 19.8 points and 8.7 rebounds over his last five games. If he stays healthy, he could become the Wizards’ first true franchise cornerstone since John Wall.
What’s the historical context of this 14-game losing streak?
The Wizards’ 14-game skid was the longest since the 2009-10 season, when they lost 16 straight. The franchise record is 16, set in 1988. Only three NBA teams in the last 25 years have lost 15+ games in a row — and all three ended up with top-3 draft picks. This win doesn’t erase the struggles, but it proves the team isn’t broken. Just bruised. And now, they have a blueprint for how to win.
