MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Washington Wizards overcame a 15-point halftime deficit to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 130-122 on Saturday night at FedExForum. Memphis led 68-53 at halftime, but Washington dominated the third quarter with a 42-point period to seize control. Kyshawn George led the Wizards with 28 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Santi Aldama scored a game-high 37 points for the Grizzlies. Washington improved to 5-21. Memphis fell to 13-15. An announced crowd of 15,780 watched the Wizards snap a two-game skid.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Washington Wizards, mired at the bottom of the NBA standings, authored a stunning and resilient comeback Saturday night, erasing a 20-point deficit to stun the Memphis Grizzlies 130-122 at FedExForum. The victory snapped a seven-game losing streak for the Wizards in Memphis, a city where they had not won since Jan. 5, 2018. It improved Washington’s record to 5-21, while Memphis fell to 13-15. For much of the night, the game followed a script that has become familiar for the Wizards this season. Despite a competitive first quarter that ended with Washington trailing 30-25, the team’s defensive struggles resurfaced in the second period. The Grizzlies, led by a dominant first-half performance from forward Santi Aldama, exploded for 38 points. Aldama scored 23 of his game-high 37 points before halftime, propelling Memphis to a 68-53 lead at the intermission. The deficit ballooned to 20 points early in the third quarter after a 3-pointer by Memphis guard Cam Spencer made it 76-56 with 7:08 remaining in the period. At that juncture, with the announced crowd of 15,780 energized, the Wizards’ prospects appeared bleak. The most important part of the game, however, was the breathtaking offensive eruption that followed. Washington outscored Memphis 42-27 in the third quarter, turning the 20-point chasm into a manageable four-point game heading into the final period. The catalyst was the backcourt duo of CJ McCollum and rookie Kyshawn George, who combined for 28 of Washington’s points in the frame. McCollum, the veteran guard from Canton, Ohio, caught fire from beyond the arc, hitting four 3-pointers in the second half on his way to 28 points, six assists and five rebounds. George, the 6-foot-8 forward who was Washington’s top star on the night, matched McCollum’s 28 points while adding seven rebounds and seven assists, orchestrating the offense with poise beyond his years. The Wizards’ surge continued unabated in the fourth quarter. They opened the final period on a 17-6 run to seize their first lead since the first quarter and never relinquished it. George and McCollum continued to hit timely shots, while center Alex Sarr provided crucial interior play. Sarr finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds, including several key defensive stops and a critical 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter that helped seal the victory. Washington’s 42-point third quarter and 35-point fourth quarter showcased an offensive efficiency that has been rare for the team this season. The Wizards shot 58% from the field in the second half, repeatedly answering any attempt by Memphis to stem the tide. Despite the loss, Aldama was magnificent for the Grizzlies, complementing his 37 points with 10 rebounds. Jaren Jackson Jr. added 22 points and eight rebounds, and Spencer tallied 19 points and 11 assists. Memphis, however, could not sustain its early offensive rhythm, scoring only 27 points in each of the final two quarters as Washington tightened its defense. The result defied pregame expectations, as statistical models gave Memphis a 94.3% probability to win, and the Grizzlies were installed as 10-point favorites. The combined score of 252 points also went over the betting total of 235.5. For Washington, the win represents a rare bright spot in a difficult season and provides a measure of momentum as they prepare to host San Antonio on Sunday. Memphis, meanwhile, looks to regroup quickly before a road back-to-back starting Monday in Oklahoma City. The two teams will meet again in Washington on Dec. 28.

Grizzlies Host Struggling Wizards in Saturday Matchup MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Memphis Grizzlies, riding a surge of improved play, will host the league-worst Washington Wizards on Saturday night at FedExForum. The Grizzlies (13-14) have won five of their last seven games, including an impressive 121-103 road victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday and a 116-110 win at Minnesota on Wednesday. They sit just outside the Western Conference play-in picture. Washington (4-20) arrives with the NBA’s worst record but is coming off one of its few bright spots this season—a 108-89 road win over Indiana on Dec. 14. That victory snapped a four-game losing streak. A key matchup will feature two versatile big men. Memphis is led by forward-center Jaren Jackson Jr., who is averaging 24.3 points over his last three games. He posted 28 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks in the win over the Timberwolves. For Washington, forward-center Marvin Bagley III is coming off a dominant performance against the Pacers, recording 23 points and 14 rebounds. Over his last seven games, Bagley has four double-doubles, though his production has been inconsistent. The Grizzlies have found success recently despite a challenging schedule, while the Wizards have struggled with defensive consistency, allowing an average of 124.3 points in their six December games prior to the Indiana win. This game is the first of a home-and-home set between the teams. They will meet again in Washington on Dec. 28. Following Saturday’s contest, Memphis begins a two-game road trip at Oklahoma City on Monday. Washington returns home to face San Antonio on Sunday.