Rookie Will Riley erupts for a career-high 20 points, powering shorthanded Wizards to a stunning upset over the East's top-seeded Pistons.
Despite having only 10 available players, the Washington Wizards took down the Eastern Conference's top seed, beating the Pistons on the road, 126-117.
Will Riley scored a career-high 20 points off the bench, marking another encouraging performance for the Wizards' former first-rounder. The 6'10 rookie was pivotal down the stretch, scoring 9 of his 20 in the final quarter.
Sharife Cooper, who currently sits on a two-way contract, posted a career-best 18 points and 5 assists. The Wizards' 69 bench points paved the way on a night when head coach Brian Keefe relied mainly on his second unit.
The Wizards broke out to a 7-0 lead in the first three minutes. Alex Sarr led the way with an aggressive start, scoring two buckets and grabbing four rebounds.
Washington’s energy was noticeable from the jump. It took a 13-6 lead into the first timeout, forcing Detroit into a 2/9 start from the field.
The Wizards expanded their lead to 15 three minutes later. Justin Champagnie’s eight-point explosion featured fireworks, including two triples and a poster dunk.
Washington dominated the quarter from start to finish, holding Detroit to under 30% from the field and out-rebounding them by five.
The Wizards expanded their lead to more than twenty early in the second. They suffocated the Pistons on defense often.
The Pistons began clawing back late in the half. They went on an emphatic 17-0 run over a four-minute span, getting back within five. Sarr’s and-one bucket ended the run.
The Pistons closed the half on a 21-5 run, which led to them grabbing the lead for a few moments until Washington took a four-point lead at the break. The Pistons shot 2/17 from behind the arc in the half
The Wizards embarked on another run in the third. They utilized a 14-2 run to push ahead by 16. Riley’s impactful minutes showcased his feel for the game.
Washington’s 8-0 run later in the quarter got its lead back to 19. Washington took an 11-point lead into the final quarter.
The Pistons started to make their run in the fourth, slowly chipping away at Washington’s double-digit lead. Riley and Cooper kept their foot on the gas, scoring clutch buckets late.
Riley shot 4/7 from the field in the final quarter, allowing the Wizards to close out.
The Wizards are back in action on Saturday, as they hit the road to take on the Brooklyn Nets.