It wasn't just a win. It was a release. On Tuesday night, November 25, 2025, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., the Washington Wizards finally stopped the bleeding — and in spectacular fashion. CJ McCollum, the 34-year-old shooting guard, dropped 46 points and sank 10 three-pointers, single-handedly turning a season of frustration into a moment of redemption. The Wizards beat the Atlanta Hawks 132-113, snapping a 14-game losing streak that had crept dangerously close to the franchise's all-time record of 16 consecutive losses. This wasn't a fluke. It was a statement.
A First Quarter for the Ages
The Wizards didn’t tiptoe into this game. They stormed out. They opened with 45 points in the first quarter — the highest scoring frame in team history this season — and by halftime, they had racked up 77 points, a season high that left the Hawks reeling. Their first seven three-point attempts all dropped. The crowd, long silent since their last home win on April 2, 2025, roared back to life. By the time Corey Kispert missed his fourth three-pointer with 1:27 left in the first, the Wizards were already up by 29. The energy was electric. The momentum, unstoppable.McCollum’s Masterclass
One shot away from history. That’s how the broadcast described CJ McCollum’s performance. He made 10 of 13 from deep, finished 15-of-18 from the field, and didn’t miss a free throw. His 46 points were the highest of his season — and one shy of his career high. More importantly, it was one three-pointer away from tying the Washington Wizards franchise record for threes in a game. He didn’t need the record. He needed the win. And when he hit his 10th three with 5:12 left in the third, the arena erupted like it hadn’t since before the streak began. This wasn’t just scoring. It was catharsis.Sarr Steals the Spotlight Too
While McCollum was lighting up the scoreboard, 20-year-old French center Alex Sarr was doing the dirty work. He posted 27 points and 11 rebounds — his sixth double-double of the season and fourth in five games. His presence on defense was felt too. Multiple blocks, altered shots, constant rim protection. Broadcasters called him “a threat on the defensive end,” and watching the highlights, it was clear why. The Wizards’ interior defense, often a liability, suddenly looked like a strength. Sarr didn’t just show up. He carried the team when McCollum took a breather.
The Hawks’ Collapse
The Atlanta Hawks came in on a two-game win streak, riding high after a pair of close victories. But they had no answer for Washington’s fire. Kristaps Porzingis, the 30-year-old Latvian big man, managed 22 points, but never looked comfortable. Onyeka Okongwu added 20 for Atlanta, but the Hawks’ bench offered little. Their offense stalled in the second half. Their defense vanished. By the time the final minutes arrived, the game was out of reach — and the Hawks suffered their worst loss since a 138-118 defeat to the Toronto Raptors on October 22, 2025. Their 1-2 record in the NBA Cup now feels precarious.What This Means for Both Teams
For the Wizards, this win is more than just a break in the losing streak. It’s a lifeline. Their record improved to 2-15 — still the worst in the Eastern Conference — but for the first time since April, they’ve won at home. The confidence this generates could be the spark for a late-season surge. Sarr’s growth, McCollum’s leadership, and even the return of Kispert (who left with a thumb injury in the third quarter) could be turning points. For Atlanta, the loss exposes fragility. They’re 7-10 overall, and their defense — once a strength — looks disjointed. With the Cleveland Cavaliers coming to State Farm Arena on Friday, November 28, they’ll need to fix things fast. The NBA Cup is still winnable, but this game was a wake-up call.
What’s Next?
The Wizards head to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Friday to face the Indiana Pacers. They’ll need to carry this momentum — no easy task on the road. But for the first time in months, they’re playing with belief. The Hawks, meanwhile, face a critical test against Cleveland, a team that’s been surging since November. If Atlanta can’t respond, their playoff hopes may slip further away.Behind the Numbers
- 14 consecutive losses snapped by the Wizards — two shy of the franchise record (16).- 46 points by CJ McCollum — his highest since joining Washington.
- 10 three-pointers made — tied for second-most in franchise history.
- 77 points in the first half — the Wizards’ highest since the 2023-24 season.
- 29 point lead in the first quarter — the largest early advantage of the season for any NBA team so far.
- 20,356 fans packed into Capital One Arena — the first sellout since October.
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is CJ McCollum’s 46-point performance for the Wizards?
McCollum’s 46 points are the highest single-game scoring output by a Wizard this season and the most by any player on the team since the 2024-25 campaign. His 10 three-pointers are the second-most in franchise history, just one shy of the record. More than stats, it’s the timing: this was the first win in 14 games, and his performance lifted a team that had lost faith. It’s the kind of game that can change locker room morale overnight.
Why did the Wizards’ first quarter matter so much?
The Wizards had scored 45 points in the first quarter — their highest ever this season — and had never led by more than 18 in any prior game. That early explosion set the tone, silenced doubters, and forced Atlanta into a reactive mode. Historically, teams that score 40+ in the first quarter win over 80% of the time. This wasn’t just a hot streak — it was a strategic execution that overwhelmed the Hawks from the opening tip.
What does Alex Sarr’s performance say about the Wizards’ future?
Sarr’s sixth double-double in 17 games signals he’s not just a prospect — he’s becoming a cornerstone. At 20, he’s already one of the most consistent two-way centers in the league. His ability to guard multiple positions and finish at the rim gives the Wizards a rare blend of size and agility. If he continues this pace, Washington could have its first true franchise center since Dwight Howard — and he’s still learning.
How does this win impact the Wizards’ NBA Cup chances?
The Wizards and Hawks both entered the game 1-2 in the NBA Cup. This win pushes Washington to 2-2, keeping them alive in the Southeast Division race. With only two games left in group play, they need to win both their remaining games — including Friday’s road trip to Indiana — to have a shot at advancing. This win wasn’t just about pride; it was a must-win for playoff hopes in the Cup.
What’s the significance of the 14-game losing streak ending?
The Wizards were one loss away from tying the 1987-88 team’s record of 16 straight defeats — a dark chapter in franchise history. Ending the streak at 14 doesn’t erase the pain, but it prevents history from repeating. More importantly, it shows the young core — Sarr, Kispert, and others — that they can win. That belief, more than any stat, might be the most valuable outcome of this night.
Why did the Hawks struggle so badly defensively?
Atlanta’s defense ranked 18th in the league entering the game, and they had no answer for Washington’s ball movement or McCollum’s catch-and-shoot rhythm. Porzingis, their best defender, was doubled early and often. The Hawks rotated late, switched poorly, and allowed open threes at will. They looked fatigued and mentally drained — a sign that their early-season momentum may have peaked too soon.
