Wizards Fall to Pacers, Clinch Key Draft Position

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Washington Wizards fought valiantly but ultimately succumbed to the Indiana Pacers 104-98 on Tuesday night, marking their 62nd loss of the season and dropping their record to 17-62.

Washington started strong, making 12 of their first 18 attempts and building a 14-point lead by the end of the first quarter. Rookie Alex Sarr emerged as a standout, scoring 16 points in the opening frame and finishing the game with 20 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and three blocks.

Despite Washington’s early dominance, the Pacers rallied in the second quarter, led by Pascal Siakam, who helped tie the game at 48-48 by halftime.

The Wizards reestablished their lead in the second half, initiating an 11-0 run that propelled them back into a double-digit advantage. However, Indiana’s relentless effort brought them back within one point as the third quarter concluded.

A key highlight of the night occurred when rookie Bub Carrington executed a sleek behind-the-back move to evade Tyrese Haliburton and then stepped back to drain a 3-pointer, showcasing his potential.

Throughout the game, Washington’s defense kept Indiana’s scoring in check, holding them to just 72 points through three quarters. Despite maintaining a lead for much of the night, the Wizards were hampered by strategic decisions in the fourth quarter.

Head Coach Brian Keefe opted for a “tank mode” approach, resting key player Jordan Poole and sidelining rookies Sarr and Kyshawn George late in the game. This left the door open for Indiana, who capitalized with a late surge fueled by a pair of three-pointers from Haliburton, eventually sealing their comeback victory.

This loss secures Washington’s position among the league’s bottom teams, giving them a 14% chance of claiming the No. 1 overall draft pick. Their odds for landing a top-four pick are as follows: No. 1: 14.0%, No. 2: 13.4%, No. 3: 12.7%, and No. 4: 12.0%. Additionally, they have also clinched a top-seven selection for the upcoming NBA Draft.