Wizards Open New Year With Dominant Win Over Nets

 The Washington Wizards opened the New Year in impressive fashion, earning a convincing 119–99 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night at Capital One Arena. The win marked Washington’s fourth victory in its last five games and continued a recent stretch of confident, disciplined basketball.

From the opening tip, the Wizards set the tone by controlling the pace and executing efficiently on both ends of the floor. Washington jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter, using crisp ball movement and efficient shooting to put Brooklyn on its heels. That momentum carried into the second quarter, where the Wizards continued to extend their advantage behind balanced scoring and consistent defensive effort.

Justin Champagnie led the way for Washington, finishing with 20 points while providing energy and activity on both ends of the court. His scoring touch and hustle helped keep the Wizards aggressive throughout the night. Alex Sarr followed with 19 points, making his presence felt in the paint and contributing on both offense and defense. Veteran guard CJ McCollum added 17 points, helping guide the offense with poise and timely shot-making.

Washington’s supporting cast also played a key role, with multiple players stepping up to maintain pressure on Brooklyn. The Wizards’ depth and unselfish play made it difficult for the Nets to find consistent defensive answers.

Brooklyn attempted to respond after halftime, showing signs of life in the third quarter, but Washington quickly answered. The Wizards matched each push with timely baskets and strong defensive stops, ensuring the lead remained firmly in their control. In the fourth quarter, Washington continued to build on its advantage, closing out the game comfortably and avoiding any late drama.

By the final buzzer, the Wizards had dictated the tempo across all four quarters, showcasing steady execution and growing confidence. The win not only provided a strong start to the calendar year but also highlighted Washington’s positive momentum as the season progresses.

Credit: Jayson Chong, @jaysonxpo