Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole led the Washington Wizards to end a six-game losing streak using a 137-123 victory over the Indiana Pacers during Friday’s NBA action.
Kuzma scored 31 points, while Poole matched his season high with 30 points. Tyus Jones contributed significantly with his second career triple-double, featuring 13 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds.
This win marks only the second in the last 17 games for the Wizards, with their previous victory also against a struggling Detroit Pistons squad. Poole thrived, shooting 12 of 18 from the field and dishing out eight assists. Corey Kispert also added 23 points, bolstering the Wizards’ performance.
On the Pacers’ side, Tyrese Haliburton scored 19 points and made 11 assists before exiting due to a left knee contusion. His participation in the next game remains uncertain. Indiana’s offense, which had previously scored 143 points against Washington, appeared disjointed, only managing a 45% field goal rate.
Kuzma highlighted the team effort in Washington’s success, noting the effective ball movement and shooting accuracy. The Wizards turned the game around in the second quarter with a 15-0 run and led 69-55 at halftime.
“Somebody has a triple-double, which usually means people are making shots. JP had eight assists,” Kuzma said. “The ball was popping. Everybody touched it and had opportunities to score.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jordan Poole, Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers Updates
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged his team’s defensive shortcomings and the Wizards’ dominant play in the second and third quarters. Washington maintained control, leading by 24 points at one point.
“We made a lot of mistakes, and we had turnovers. We missed shots, we didn’t defend well,” Carlisle said. “It turned into a barrage in the second quarter. Not a whole lot better in the third.”
Bilal Coulibaly was a notable performer for the Wizards, scoring 17 points and demonstrating his potential as a rookie. The game’s tempo was anticipated to be high, with both teams ranking top in the NBA for pace, but only Washington capitalized on this with high scoring.
“We had a great focus, attention to detail on Haliburton tonight,” Kuzma said. “Trying to force him left, all over the floor.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jordan Poole, Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers Updates
Carlisle commented on the demanding schedule involving the NBA In-Season Tournament in Las Vegas, emphasizing the professional nature of the sport and the need for players to adapt and enjoy the competition.
“You suck it up, you make a bazillion dollars in per diem, and you have fun. You compete,” Carlisle said. “It’s not rocket science. If you don’t like it, go do something else. I love it.”
Looking ahead, the Pacers will face Minnesota, while the Wizards are set to play against Phoenix in their upcoming games.
