Inside The Wizards

Washington Wizards End Four Game Skid in Win Over Charlotte Hornets

The Washington Wizards bench ignited them to a victory over the Charlotte Hornets 132-116.

Gage Sheets

Washington Wizards End Four Game Skid in Win Over Charlotte Hornets
Washington Wizards End Four Game Skid in Win Over Charlotte Hornets /
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After a seemingly felt longer than it actually was four game losing streak, the Washington Wizards win 132-116 over the Charlotte Hornets.

Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma led the team from the outset and ended up with 33 points on an efficient 54 percent field goal percentage.

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Washington's bench was the real story tonight though, playing tough defense and outscoring the Hornets bench 72-23.

That's an amazing stat and one you don't see very often.

Danilo Gallinari paced the scoring for the second unit, ending up with 18 points including four three-pointer's which tied for the team high.

Wizards rookie forward Bilal Coulibaly played a career and season high 29 minutes and even though he only had six points he was a huge part of the defensive effort.

Especially in the team's big second quarter.

Washington Wizards forward Bilal Coulibaly (0) catches a pass during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center.
Washington Wizards forward Bilal Coulibaly (0) catches a pass during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center / Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Coulibaly played nine minutes in the game determining second quarter, where his defensive presence was certainly felt. 

Washington absolutely dominated the second quarter while giving up only 17 points and making seven three-pointers.

Making 18 three pointers was another big part of the Wizards victory shooting 41 percent from behind the arch.

Things did get shaky in the third quarter for a time as that has been a known achilles heel for Washington so far this year.

After Charlotte cut the lead to nine points with 4:18 left in the quarter the Wizards responded shortly there after with a 10-0 run and effectively put the game away.

Offensively the pace was extremely high again getting 106 possessions.

Washington did get out-rebounded again 47-40, which was unfortunate as they kept close to their season average of 39 rebounds a game.

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They were able to limit the damage on the Hornets offensive rebounds though, only giving up 12 second chance points.

These teams meet again on Friday November 10th, this time at Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. for an in-season tournament group game.

It will be interesting to see what adjustments will be made by both teams.

You can follow Gage Sheets on Twitter @SheetsG23

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Gage Sheets
GAGE SHEETS

Gage is entering his first season covering the Washington Wizards and brings a lifetime of passion for sports with him. He is a veteran of the United States Navy and a proud husband and father of two. You can follow or reach out to Gage on X @SheetsG23

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