Wizards’ CJ McCollum reveals key to Bub Carrington’s success after win against Hawks

ByNBAUSA



Three days after falling 121-120 to the Chicago Bulls in a road heartbreaker, Washington The Wizards snapped a 14-game losing streak with their first NBA Cup win and first home win of the season. They beat the Atlanta Hawks 132-113 behind the veteran guard CJ McCollum had 46 points (17-25 FG, 10-13 3-point) over 37 minutes, but second-year guard Bub Carrington’s productive performance was even more significant for the future of the organization.

McCollum told ClutchPoints after the game what helped Carrington, who led the bench with 10 points (4-6 FG, 2-3 3-point) and six assists with three turnovers in 22 minutes, play well and how can he build on performance.

“I don’t think he hesitated tonight. In addition to the three he gave up when he was traveling, I told him, ‘You just have to shoot the ball,'” the 34-year-old said. “I think he’s continuing to find his balance between playing, getting into the game and taking his own shots. He’s been in the gym at night, he’s really paying attention. He’s watching film, learning his game and learning the NBA game, all at the same time in year two.”

Carrington has struggled to start the season, shooting just 32.4 percent in October and had just three games in double figures before Tuesday. However, the 20-year-old is slowly returning to rookie form, as his 37.8 percent field goal clip in November is just 2.3 percent below his mark from last season.

“I think he’s going to continue to improve,” McCollum continued. “We’re not even a quarter of the way through the season, what is this, Game 16? There’s going to be a lot of growth, and by Christmas I think he’ll be a lot more comfortable.”

Carrington didn’t have earth-shattering results Tuesday, but they were miles better than several of his outings this season. For example, the former second-team All-Rookie honoree had five turnovers and no points (0-2 FG) in 25 minutes in a 119-102 loss to the New York Knicks on Nov. 3, and had three points (1-5 FG) with three turnovers in 22 minutes in a 127-108 loss to City on Oct. 3, also in Oklahoma City. 2-12 in a 148-115 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Nov. 7, though he did add 11 assists against two turnovers.

What helped Carrington return to form against the Hawks was returning to his comfort zone of being a combo guard that does midrange damage.

The Wizards signed Carrington as a pure point guard to start the season, but it didn’t work out. It is difficult for a 20-year-old to lead an NBA offense, and he showed that he is not ready for it. Now, he’s bringing his fashion back by sporting his natural style.

On the one hand, Carrington is learning that he’s at his best when he’s playing loose and not dealing with facilitation duties. That helps the former Pittsburgh Panther not hesitate, McCollum said.

On the other hand, it also shows the coaching staff and the organization that it’s best to let young players build up in the NBA within their comfort zone before playing them in a position they’re not used to. Carrington might be ready to play point guard in a few years, but there’s no need to force him to do so now simply because the team doesn’t have a real “one.”

While McCollum’s hot shooting night was a treat for the Washington faithful at Capital One Arena, he won’t be around much longer due to his expiring contract. Carrington is a different story, as he is part of the young core the team is developing in its rebuild.

For now, McCollum’s veteran leadership can help players like Carrington, who will have every opportunity to show they can be on the wing when the Wizards are a winning team again.

Alex Sarr explains how the Wizards dominated without Tre Johnson, Keyshaun George

Both Atlanta and Washington were shorthanded, as Hawks star guard Trae Young (knee) as well as Wizards guard Tre Johnson (hip) and wing Keeshon George (illness) were out. But the fact that the latter team won convincingly without two of its best young players suggests that the rebuild is working.

Second-year center Alex Sarr, who scored 27 points (11-15 FG, 1-2 3-pointer) with 11 rebounds, two blocks and two steals in 38 minutes, explained how Washington pulled it off.

“Yeah, we definitely miss those guys over there. They’re big players and playmakers for us,” said the No. 2 overall pick in 2024. “It’s just the next man up, guys trying to play the right game. We share the ball a lot, I feel. First half, second half too. That worked for us.”

Indeed, the Wizards recorded 30 assists, giving them 30-plus assists in back-to-back games and a season total of five. Sharing the ball and Sarr dominating inside on both ends gives them a formula for competitive basketball moving forward, even if they aren’t focused on winning just yet.

If Washington can at least play closer games consistently, the young core will learn from more situations with more time. Losing by 20 or more points, which has been done six times this season, is less helpful. However, the last two games are signs that the team is getting the hang of it.

Next up is another NBA Cup matchup, this time on the road against the Indiana Pacers at 7:30pm ET on Friday night.





2025-11-26 19:30:00

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