WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a matchup between two teams looking to break out of the bottom of their respective conferences, the Washington Wizards secured a hard-fought 125-122 victory over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night.
Kyshawn George led the way for Washington with 23 points, while Alex Sarr contributed 21 in a balanced offensive effort. The Wizards had seven players score in double figures, including Justin Champagnie, who provided a spark off the bench with 17 points.
For Utah, Johnny Juzang delivered a game-high 27 points, while rookie Kyle Filipowski posted an impressive 23-point, 13-rebound performance. Filipowski, coming off a season-best 25-point outing against Detroit, continues to show promise despite the team’s struggles.
“Watching these young guys battle together and fight for wins is encouraging,” Filipowski said. “It really speaks to the potential we have moving forward.”
Utah (15-47) has now dropped 10 straight road games and was significantly short-handed, playing without key contributors Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George, John Collins, Jordan Clarkson, Collin Sexton, and Walker Kessler. Head coach Will Hardy acknowledged the challenges but emphasized the importance of development.
“With so many lineup changes, it’s about learning how to work together,” Hardy said. “These games are valuable opportunities for our young players to grow and figure out how to close out games.”
Despite the Jazz cutting the deficit to three late in the game, the Wizards found answers down the stretch. A missed shot by Khris Middleton with under four minutes remaining gave Utah a chance to shift momentum, but Washington responded quickly. Sarr threw down a crucial follow-up dunk, and George drilled a three-pointer to push the lead back to 116-108.
Washington capitalized on transition opportunities, scoring 28 fast-break points and converting 24 points off turnovers. Meanwhile, Utah dominated the paint with a 64-46 scoring edge but couldn’t capitalize in the final minutes.
The win marks Washington’s 12th victory of the season as the team prepares for an extended road trip. Utah, still searching for answers, will look to end its road woes when it visits Toronto on Friday .
