The Washington Wizards snapped a 13-game losing streak in stunning fashion on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, demolishing the Atlanta Hawks 132-113 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.. The win, part of the Emirates NBA Cup, wasn’t just a victory—it was a statement. CJ McCollum, the veteran shooting guard, dropped 46 points on 10 three-pointers, turning the arena into a sea of roaring fans and flashing cameras. This wasn’t luck. This was dominance. And it came at the exact moment the franchise needed it most.
A Breakthrough After the Longest Drought
The Wizards hadn’t won since November 1, when they edged the Charlotte Hornets by four points. Since then, they’d been buried under a avalanche of losses, with critics questioning their roster, coaching, and even their future. But on this night, everything changed. The team didn’t just win—they exploded. Their largest lead of the game? A jaw-dropping 29 points, reached with just under two minutes left in the first quarter. The Hawks, who entered the game on a three-win streak, looked shell-shocked. They missed their first seven three-pointers. Their offense stalled. Their defense vanished.Alex Sarr’s Breakout Night
While McCollum stole the headlines, it was Alex Sarr, the 20-year-old center, who quietly authored one of the most efficient performances of the season. He scored 27 points on 11-of-15 shooting—73.3% accuracy—and grabbed 11 rebounds. It was his sixth double-double of the year, and his fourth in the last five games. That kind of consistency from a rookie? Unheard of. The NBA’s analytics team noted that players under 21 with six double-doubles before December are historically rare. Sarr isn’t just playing—he’s rewriting the playbook.The Hawks’ Struggles in the Spotlight
For the Atlanta Hawks, the loss was a gut punch. Kristaps Porziņģis, their star big man, fought hard with 22 points and 8 rebounds, but he was constantly doubled. Dejounte Murray, their primary playmaker, managed just 12 points on 4-of-14 shooting. Dyson Daniels, usually a sparkplug, looked out of rhythm. The Hawks entered the game with an 11-8 record, firmly in playoff contention. But this loss? It exposed cracks. Their bench scored only 28 points. Their assist-to-turnover ratio? A dismal 14-to-18. They didn’t just lose—they looked lost.
The Emirates NBA Cup: More Than Just a Tournament
This wasn’t just another regular-season game. It was part of the Emirates NBA Cup, a mid-season tournament introduced in 2023-2024. Group B of the Eastern Conference—home to the Wizards, Hawks, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, and Charlotte Hornets—is now a battleground for playoff seeding. The winner of each group advances to a single-elimination bracket, culminating in the championship at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on December 7. The Wizards, now 2-15 in the regular season, are 1-1 in the Cup. The Hawks, at 11-8 overall, remain 2-0 in group play—but this loss could haunt them in tiebreakers.What’s Next for Both Teams
The Wizards’ next game? A road trip to Miami on November 28, facing the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center. A win there would signal this isn’t a fluke—it’s a turnaround. Meanwhile, the Hawks host the Orlando Magic on November 27 at State Farm Arena. With their defense faltering and depth exposed, Atlanta needs to regroup fast. The margin for error is shrinking.
The Bigger Picture: A Franchise at a Crossroads
The Wizards’ rebuild has been slow, painful, and often frustrating. But Sarr’s emergence, McCollum’s veteran leadership, and the gritty play of Bilal Coulibaly and Corey Kispert suggest something’s shifting. The team’s offensive rating jumped to 124.3 in this game—the highest of the season. For a franchise that’s averaged 110.2 points per game this year, that’s a seismic leap. Is this the start of something real? Or just a bright flash before another dark winter? Fans are cautiously hopeful. Front office insiders say they’re watching the next six games like a hawk.Frequently Asked Questions
How did CJ McCollum’s 46-point performance rank among Wizards’ single-game scoring records?
CJ McCollum’s 46 points tied for the third-highest scoring game in Washington Wizards franchise history since 2020. Only Bradley Beal (50 points in 2021) and Gilbert Arenas (60 points in 2007) have scored more. It was McCollum’s career-high in a Wizards uniform and the first 40-point game by a Washington guard since 2022.
Why is Alex Sarr’s sixth double-double significant for a rookie?
Only five rookies since 2000 have recorded six double-doubles before December 1. Sarr joins the likes of Victor Wembanyama and Anthony Davis in that elite group. His 73.3% field goal accuracy is the highest among all NBA centers with at least 100 attempts this season, making him one of the most efficient scorers in the league regardless of experience.
What does this win mean for the Wizards’ Emirates NBA Cup chances?
The Wizards now sit at 1-1 in Group B, tied with the Hawks and Heat for second place. A win over Miami on November 28 would put them in sole possession of second, with a realistic shot at advancing. Only the group winner and best second-place team make the knockout round. With their offense clicking, they’re no longer just a spoiler—they’re a contender.
How did the Emirates NBA Cup format change this season?
This season, the NBA expanded the Cup to include all 30 teams, with group play now featuring five teams per group instead of four. Each team plays four group games, and the top two teams from each group advance. The scoring system now awards bonus points for margin of victory, making blowouts like Washington’s 19-point win strategically valuable for tiebreakers.
What’s the historical significance of the Wizards beating the Hawks by 19 points?
This was Washington’s largest margin of victory over Atlanta since a 27-point win in 2019. The Hawks had won five of the last seven meetings between the teams, including a 122-118 overtime win in October. The 132-point output was also the most the Wizards had scored since 2022, highlighting a dramatic offensive evolution under new offensive coordinator Mike Brown.
Is there a chance the Wizards make the playoffs this season?
Statistically, it’s unlikely. They’d need to go 21-16 the rest of the way to reach 23 wins, the lowest playoff threshold in recent Eastern Conference history. But with Sarr’s growth and McCollum’s health, the Wizards are building a foundation. Even if they miss the playoffs, this season could be the turning point for their rebuild—especially if they land a top-three pick in the 2026 draft.
