Washington Wizards ahead Kyle Kuzma (33) drives as Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) defends in the course of the first half of an NBA basketball recreation, Monday, Nov. 27, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photograph/Carlos Osorio)
DETROIT — Kyle Kuzma had 32 factors and 12 rebounds because the Washington Wizards ended a nine-game dropping streak with a 126-107 rout of the Detroit Pistons on Monday in a battle of the NBA’s worst groups.
“My childhood dream was about taking part in on this courtroom,” mentioned Kuzma, who grew up about an hour north of Little Caesars Area. “It’s all the time good to get an opportunity to play at residence in entrance of my family and friends.”
Washington (3-14) gained for the primary time since a 132-116 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Nov. 8.
The Pistons (2-15) have misplaced 14 straight after beating the Chicago Bulls 118-102 on Oct. 28.
“There wasn’t any struggle on that flooring,” Pistons coach Monty Williams mentioned in a short postgame press convention. “That wasn’t Pistons basketball by any stretch of the creativeness. We’ve got to have individuals in that jersey that honor the historical past of this group by competing at a excessive degree each night time.”
Closed out Q3 with a 3. 👌 pic.twitter.com/ljEC91ChO7
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) November 28, 2023
Kuzma, who spent the day earlier than the sport delivering charitable donations in his residence metropolis of Flint, added eight assists whereas committing two turnovers. Deni Avdija and Danilo Gallinari scored 16 for the Wizards.
Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 26 factors and 7 assists. Jalen Duren had 12 factors and 14 rebounds as Detroit fell to 4-38 since final season’s commerce deadline.
“There are plenty of little issues we are able to speak about, however we simply didn’t play onerous,” Isaiah Livers mentioned. “Each group has roles, and it looks like none of us are taking part in our roles to the most effective of our skills.”
A 3 from no. 33 within the 313. 👌 pic.twitter.com/uj1IBuOysF
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) November 28, 2023
Tyus Jones scored eight factors within the first 5 minutes of the third to place Washington up 71-63, and Kuzma took over at that time. He completed the quarter with 18 factors and 7 rebounds because the Wizards led by as many as 14.
Washington led 94-83 on the finish of the quarter, then scored the primary 5 factors of the fourth. Detroit by no means acquired the deficit again to single digits.
Your subscription couldn’t be saved. Please attempt once more.
Your subscription has been profitable.
The groups mixed to hit simply 24.2% (8-33) 3-pointers within the first half with the Pistons going 3-16 (18.8%).
UP NEXT
Wizards: On the Orlando Magic on Wednesday.
Pistons: Host the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.