Inside The Wizards

Wizards Take Step Back in Grizzlies Loss

The Washington Wizards are back in the loss column.

Jeremy Brener

Dec 8, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly (0) leaps to pass the ball as Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (36) defends in the first quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Dec 8, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly (0) leaps to pass the ball as Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (36) defends in the first quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images / Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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The Washington Wizards are back in the loss column following a 140-112 defeat against the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday night inside Capital One Arena.

Just 24 hours after beating the Denver Nuggets and snapping a 16-game losing streak, the Wizards returned to their losing ways thanks to a roster that looked a step too slow all night long.

It took a lot of energy to beat the Nuggets, and that allowed the Grizzlies to take advantage early. They built a double-digit lead quickly against the Wizards and cruised to victory, earning a lead as large as 35 points.

The Wizards were led in scoring by Jonas Valanciunas, who scored 20 points and Marvin Bagley III, who also had 20 off the bench. Bilal Coulibaly got out of his shooting slump with 17 points while Justin Champagnie and Jared Butler added 14 apiece.

For the Grizzlies, Jaren Jackson Jr. had a game-high 21 points while six of his teammates joined him in double figures.

The Wizards will get a chance to rest and recharge this week before heading back out to the floor on Friday night to play the NBA-best Cleveland Cavaliers. Tipoff for the game is set for 7 p.m. ET.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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