In a thrilling turn of events, CJ McCollum and Kyshawn George each netted 28 points, spearheading a remarkable comeback for the Washington Wizards as they overcame a substantial 20-point deficit to secure a 130-122 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night. This impressive performance not only marked a significant win for the Wizards but also ended a troublesome seven-game losing streak in Memphis, a location where they had not celebrated a victory since January 5, 2018.
Adding to the Wizards' success, Alex Sarr contributed with a solid 18 points and 11 rebounds. Marvin Bagley also played a key role, scoring 16 points. Notably, McCollum showcased his shooting prowess by sinking 4 of 5 three-pointers during the second half, while George rounded out his performance with seven assists and seven rebounds.
On the opposing side, Santi Aldama shone brightly for Memphis, achieving a career-high of 37 points along with 10 rebounds. His teammates Jaren Jackson Jr. and Cam Spencer supported the effort with 22 and 19 points, respectively.
As the game unfolded, it reached a critical moment when the score was tied at 115 with just 4:31 left on the clock. A pivotal three-pointer from Sarr propelled the Wizards ahead 121-119 with 2:16 remaining, and they maintained their lead for the rest of the match.
The Grizzlies faced challenges throughout the contest, having only nine players available due to injuries. Brandon Clarke exited early in the first quarter due to calf soreness, and both Jackson and Jock Landale struggled with foul trouble, each accumulating five fouls, which allowed the Wizards to gain momentum during the third quarter.
In a dramatic conclusion to the third period, McCollum's layup just before the buzzer tied the game at 95, setting the stage for an explosive fourth quarter in which the Wizards dominated with a shooting percentage of 63% and outscored the Grizzlies 42-27. What had once been a commanding 20-point lead for Memphis had vanished, showcasing the Wizards’ tenacity and resilience.
Despite a strong start from Memphis, highlighted by a 17-5 run that propelled them to a 68-53 halftime lead—thanks to Aldama's 22-point contribution and Jackson's 20 points—the Wizards managed to stay within striking distance.
Tre Johnson also made a notable impact off the bench for Washington, scoring 12 points.
Looking ahead, the Wizards are set to host the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, while the Grizzlies will travel to Oklahoma City for their next matchup on Monday.
