CJ McCollum’s 46 points ends Washington’s 14-game skid while Orlando’s 144-103 rout sets up crucial NBA Cup group decider against Detroit
WASHINGTON: The Washington Wizards snapped their 14-game losing streak with a 132-113 NBA Cup victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday.
CJ McCollum scored a season-high 46 points for the NBA-worst Wizards, who improved to 2-15 with their first home win of the season.
“We did a good job,” McCollum said. “We lost some close games throughout the season and we kind of let ourselves down in terms of execution and having lost.”
The veteran guard hit 17-of-25 shots from the floor and 10-of-13 from three-point range, tying the Wizards’ franchise record for three-pointers in a game.
“I put a lot of time in. I sacrifice a lot of time away from my family to get in the gym at night,” McCollum added.
French center Alex Sarr contributed 27 points and 11 rebounds while Corey Kispert added 19 points for Washington.
The Wizards seized a 45-23 lead after the first quarter, scoring their most points in any opening period since 1990.
Washington hit 15-of-20 shots from the floor and 8-of-8 from three-point range in the dominant opening quarter.
Former Wizard Kristaps Porzingis led the Hawks with 22 points as both teams moved to 1-2 in Cup Group A play.
ORLANDO: The Magic set a franchise record for points in any half during their 144-103 rout of the Philadelphia 76ers.
Orlando took an 86-60 halftime lead, breaking the previous club mark of 83 points set in 1990.
The victory sets up a Group B title showdown at Detroit on Friday with both teams unbeaten in tournament play.
“It’s going to be a really good game,” Orlando’s Franz Wagner said. “It’s going to be physical. We have to be ready for that.”
Magic reserve Anthony Black led the team with 31 points, including 27 in the first half alone.
Orlando added a 17-0 run in the third quarter and cruised to victory with a season-high points total.
“Just got into a rhythm. We got hot,” Wagner said. “A really good team win for us.”
Orlando’s Jalen Suggs was ejected after a melee that began with 26.6 seconds remaining in the second quarter.
The loss ended Philadelphia’s Cup playoff hopes while Orlando improved to 3-0 atop Group B.
Detroit can match the Magic’s perfect record with a group victory at Boston on Wednesday. – AFP
