Wizards Optimistic Latest Loss Can Translate to Future Wins

The Washington Wizards found themselves within reach of ending the losing streak on Thursday night, and at multiple points. Instead, it ended in a familiar feeling with head coach Brian Keefe watching his team not only drop five games below .500, but also under .500 at home, following a four point loss in double overtime against the Detroit Pistons.

Yet the game featured a breakout from Alex Sarr, who ended regulation knocking down all ten attempts from the field and 26 points, including a perfect 4-for-4 from three point. The 7-footer ended the night with 30 points, marking his first 30 point game since his rookie season.

Anthony Davis walked into his seventh of the season and fourth consecutive double-double after ending the game with 30 points and 15 rebounds, willing the Wizards back within reach in regulation. Yet Trae Young was the one to lead Washington in scoring after totaling 37 points behind 50% shooting from three point, along with making all 17 free throw attempts, to record his first 30-point game in a Wizards uniform. One possession after turning the ball over, it was Young who sent the game into overtime first after knocking down a deep three over two Pistons defenders as time expired.

AJ Dybantsa tallied just five points on 2-of-10 shooting with his lone make in regulation coming from three point, yet it was his second bucket that proved most clutch after hitting a floater in the paint to send the game into double overtime.

Even after leading by as many as ten points in the first quarter, then clawing back to retake the lead for one of the 12 fourth quarter minutes, the Wizards entered both overtimes with a sense of optimism that the five-game losing streak would come to an end. After entering the night among the NBA's worst three-point shooting teams, Washington shot nearly 38% in the loss while also narrowly winning the rebounding battle.

Instead, Cade Cunningham and the Pistons proved too much. Cunningham finished with 52 points and 11 rebounds while shooting 64% from the floor, becoming the first player to record a 50-point double-double with no turnovers since 1977-78.

With the Wizards searching for answers, Sarr admitted, "we don't want [any] moral victories" while noting the team can improve its tempo given they rank 20th in the league following the loss, along with ball movement. Washington ranks 28th in the league in both assist ratio and assist percentage, even with Trae Young ranked third in the NBA averaging 8.8 assists per game.

Yet Young reiterated he's happy the Wizards are learning how to beat the NBA's best "now rather than in game 60 -- I can't imagine what you would say then." Yet with head coach Brian Keefe left with more questions than answers once more, Young is optimistic Thursday's efforts can lead to success later in the regular season.

"If we continue to play like this, I can see ourselves winning a lot of games," Young said.