NFL
By: Courtney Byrd
The Washington Wizards opened the 2026–27 season with a four-game stretch. It offered an early look at both the team’s potential and the work still ahead. Washington finished 2–2, beating the Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls before falling to the Toronto Raptors and Charlotte Hornets. Anthony Davis and Trae Young built a strong foundation, while Kyshawn George and Tre Johnson showed they could make important contributions. The Wizards also had to navigate the absence of top pick AJ Dybantsa, who missed the opening games with an ankle injury.
Washington started the season with a statement, defeating Milwaukee 128–116. Davis led the way with 34 points and 12 rebounds. He made an immediate impact in his regular-season debut with the Wizards. Young added 20 points and 13 assists, keeping the offense moving and creating opportunities for his teammates. Kyshawn George chipped in 18 points, and Bilal Coulibaly added 11. The Bucks stayed within reach. However, Washington’s scoring and the Davis–Young connection gave the Wizards enough to take control and open the season with a win.
The Wizards couldn’t carry that momentum into their next game, falling 112–102 to Toronto. Young again led the offense with 22 points and 12 assists. Yet, Washington struggled to get consistent production from its starters. Davis was held to nine points, and George finished with 11. Tre Johnson offered a needed spark off the bench, scoring 20 points in 26 minutes. His performance gave Washington a bright spot in a difficult loss and made a case for continued opportunities as the rotation takes shape.
Washington responded against Chicago, winning 124–120 in a close, high-scoring game. Young led the Wizards with 25 points and nine assists, while George scored 22. Davis added 19 points, and Alex Sarr contributed 10. Champagnie was especially active on the glass, grabbing 14 rebounds and adding 11 points. The Wizards held off the Bulls late. However, balanced scoring and board effort helped them secure their second win of the young season.
The week ended with a 110–103 loss to Charlotte. Davis delivered another strong performance, recording 29 points and 10 rebounds, while Young added 22 points and 10 assists. George scored 20, and Sarr contributed 12. Washington stayed close enough to make a late push, cutting the deficit to three, but the Hornets held on. Charlotte’s Brandon Miller scored 39 points, and the Wizards struggled to contain the Hornets on the glass, giving up 20 offensive rebounds. Champagnie also left the game in the first quarter with a right foot injury after playing just four minutes.
Over four games, Washington showed it can score when Davis and Young work together. Young’s playmaking has created looks throughout the lineup, while Davis has already given the Wizards a reliable inside scoring option. George’s production has been another positive, and Johnson’s 20-point performance against Toronto showed the scoring punch he can bring off the bench.
The Wizards still have clear areas to address. The losses to Toronto and Charlotte showed how quickly the offense can stall when Washington doesn’t get consistent contributions across the lineup. The Hornets game also underscored the importance of rebounding and limiting second chances. With Dybantsa still working back from his ankle injury and Champagnie’s status now a concern, Washington’s depth will be tested early.
A 2–2 start gives the Wizards something to build on. The wins over Milwaukee and Chicago showed the team can finish competitive games, while the losses highlighted where it needs to improve. As the season continues, the focus will be on keeping the Davis–Young pairing productive, getting more consistency from the supporting cast, and tightening up the rebounding.
