Takeaways: Wizards Suffer Second Straight Loss vs. Atlanta Hawks

The Washington Wizards suffered their second consecutive loss to the Atlanta Hawks, and are now 4-5 with a tough matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight. The Wizards scored 132 points, shot 50% from the field, 53% from the three, and it still wasn’t enough to beat the Hawks. The Wizards defense was certainly tested tonight, as the Hawks shot 53% from the field, shot 42% from the three, and recorded 38 assists on 52 made field goals. Seven Hawks players scored in double figures as they went on a scoring spree in the second half scoring about 40 points per quarter. 

The 38 assists are especially concerning. The Hawks assisted on approximately 73% of its made baskets, illustrating just how effectively the Hawks moved the basketball against the Wizards defense. The Wizards perimeter defense, which has been subpar this season, visibly struggled with defensive communication, containing penetration, rotating to shooters, and screen navigation. The Wizards must be cognizant of this because they can’t expect to win if their opponents are scoring this efficiently. 

On the flip side, Kyshawn George was outstanding, once again, and continues to showcase why he should be considered a possible franchise cornerstone moving forward with AJ Dybantsa. He scored 18 points in the fourth quarter, helping the Wizards make a late comeback. Kyshawn was scoring off the dribble, knocking down perimeter shots, getting to the free-throw line, and creating opportunities for teammates. Tre Johnson also stood out tonight as he was able to shake off the rust from his shooting slump. Coming into the Hawks game, Tre Johnson shot 1/9 from the three, and tonight he reverted back to his normal capabilities going 5/10 from the three. He scored 23 points, shot confidently, and was finally able to provide instant offense off the bench. Especially with AJ Dybantsa's ability to attack the basket, having a dangerous perimeter shooter like Tre Johnson is extremely valuable.

Trae Young in his first game back in Atlanta as a visiting player, and he produced another double-double. However, he also committed a season high eight turnovers that really hurt the Wizards whenever they tried to claw their way back in the game. Dyson Daniels provided menacing defensive pressure, and the Wizards struggled at times to generate clean possessions through Trae Young.

AJ Dybantsa struggled offensively, but contributed in other areas like defense where contributed with 4 steals. He also grabbed 9 rebounds, including 2 offensive boards, and had three assists, showing his willingness to contribute as a facilitator. But other than that, he converted just 23% of his field goal attempts as he struggled finishing at the rim tonight. 

Lastly, rebounding remains a problem for the Wizards even though they were only outrebounded by 2 last night. The Wizards deployed a 2 big lineup with Anthony Davis out and it didn’t produce a strong team rebounding performance, which has been a recurring theme for the Wizards all year. The Wizards need better positioning, more consistent box-outs, and stronger collective team defensive rebounding if they want to have a chance to consistently win in the NBA.