Despite Tre Johnson's career-best 26 points, the Wizards' comeback bid falters, marking their ninth straight loss. A historic young lineup showed flashes of brilliance.
Tre Johnson put together a career performance as the Washington Wizards fell to the Hornets, 110-115, sending them to their ninth-straight loss.
Johnson set career-highs in points with 26 and assists with 6, as he played a career-high 37 minutes. Washington focused on getting him open looks from the outside, which he excelled at. The rookie shot 6/15 from behind the arc.
Johnson scored his 26th point late in the third quarter, but did not score in the game's final frame, where he played just six minutes.
Washington has lost to Charlotte in all three games this year. The two will face off one more time on February 22nd.
The Wizards made history with the youngest starting lineup ever. The Wizards’ lineup consisted of all five of their recent first-round picks from the last two seasons.
The average age of the lineup was 20.64. Also, it's the same starting lineup Washington used in two of its summer league games this season. The lineup featured Alex Sarr, Johnson, Bub Carrington, Will Riley, and Kyshawn George.
George suffered an ankle injury in the second half, which kept him out for the remainder of the game. After heading to the locker room for a short period of time, he returned to the bench.
Sarr scored 24 points for the Wizards on solid 58% efficiencey.
Johnson showcased his improved passing early. His development as a playmaker stands out for him in recent weeks.
Scoring started fast. Both Washington and Charlotte had knocked in three triples in just over two minutes into the game.
Washington took a slight advantage, but a 13-0 Hornets run stole it right back. The Wizards responded with a 9-2 run of their own, cutting the deficit to 1 after the first quarter.
The first half featured Johnson stealing the show. He finished with 18 points and four made threes. Additionally, he matched his career-high of five assists.
Washington trailed by eight at the half after a 9-2 run by it in the final minute and a half. Charlotte led by as much as 15, but Washington kept it within striking distance.
Johnson’s unreal day continued into the second half. He reached his career high with three minutes to go in the third quarter. Washington did whatever it could to get him open looks, and he let them fly.
The Wizards trailed by 12 entering the final quarter. Charlotte knocked down threes consistently, and Washington had a difficult time containing them.
Washington kept it within reach in the fourth quarter, utilizing a 9-0 run to cut the lead to five with six minutes to play.
Malakhi Branham and Jamir Watkins provided excellent minutes halfway through the fourth quarter, which brought them back into the game late. Washington cut the lead to two with just over a minute remaining.
Watkins finished a +12 in 29 minutes played -- putting together an unbelievable defensive performance with 5 steals and 2 blocks.
The Hornets did just enough late to pull away with a four-point win.