Justin Champagne calls Alex Sarr and Bilal Koulibaly a ‘defensive threat’ on Sunday

ByNBAUSA


WASHINGTON — Washington Wizards either start a long shift or they have a temporary hot streak, but are certainly playing better than they were at the beginning of the season. Part of that is because the sophomore center Alec Sarr and the oft-injured keeper Bilal Coulibaly have each started the last three games, with the Wizards winning two.

Veteran forward Justin Champagnie described two players after Sunday’s 116-112 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, Washington’s second straight win and second over Memphis this season, ending the season.

“Two defensive threats if you ask me. Sar down blocking shots, BC on the ball,” said the 24-year-old. It definitely raises our intensity level and we’re all eating it up.”

Sarr recorded a career-high six blocks, while Koulibaly had a season-high three steals and two of his own against the Grizzlies. They helped hold Memphis to 42 percent shooting (28 percent 3-point), which was key to Washington’s win despite its own shooting woes (42 percent FG, 24 percent 3-point).

“I think we put a lot of emphasis on our defense,” Champagne told ClutchPoints when asked what the team has improved over the last seven games compared to the start of the season. “Our defense has picked up, we take more pride in going out there and throwing the first punch and not taking it. And our togetherness has (improved) as the season has gone on. We kind of know who’s doing what. … We’re just playing to our strengths. Everyone knows what their strengths are, and we’re continuing to play to that.”

Alec Sarr praises the Wizards’ defense

Washington Wizards center Alex Sarr (20) boxes Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama (7) during the first half at Capital One Arena.
© Brad Mills-Imagn Images

Sarr sang a similar song when asked what Washington has improved the most.

“I think we really emphasized our defense,” the 20-year-old said. “Knowing that’s what’s going to help us if we have a great shooting night like we did last game, or when we don’t shoot great like we did tonight, make sure that’s what can get us over the hump.”

The Wizards shot 59 percent (45 percent on 3-pointers) in Friday’s 138-117 win over the Toronto Raptors, winning that game by a larger margin than Sunday. However, they were similarly effective on defense, holding the Raptors to 44 percent shooting (33 percent 3-pointers). Sarr had three blocks and one steal, while Koulibaly had three steals and one block.

“Our length, our activity, me and him watching film,” Sarr said when asked what helps him and Coulibaly form an effective partnership. “Coach (Brian Keefe) told us we can be special defensively. We really just have to (hang) our hat on it and lock it down.”

At the same time, the defense is only partially the reason Washington has won four of its last seven games after starting the season 3-21. A balanced offense is another reason, as the team had eight players score in double figures against Memphis.

Keefe talked about whether it was an ideal attack in an attack for the Wizards in his mind.

“We have a deep roster. Malachi (Branham) came in, gave us great minutes tonight,” he said. “We weren’t in the rotation a lot, we had some extended minutes in the second half. We want to share the ball and move the ball. We don’t want one guy to get 35 (points) for us, that’s not how we’re built. So we can put up double figures like that. It’s a great way to play, and it’s not that night for us either, but it’s not a good thing for shooting.”

Branham, which Washington acquired from San Antonio Spurs for veteran big man Kelly Olynyk in July, he scored six points (2-4 FG, 0-2 3-point) in 11 minutes against the Grizzlies, which was crucial given the final score by four points. The 22-year-old is averaging just 7.5 minutes per game, but his ability to contribute despite not being a regular in the rotation is the kind of resilience that Keefe admires.

“It’s working more consistently. I think we had some good periods at the beginning of the year, but they weren’t as consistent as we’re doing now,” he said when asked what the biggest difference in the team was between the last seven games and the start of the season. “And we respond when things don’t go well. I think that’s a great quality in this league, because like I said before, this league is tough, there are good players.”

“Things are going to happen in a game, but we answer the bell and tonight was a great example of that again. I think they (Grizzlies) went on a 19-0 run and we answered the bell,” he continued. “Fourth quarter, the same guys were in, I didn’t change anybody. I trusted those guys. Those guys got us back in the game. They got it down to four, I think the end of the third, and got us to lead. And then we got some veteran guys down the stretch. Obviously Khris (Middleton) made some big plays, but he played well down the stretch. everybody’s effort tonight.”

Middleton, who will not play in Monday night’s home game against the Phoenix Suns due to management of right knee injuriesblocked Cam Spencer’s layup with the Wizards up 112-107 with 1:24 left in the game and sealed the win at the free throw line with 4.7 seconds left. Whether it’s a 34-year-old veteran like Middleton, key players like Sarr and Koulibaly, or a fringe player like Branham, all contribute to Washington’s improved form.

Monday night’s game at Capital One Arena will give the team another opportunity to show that this hot streak is legitimate.





2025-12-29 21:12:00

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