ATLANTA — In an exciting contest on Monday night, the Washington Wizards triumphed over the Atlanta Hawks with a close score of 121-119, securing their first victory of the season. Kyle Kuzma was a standout performer, contributing significantly with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. Jordan Poole led the scoring for the Wizards with 26 points, while Corey Kispert added 21 points off the bench. With this win, the Wizards improved their record to 1-2 after previously suffering two lopsided defeats.

On the Hawks’ side, Jalen Johnson emerged as the top scorer, netting 29 points. However, Trae Young had a challenging night, shooting only 2-for-15 from the field and finishing with 14 points, 13 assists, and six turnovers. His last-minute attempt—a potential game-winner—was thwarted at the buzzer as he missed a 3-pointer.

A key highlight for the Wizards was their impressive shooting performance, making a season-high total of 21 three-pointers. Although they struggled in the first half with 13 turnovers, they bounced back effectively in the second half, showcasing a marked improvement in ball control.

Kuzma, who faced difficulties in the initial games of the season, stepped up considerably, playing a crucial role in the Wizards’ offensive resurgence before exiting late in the fourth quarter for medical attention. Meanwhile, the Hawks dealt with significant roster issues, missing players like De’Andre Hunter, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Kobe Bufkin, and Onyeka Okongwu due to injuries. Additionally, Vit Krejci sustained an injury to his right adductor during the first half of the game.

A pivotal moment occurred when Kispert made one of two free throws with just six seconds remaining, putting the Wizards ahead by two points. Young, rushing down the court for a final shot, attempted a guarded 3-pointer that ultimately missed, sealing the Hawks’ fate.

Another notable aspect of the game was the on-court performance of Alex Sarr and Zaccharie Risacher, who faced off in their first competitive meeting. Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick, managed to outperform the No. 1 overall pick Risacher, although he was met with boos from the Atlanta crowd—stemming from his decision to skip a pre-draft workout with them. Sarr finished with seven points, nine rebounds, and two blocks, while Risacher struggled to find his rhythm, ending up with only four points on 1-of-8 shooting.

The two teams will continue their rivalry with a rematch scheduled to take place in Washington on Wednesday.