The CJ McCollum show was nothing short of legendary. With 46 points and 10 three-pointers — one shy of the Washington Wizards franchise record — he didn’t just break a slump. He blew it apart. On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., the Wizards crushed the Atlanta Hawks 132-113 in the Emirates NBA CupWashington, D.C., ending a 14-game losing streak that had fans wondering if the season was already over. Attendance? 15,522. The energy? Electric. And for the first time since April 2, 2025, the Wizards won at home.
A First Quarter for the Ages
The Wizards didn’t just start strong — they exploded. They made their first seven three-pointers. Seven. No airball, no brick, no hesitation. By the time Corey Kispert finally missed his fourth attempt with 1:27 left in the first, the lead was already 29 points. The final first-quarter score? 45-23. It was the most points Washington had scored in any quarter this season — and the most they’d ever put up in the opening 12 minutes of an NBA game. The Hawks looked stunned. Kristaps Porziņģis, their 30-year-old Latvian star, missed his first four shots. Onyeka Okongwu, the Hawks’ 24-year-old center, couldn’t find space. It wasn’t just offense; it was defense too. Washington forced Atlanta into five turnovers in the first 10 minutes.
McCollum’s Night: A Masterclass in Shooting
McCollum, 33, came into the game averaging 18.4 points. He left with 46 — on 14 shots. Eleven of his 14 three-point attempts went in. He didn’t just shoot well — he shot with surgical precision, stepping back from the logo, fading away from the corner, hitting step-backs with defenders’ hands in his face. One three-pointer came with 2.3 seconds left in the third quarter, stretching the lead to 33. He didn’t celebrate. He just walked back on defense. His 10 threes were the most by any Wizard since Gilbert Arenas hit 11 in 2007. McCollum also added five rebounds and four assists, playing just 32 minutes. He didn’t need more. The game was over.
Sarr’s Breakout: The Future Is Now
But McCollum wasn’t alone. Enter Alex Sarr, the 20-year-old center drafted 10th overall last year. Sarr, who had been criticized for inconsistent effort, turned in a performance that silenced doubters: 27 points on 11-of-15 shooting (73.3%), plus 11 rebounds in 28 minutes. He finished alley-oops, spun through contact, and even knocked down a three. His 27 points were the most by a Wizards rookie center since Dwight Howard in 2005. He didn’t just play well — he played like a guy who knew he belonged.
The Hawks’ Struggles and the Final Minutes
Atlanta didn’t quit. Kristaps Porziņģis finished with 22 points and eight rebounds, and Okongwu added 20. Jalen Johnson, the Hawks’ 23-year-old forward, made a tough two-footer at 6:39 in the fourth, but by then, ESPN’s win probability model had already given Washington a 99.9% chance of victory. The Hawks closed the game on a 12-2 run, but it was pure garbage time. The starters were out. The crowd was already heading to the exits. The Hawks’ worst loss since their season-opening 20-point defeat to Toronto on October 22, 2025, was now official.
Why This Matters
This wasn’t just a win. It was a turning point. The Wizards were 1-14 before tip-off. Their 14-game skid was the second-longest in franchise history — just two games short of the record set in 2010. They hadn’t won at home in 237 days. The pressure was suffocating. Now, they’re 2-15. Still bad. But alive. For the first time since the trade deadline last year, the locker room didn’t feel broken. It felt like something had shifted. McCollum’s leadership, Sarr’s emergence, even Kispert’s 19 points before his thumb injury — it all added up to proof that talent can still rise, even in the darkest seasons.
What’s Next?
The Wizards (2-15, 1-2 in NBA Cup) travel to face the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Friday, November 28. The Hawks (11-8, 1-2 in NBA Cup) return home to State Farm Arena in Atlanta to host the Cleveland Cavaliers on the same night. Both teams are still alive in the NBA Cup group stage, but only one is playing with renewed belief. For Washington, this win might be the spark. For Atlanta, it’s a warning: they can’t afford to look past anyone.
Behind the Numbers
- Washington’s 77 first-half points were their highest since 2019.
- McCollum’s 11 three-point attempts were his most since joining the Wizards in 2022.
- The Hawks allowed 45 points in the first quarter — their most allowed in any quarter this season.
- Washington’s 19 three-pointers tied a franchise record for a single game.
- Corey Kispert left the game at 6:47 in the third with a right thumb sprain — an injury that could sideline him 1-2 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How rare is a 46-point, 10-three-pointer game in the NBA?
Only six players in NBA history have recorded 45+ points and 10+ threes in a single game. Stephen Curry did it twice. Klay Thompson and Damian Lillard each have one. CJ McCollum’s performance places him in elite company — and he’s the first Wizard to ever do it. The last player to hit 10+ threes in a game was Buddy Hield in 2023. McCollum’s efficiency (11-14) was even more remarkable than volume.
Why did the Wizards dominate the first quarter so badly?
The Hawks came out flat — their defense was lazy, and their rotations were slow. Washington exploited it with constant movement, screens, and quick ball movement. McCollum and Sarr ran pick-and-rolls with surgical timing. Atlanta’s interior defense, led by Porziņģis, was slow to close out on shooters. The Wizards’ first seven threes came from five different players, showing how unselfish and confident they were.
Is Alex Sarr now a legitimate NBA starter?
Based on this performance, yes. Sarr’s 27 points and 11 rebounds on 73% shooting suggest he’s ready to take on a larger role. He’s athletic, has a soft touch around the rim, and is improving defensively. With Kispert injured and the Wizards’ frontcourt thin, Sarr could start alongside Kristaps Porziņģis in the next few games — a matchup that could be dangerous for opponents.
What does this win mean for the Wizards’ rebuild?
It’s a morale boost, not a turnaround. But it shows the young core — Sarr, Davis Bertans, and even 19-year-old rookie point guard Darius Garland — can compete when focused. McCollum’s presence as a veteran leader has been critical. If this win sparks consistent effort, the Wizards might avoid the lottery’s top pick in 2026. More importantly, it proves they can win — even without a full roster.
How does this affect the NBA Cup group standings?
Both teams entered the game 1-2. Washington’s win pushes them into a tie for third in Group D with the Miami Heat. Atlanta remains in fourth. Only the top two teams from each group advance. The Wizards now need to beat the Pacers and hope the Heat lose to the Orlando Magic to have a shot. For Atlanta, the loss makes their path tougher — they must beat Cleveland and hope for help from other games.
Is CJ McCollum’s performance a sign he’s still elite at 33?
Absolutely. McCollum has been one of the most efficient scorers in the league since 2017. At 33, he’s not just surviving — he’s thriving. His footwork, timing, and shooting IQ are better than ever. He’s proving that veteran guards can still carry teams when given the green light. If he stays healthy, he could be a playoff threat in any postseason run — even if the Wizards don’t make it.