Kyle Kuzma delivered his best performance of the season Saturday night, scoring 30 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in the Washington Wizards’ 119-109 loss to the Phoenix Suns. After the game, Kuzma revealed a shift in his mindset, deciding to prioritize assertiveness over fitting into Washington’s developmental plans.
“I think today I just decided to be myself and not really just try to fit into everything that we’re doing here,” Kuzma told The Athletic’s Josh Robbins. “I think my mom helped me out with that. I saw her today.”
When asked to elaborate, Kuzma explained that he intends to take control on the court, rather than defer to the franchise’s focus on developing younger players. “Just being more assertive, demanding the ball, not just going out there and trying to let people develop. Just playing my game,” Kuzma added.
Kuzma’s renewed approach comes during a challenging season for both the player and the team. Following a career-best campaign in 2023-24, the 29-year-old forward is averaging a career-low 14.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 27.7 minutes per game.
The Wizards, currently holding the league’s worst record at 6-38, have struggled mightily during their rebuild. Despite Kuzma’s standout effort, the team fell short against the Suns, who were led by Kevin Durant’s 29 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
Nick Richards, acquired by Phoenix in a trade with Charlotte, posted a career-high 20 points and dominated the boards with 19 rebounds. His strong play in the paint was pivotal in securing the Suns’ 23rd win of the season, improving their record to 23-21.
Phoenix jumped to an early lead with a 17-2 first-quarter run and extended their advantage to 15 points by halftime, thanks in part to Grayson Allen’s buzzer-beating three-pointer. While the Wizards trimmed the deficit to four points late in the fourth quarter, Richards’ clutch free throws ensured the Suns held on for the win.
Kuzma’s performance was supported by Jordan Poole’s 19 points, but Washington’s defense struggled to contain Durant and Richards. Bilal Coulibaly and Alex Sarr contributed solid efforts off the bench, but the Wizards fell short of sustaining a consistent offensive rhythm.
The Suns, meanwhile, continue to gain momentum ahead of the February 6 trade deadline. Richards’ emergence has added depth to their frontcourt, complementing stars like Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. Booker, despite a poor shooting night from beyond the arc, finished with 18 points, while Beal added 20 in his return to Washington.
For Kuzma, the decision to take a more assertive approach could prove pivotal in his quest to regain his best form. With the trade deadline looming and speculation surrounding potential roster changes, his leadership and production will be critical for a Wizards team looking to show progress during a difficult season.
