Washington WizardsOpen full analysis
Memphis GrizzliesOpen full analysis
The Washington Wizards defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 130–122 on December 20 at FedExForum, surpassing the Vegas total of 233.5 in a back-and-forth contest decided by execution in the second half. Kawhi George and CJ McCollum each scored 28 points for Washington, while Santi Aldama led Memphis with 37 points in a losing effort alongside Jaren Jackson Jr.'s 22. The Wizards shot 47.5 percent from the field and made 17 three-pointers, outrebounding the Grizzlies 54–48 and maintaining a 32–31 assist advantage despite committing 13 turnovers. Memphis struggled defensively with a 125.7 rating and managed just 45 percent shooting with 16 made threes, but the decisive factor came in the third quarter when Washington outscored the home team 42–27 to seize control. Washington's offensive rating of 125.7 proved the difference in a game where the Wizards' balanced scoring depth overwhelmed Memphis's reliance on Aldama's scoring. The victory positions Washington as a serious Eastern Conference contender heading into the final stretch.
