Coulibaly Emerges With Stellar Performance as Wizards Conquer Hawks

Bilal Coulibaly put up a career-best 27 points to catapult the Washington Wizards to a 133-120 triumph over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, marking the Wizards’ second victory over the Hawks within three days. Completing a home-and-home series sweep against the Hawks was a 121-119 victory earlier on Monday.

Hawks Struggle Despite Young’s Efforts

The Hawks saw a dynamic performance from Trae Young, who racked up 35 points and 15 assists. However, the Wizards seized the reins with a 16-4 surge at the onset of the fourth quarter. The Hawks felt the absence of starters Dyson Daniels (right hip) and De’Andre Hunter (right knee), alongside Bogdan Bogdanovic (right hamstring). Likewise, the Wizards had to contend without their starting forward Kyle Kuzma (right groin).

Despite a rough game on Monday where Young shot 2 for 15 from the field, he bounced back with an impressive 24-point first half. Nonetheless, the Wizards managed to rein him in during the second half. The Hawks, dealing with a wave of injuries, conceded 76 points in the second half.

Coulibaly’s Rapid Rise for the Wizards

The 20-year-old Coulibaly has been a revelation in his sophomore season. His 23-point game against Cleveland on Saturday was swiftly overshadowed by his performance four days later.

Key Plays and Standout Performances

During the Wizards’ pivotal run at the start of the fourth quarter, rookies Corey Kispert, Alex Sarr, and Kyshawn George sank critical 3-pointers. In a repeat face-off between the Hawks and Wizards, the top two picks of the 2024 draft also clashed for the second time. Sarr, the No. 2 pick, outscored No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher 7-4 on Monday, but Risacher struck back with a 17-11 advantage on Wednesday.

Looking Ahead

The Hawks will host Sacramento on Friday night, while the Wizards are set to face off against the Heat on Saturday night in Mexico City.