With his counterattacks, Alex Sar disgusts Magic!

Fifth win in seven matches for Wizardsand again CJ McCollum (27 points) and Alex Sarr (23 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks) are the most prominent in this great success against Orlando.

Washington starts strong thanks to Bilal Coulibaly, who opens the match with a cross and a dunk. The young Frenchman scored 7 points in the quarter and was entrusted with the defensive mission of Paolo Banchero, whom he effectively hindered.
For his part, Tre Johnson stands out more for his creation than his shooting: serving Alex Sara for a dunk, then a 3-point shot, to start a 7-0 run. With already nine points from Sara, the Wizards took a slight lead with 30-29.

Washington’s momentum is fueled by the energy of Justin Champagne, author of two game-winning shots, a converted offensive rebound, then an interception capped by a game-winning pass to Marvin Bagley III. Sarr returns to the floor and continues his recital: another winning basket, then several baskets near the circle. Already on vacation, he reached 16 points and 6 rebounds.
Orlando’s numerous turnovers (11 at halftime) allowed the Wizards to increase the deficit and return to the locker room with a comfortable lead (62-50).

Spent 26 point lead!

Returning from the dressing room, Washington delivers a real defensive project, symbolized by Coulibaly, who already has four interceptions. The Wizards score 14 points off turnovers and take a 26-point lead, especially after Champagne’s 3-pointer (89-63). But Magic didn’t give up and began his comeback. Rookies Noah Penda and Jace Richardson play without a complex, and before the start of the last quarter, they reduce the deficit to 14 points (101-87).

Washington’s inexperience shows up again: the offense stalls (2 out of 10 attempts to start the quarter) and Orlando uses it to gradually come back. 5 minutes from time, Goga Bitadza’s layup put the Magic back within 107-105, increasing the threat of a historic comeback. That’s when CJ McCollum takes matters into his own hands: an alley-oop for Sarah, a midrange shot, and then the decisive 3-point shot. Another long basket makes the lead 117-107 with less than two minutes left. At the same time, Sarr had three blocks in three possessions, while Coulibaly grabbed two key rebounds to secure the win. 10th season for the Wizards.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

The magic is at rest. Of course, Orlando is number 1 in its division, and 6th in the East, but since Franz Wagner’s injury, the team is no longer moving forward. As proof, the Magic haven’t won two games in a row since December 1st!

Tandem Sar-Koulibaly decisive in defense. With four blocks for Alex Sarr and five assists for Bilal Coulibaly, the French duo was on the defensive. The former, very good in attack in the first half, locked access to the circle in the money time, while the latter won a duel with Paolo Bancher.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / 3 points in an attempt; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.