A career-high 29 points, including a game-tying three, showcases Bilal Coulibaly's explosive potential ahead of crucial contract talks.
It’s been an up-and-down year for Bilal Coulibaly.
The 21-year-old has battled through injuries — which has been a common theme throughout the first three years of his career. When on the floor inconsistently, he struggled to find his rhythm on offense.
On Thursday, Coulibaly tapped into a gear we hadn’t seen before. With the Wizards trailing by 16 with just over six minutes to play, he became the unexpected force that brought them all the way back.
Coulibaly’s explosive final quarter led to his new career-high of 29 points.
With 2:17 left in the game, Coulibaly had just 11 points. When he banked in his pull-up, game-tying three with five seconds to go, his point total reached 24, as he propelled his team to an extra session.
"I was wide open, so I just took the shot and made it," Coulibaly said.
Off the heels of one of the more forgettable nights — or unforgettable for the wrong reasons — the Wizards didn’t waver.
"This was the next game. that's how I looked at this, is like we'd go game by game. And our guys are ready to play tonight. I knew that they would because they always are," Wizards head coach Brian Keefe said.
The Wizards lost the game in overtime, but as everyone is aware, losses are welcome results as they continue their quest for the best odds at the top-pick.
When it comes to Coulibaly, his fourth quarter and overtime might have been the best stretch of ball in his young career. He was aggressive in his drive to the basket, consistently getting downhill and finishing through traffic.
"[Coulibaly] wasn't shooting the ball great in the first half, but he kept sticking with the process," Keefe said. Then he got started getting downhill and started attacking. So he had a little bit of mixture of both."
He becomes extension eligible in October 2026. When that time comes, he’ll be the first big decision for Washington’s front office in this era. Coulibaly, who was taken 7th overall in the 2023 draft, became the first draft pick for general manager Will Dawkins.
They’ve been patient with him. Despite injuries and inconsistencies, Dawkins preached patience, citing multiple times his prime is still 2-3 years away. If the organization believes that he’s yet to play his best ball, it seems likely he receives an extension.
How lucrative will that deal be? Well, that’s up to him. The final stretch of the year is an important one for the athletic wing.
Under Dawkins and Michael Winger, a precedent has been set to hand out rookie contract extensions. Deni Avdija and Corey Kispert each received new contracts with the organization despite being drafted by former general manager Tommy Sheppard.
In the end, both those players were not part of the Wizards’ long-term plans. Avdija was traded on draft night in 2024 for two first-rounders and Malcom Brogdon, with one of those picks becoming Bub Carrington.
Kispert stuck around until he was packaged with CJ McCollum to acquire four-time All-Star Trae Young.
Both of those players experienced breakouts after their rookie extensions. The Wizards likely hope the same applies for Coulibaly.
Coulibaly’s situation, as he’s one of the front office’s own. Regardless of how his offense develops over the next few seasons, he’s provided value by hanging his hat on the defensive end.
It’s hard to deny his athleticism. However, he hasn’t always been able to put it all together. In the final minutes of last night, he did. His three-point shot opened up opportunities to slash and score. His five made threes matched his career-high.
Despite shooting a sub-par percentage from three all year, Coulibaly is connecting at just under 37% over his last ten games, including two games with five or more.
The scouting report has looked clear from opposing teams. Some have dropped back and dared him to shoot. When he’s knocked them down, the defense adjusts, which allows him to do the same thing.
His first step is explosive, and that coupled with athleticism, could make him a lethal slasher. The more he stacks offensive performances like this, the more lucrative his deal could become.
Last night was impressive, but Coulibaly still needs to find consistency. The recent performances are encouraging — it will be about doing it again, and again, and again. The organization has shown faith in his development, and they hope he rewards that belief.