After another frustrating performance, the Washington Wizards held a players-only meeting following their loss, a move that signaled the locker room’s growing urgency and desire to reset the season’s direction. Coach Brian Keefe was adamant that the team did not respond well to adversity.
However, before the meeting took place, the Wizards’ showed flashes of what this group can become.
Kyshawn George Delivers a Breakout Performance
Rookie forward Kyshawn George turned in the most complete performance of his young career, finishing with a team-leading 29 points (9-16 FG, 5-10 3PT), six rebounds, and five assists in 32 minutes. It marked his first career 25/5/5 game and added to a rapidly growing résumé:
- 4 games with 20+ points this season
- 10+ points in 10 of 12 appearances
- A career-high 12 first-quarter points, his strongest opening frame to date
George also continues to evolve as a consistent perimeter threat, hitting multiple threes in eight games, including three of his last four.
His play stood out in a game that ultimately slipped away, and it set the stage for his candid reflection after the players-only meeting.
“We’ve been stagnant for the past couple of games, and our goal is to actually get better and build something,” George told Double Take Sports. “So just being able to speak to each other with no filter, I think that will eventually help us go in the right direction.”
CJ McCollum Adds Steady Veteran Presence
CJ McCollum added 17 points, three assists, two steals, and multiple made threes for the fifth straight game. He has now scored 10+ points in nine games this season and continues to provide much-needed stability on both ends of the floor.
But McCollum’s value extends beyond numbers. After the players-only meeting, he gave a clear and honest assessment of why the conversation needed to happen.
“It’s helpful, just being able to talk through things we’re seeing out there,” McCollum said. “Coaches can only do so much. We’re out there playing, so we have to be on the same accord and understand what’s going well, what’s going wrong, and how we can fix it.”
It was the kind of veteran message this young roster needs to hear and embrace.
Coulibaly and Middleton Offer Quiet Stability
Bilal Coulibaly continues to prove his versatility, finishing with six points, four assists, three rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. It marked his ninth career game with multiple steals and blocks and his fourth game in five appearances with at least one steal. This was Coulibaly’s first game back after injury.
Khris Middleton added 14 points, five rebounds, two assists, and a steal, his third straight game with at least one takeaway, helping keep Washington within reach during key stretches.
Why the Players-Only Meeting Mattered
The meeting wasn’t about calling people out. It was about bringing the team together to establish accountability, reset expectations, and create an environment where players can speak freely.
For the Wizards, who have dealt with late-game breakdowns, inconsistent energy, and stretches of stagnation, the meeting arrived at the right time.
McCollum’s emphasis on being “on the same accord,” paired with George’s call for “no-filter conversations,” signals a unified message from veterans and rookies alike.
Tonight’s game versus the Timberwolves will be the first indicator of whether the team’s internal conversations lead to improved execution, communication, and consistency.
It’s not about perfection, it’s about direction.
A career night from a rising rookie, leadership from a proven scorer, and honesty behind closed doors may be the combination Washington needs to finally turn the corner.