Bub Carrington led with 32 points.
The Washington Wizards lost 109-97 to the Orlando Magic on Thursday night at Capital One Arena.
Tonight’s game was headlined by some strong individual efforts, especially from rookie Bub Carrington, but not enough to overcome a more organized and physical Magic squad. Carrington was electric, pouring in a career-high 32 points on 12-of-18 shooting, including 7-of-10 from deep. He also added 9 rebounds and 7 assists, showing flashes of the star he could become. But even with his breakout performance, Washington couldn’t keep pace late.
Bub Carrington with a career-high 32 points and 7 threes
Also had 9 rebounds and 7 assists against 1 turnover pic.twitter.com/2YXdPEkR9R
— Hoop District (@Hoop_District) April 4, 2025
The game started ugly for the Wizards, who trailed 61-45 at the half. Defensive rotations were slow, and Orlando dominated the glass, finishing with 47 rebounds to Washington’s 38.
The Wizards fought back in the third quarter, cutting the lead to just five heading into the final frame thanks to a more aggressive defensive approach and better ball movement. But as has happened all season, the fourth quarter exposed their inexperience as it often has for much of the 2024-25 NBA season. Orlando closed the game on a 28-21 run, led by Paolo Banchero, who bullied his way to 33 points and 18 boards.
Marcus Smart chipped in 12 points for Washington, and rookie big man Alex Sarr showed flashes with 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists—but also shot just 4-of-16 overall. The Wizards shot a respectable 40 percent from three and 45 percent overall, but they couldn’t match Orlando’s physicality or poise when it mattered. Another game, another learning moment for a young team that keeps searching for consistency.
With just a handful of games left in this rough season, the focus is clearly on development. Nights like this are tough, especially when a performance like Carrington’s gets wasted, but if you’re looking for hope, it’s right there in his stat line.
Washington will take a quick break of sorts with the NCAA Division I men’s basketball Final Four on the horizon. They will play on Sunday on the road against the Boston Celtics. Tip off is at 6 p.m. ET. see you then.