Happy New Year!
The Wizards closed out 2023 with a feisty and competitive loss to the Atlanta Hawks — a team with aspirations for participating in postseason play.
The game rolled at a blazing pace — at 109 possessions, it was Washington’s fourth fastest-paced game of the season. For Atlanta, it was the second fastest.
The Wizards stayed in the game by letting Kyle Kuzma guzzle possessions (38.4% usage rate). It was a good strategy until the fourth quarter. He finished the final period 3-7 from the floor, though the three makes included a dunk and a layup the Hawks were happy to concede because the Wizards really need a three.