Locked On Wizards - Daily Podcast On The Washington Wizards Postgame: Will Riley SEIZES Opportunity vs Hawks, Why was he pulled? | Washington Wizards Podcast
Dec 7, 2025
The Wizards faced a tough loss against the Hawks, with a notable fourth-quarter collapse. Will Riley had a standout career night, yet was mysteriously pulled from the game. The hosts debate the implications of C.J. McCollum's heavy usage on young players. Young talents like Justin Champagnie and Bub Carrington showcased their skills in a brief comeback. Coaching decisions and fan frustrations highlight the challenges of roster depth and rotations. Finally, the discussion shifts to possible trade moves for McCollum as the deadline approaches.
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Late Collapse Masks Midgame Resurgence
- The Wizards staged a strong third-quarter comeback but collapsed in the fourth to lose by 15.
- The game reflected the season pattern: promising spurts undone by late collapse and poor early defense.
Paint & Turnovers Created The Deficit
- Washington allowed huge early damage in the paint and on second-chance points which created an uphill battle.
- Fixing offensive turnovers and offensive-rebound disparity was central to the loss.
CJ's Big Night, Bigger Questions
- Ben and Abdullah debated CJ McCollum's role after he finished with 28 points but six turnovers.
- They argued his heavy usage hurts young-player development and the team's cohesion.