The Washington Wizards (14-51) pulled off a late-game rally to edge the Detroit Pistons (37-30) 129-125 on Thursday night, snapping a two-game losing streak.
Alex Sarr delivered in the clutch, scoring the go-ahead basket with 53 seconds left before blocking a potential game-tying dunk by Cade Cunningham. Sarr finished with 19 points on 7-for-12 shooting, helping Washington secure its 14th win of the season.
Justin Champagnie added 17 points and nine rebounds for the Wizards, while Kyshawn George overcame a slow start to hit three crucial fourth-quarter 3-pointers. Washington shot 61% in the final period, outscoring Detroit 33-24 to complete the comeback.
Cunningham led all scorers with 38 points and 10 rebounds, but his final-minute dunk attempt was denied by Sarr. Jalen Duren recorded 18 points and 14 boards, while Tim Hardaway Jr. missed a 3-pointer with 8.7 seconds left that could have tied the game.
Duren had put the Pistons ahead 125-124 with a follow-up basket at the 1:03 mark, but Sarr responded with a dunk on the next possession. Marcus Smart then sealed the win with two free throws after Hardaway’s missed attempt.
The Wizards avenged their 123-103 loss to Detroit on Tuesday, showing a more composed effort after a day off. Washington’s offense found its rhythm early in the second half, going on a 27-10 run that flipped a late second-quarter deficit into a 75-62 lead in the third.
Detroit struggled to maintain momentum in the fourth, shooting just 35% from the field and missing all eight of its 3-point attempts. The loss snapped the Pistons’ two-game winning streak as they continue their playoff push.
