Washington Wizards Kyle Kuzma Leads Team to Preseason Win

The Washington Wizards opened the new year with a win as Kyle Kuzma led the way with 22 points against the Cairns Taipans.

The Washington Wizards got off to a winning start on Tuesday with a 145-82 victory over the visiting Cairns Taipans. 

Leading the scoring effort for the Wizards was forward Kyle Kuzma who dropped 22 points in 20 minutes of play. 

In the winning effort, Kuzma shot 70 percent for Washington including making three of his five three-point attempts while grabbing four rebounds and assisting on two other scores.

READ MORE: How Big Is Tyus Jones' Role with Wizards?

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (33) dribbles as Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) defends during the second half at Capital One Arena / Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Center Daniel Gafford led the way in rebounds with eight in just under 20 minutes of play while guard Delon Wright totaled six assists in 16 and a half minutes on the court.

Gafford had a game-high five blocks as well and Wright added four points and two rebounds.

Overall the Wizards shot .586 from the floor and .441 from three-point range while moving the ball really well getting 32 assists as a team. 

New guard Jordan Poole got 20 minutes on the court in his preseason debut and contributed with 18 points making six of his 13 shots and half of his eight three-point attempts.

Poole also had one rebound and two assists but did match a team high turning the ball over three times. 

Fellow backcourt member Tyus Jones is another newcomer to Washington's roster this season and got five assists in 19 and a half minutes on the floor without turning the ball over once. 

Jones also scored 11 points while making three of five shots and one of two from beyond the arc.

READ MORE: Was Trading Chris Paul a Mistake?

Rookie forward Bilal Coulibaly came in looking to flex his defensive prowess and had three steals, one block, and four defensive rebounds after starting and playing 20 minutes. 

Second-year guard Johnny Davis played 21 minutes and 38 seconds coming off the bench and shot 75 percent from the floor scoring 13 points as a result.

The Wizards have to be happy with their preseason debut and will get another opportunity to further develop as a group on Thursday at home against the Charlotte Hornets.