The Washington Wizards extended their momentum with a 124-114 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night. Bilal Coulibaly led the charge with a career-high 26 points, while Corey Kispert provided a spark off the bench with 25 points, hitting five three-pointers.
Charlotte struggled without LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, dropping its fifth straight game. Miles Bridges recorded his first career triple-double with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, but it wasn’t enough to stop Washington’s offensive surge.
The Wizards built a commanding lead in the second quarter, outscoring the Hornets 46-25. Kispert dominated the period, scoring 18 points and knocking down four triples. Washington led by as many as 26 before Charlotte mounted a second-half push.
Nick Smith Jr. continued his strong play with 24 points, hitting four three-pointers. Mark Williams contributed 23 points and 14 rebounds after overcoming a slow start. Despite their efforts, the Hornets never fully recovered from their first-half deficit.
Kyle Kuzma added 22 points for Washington, while Jonas Valanciunas controlled the boards with 14 points and 17 rebounds. The Wizards, who recently snapped a 16-game losing streak, have now won consecutive games for the first time since November.
Washington’s long-range shooting made a difference, as the team finished with 17 made threes. The Wizards shot 9-of-17 from deep in the second quarter alone, creating separation before halftime.
Jordan Poole struggled offensively, finishing with just six points on 2-of-11 shooting. Despite his rough night, the Wizards’ balanced scoring attack kept the team in control. Kyshawn George played limited minutes in the second half, logging just one minute after the break.
The Hornets’ defense failed to contain Washington’s perimeter attack, allowing open looks throughout the night. Kispert’s efficiency off the bench proved crucial, as he finished 9-of-13 from the field.
This marks the third time this season that Washington has beaten Charlotte. The Wizards now improve to 8-41, while the Hornets fall to 12-35.
