Wizards Snap Skid as Carrington Shows Signs of Growth in Breakthrough Win

Three days after suffering a crushing one-point loss in Chicago, the Washington Wizards finally broke through. Their 132–113 win over the Atlanta Hawks not only halted a 14-game losing streak but also delivered the franchise its first-ever NBA Cup victory and first home win of the season. While veteran guard CJ McCollum supplied the fireworks with a season-best 46 points, it was second-year guard Bub Carrington whose performance carried long-term implications.

Carrington, who has struggled to rediscover his rhythm in his second season, turned in one of his most composed outings of the year. He finished with 10 points and six assists in 22 minutes, showing flashes of the efficient, steady play Washington envisions as part of its rebuild. McCollum, now 34 and on an expiring contract, noted after the game that Carrington’s confidence and film study have noticeably improved.

The victory served as a reminder of how Washington hopes to blend veteran guidance with the growth of its young core. McCollum’s outburst was timely and needed, but Carrington’s progression will matter far more once the Wizards shift fully into long-term planning mode.

With another NBA Cup game ahead on Friday, the Wizards hope Tuesday’s performance marks the beginning of a more competitive stretch after weeks of blowout losses.

1. Carrington Finds Comfort in His Natural Game

Carrington’s slow start to the season had been well documented. After shooting just 32.4% from the field in October and recording three double-digit scoring games all year, he entered Tuesday needing a breakthrough. In November he had begun to inch forward, raising his shooting percentage and looking more like the creative combo guard he was as a rookie. McCollum noted that the biggest difference against Atlanta was Carrington’s decisiveness. He passed less tentatively, hunted midrange looks, and balanced shot creation with playmaking. The one travel on a turned-down shot, McCollum joked, was the only moment he appeared unsure — something he urged Carrington to avoid. Washington had attempted to mold Carrington into a full-time point guard early in the season, but the experiment revealed the limits of expecting a 20-year-old to run an NBA offense. Returning him to a hybrid role gave him the freedom to score without the weight of constant facilitation. For the Wizards’ coaching staff, his performance reinforced the value of allowing young players to grow within their strengths rather than accelerating their responsibilities. Carrington may eventually take on more on-ball duties, but for now, easing him back into his comfort zone appears to be the key to unlocking his development.

2. McCollum Delivers, but the Future Belongs to the Young Core

While Carrington’s progress was the long-term headline, McCollum’s shooting display was the engine behind Washington’s victory. The veteran knocked down 10 of 13 from deep and orchestrated the offense with the poise of a seasoned scorer. His 46 points were a reminder of the experience he brings — and the value of having a stabilizing presence on a rebuilding roster. However, as Washington continues its organizational reset, McCollum’s role is likely temporary. With his contract set to expire, he projects as a short-term leader rather than a foundational piece. Still, his ability to mentor players like Carrington remains a crucial contribution during a transitional year. The Wizards emphasized that every opportunity for their young players to play meaningful minutes matters. Games like Tuesday’s — competitive, energetic, and structured — give the team’s core far more developmental value than the repeated blowouts that characterized much of the season. As the Wizards seek to reestablish a culture of accountability and growth, McCollum’s influence off the ball and in the locker room may prove just as important as his scoring bursts on the court.