In a game with great offense, the game-winner started with good defense for Washington.
Kyle Kuzma stripped a driving Isaiah Livers with :23 seconds left in the game, giving the Wizards a chance to break the 117-117 tie and get out with the win. As everyone in the building knew would happen, the Wizards gave the ball to Bradley Beal in isolation, but while the entire arena was focused on his baseline drive and floater, Daniel Gafford got physical and positioned himself on the weak side. When Beal’s shot went long, Gafford was there for the game-winning putback.
GAFF BUZZER-BEATER🚨🚨🚨 pic.twitter.com/lGQVQl0eUH
— NBC Sports Wizards (@NBCSWizards) March 8, 2023
It’s a win against a struggling team (nine straight losses for the Pistons) that the Wizards need as they fight to hold on to a spot in the play-in.
Beal finished the night with 32 points, plus seven boards and seven assists. Kristaps Porzingis had 24 points and Kuzma 23. Jaden Ivey led the Pistons with 26.