Washington Wizards Survive Detroit Pistons Comeback, Win 114-108 in Overtime Thriller
By Brian Hradsky | October 11, 2026
The Washington Wizards defeated the Detroit Pistons 114-108 in overtime Saturday night at Capital One Arena, improving to 2-0 in NBA preseason action. Washington built a commanding 20-point lead in the first quarter before watching Detroit erase the deficit and take control late in regulation. However, the Wizards received timely contributions from their young reserves, forcing overtime and securing their second consecutive preseason victory.
NBA PRESEASON • FINAL/OT • OCTOBER 10, 2026
Washington Wizards
2-0 preseason
114
Detroit Pistons
1-1 preseason
108
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WAS | 40 | 16 | 24 | 18 | 16 | 114 |
| DET | 20 | 30 | 28 | 20 | 10 | 108 |
Wizards Dominate Opening Quarter
Washington wasted little time establishing its offensive rhythm, overwhelming Detroit with transition opportunities and aggressive play around the basket. Trae Young and rookie A.J. Dybantsa created opportunities for Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr, while Tre Johnson provided perimeter shooting with three first-quarter 3-pointers. The Wizards scored 19 fast-break points in the opening period and raced to a 40-20 advantage. The explosive start demonstrated the offensive potential of Washington’s revamped roster.
Detroit responded in the second quarter as Washington struggled to maintain its shooting efficiency and went nearly four minutes without scoring. The Pistons outscored the Wizards 30-16 during the period, cutting the deficit to six points by halftime. Dybantsa and Johnson each entered the break with 12 points, while Davis and Kyshawn George contributed 10 apiece. Washington carried a 56-50 lead into the locker room despite losing much of its early momentum.
Trae Young Ejected as Pistons Rally
The third quarter featured one of the game’s most significant developments when Young received an ejection following an altercation with Detroit guard Daniss Jenkins. Young finished with two points and eight assists, but his departure removed Washington’s primary playmaker from the contest. Detroit continued closing the gap, taking advantage of Washington’s inconsistent execution and turnovers. The Wizards held a narrow 80-78 lead entering the fourth quarter.
Detroit eventually completed its comeback, taking a 94-87 advantage with approximately five minutes remaining in regulation. Washington head coach Brian Keefe turned to his reserves, giving younger players an opportunity to compete in meaningful late-game situations. Will Riley, Justin Champagnie and Felix Okpara responded with several important plays, including an unexpected 3-pointer and a powerful dunk from Okpara. Their contributions helped Washington force overtime, where the Wizards outscored Detroit 16-10 to secure the victory.
Young Players Deliver Encouraging Performances
WASHINGTON’S TOP PERFORMERS
Will Riley
15 PTS
4 REB • 3 AST
Tre Johnson
15 PTS
4 three-pointers
A.J. Dybantsa
14 PTS
7 REB • 2 AST
Anthony Davis
10 PTS
11 REB • 2 BLK
Riley and Johnson led Washington with 15 points apiece, providing valuable production off the bench. Johnson connected on four of his six 3-point attempts, reinforcing his reputation as one of Washington’s promising young perimeter shooters. Riley made all eight of his free throws and contributed four rebounds and three assists during his 23 minutes on the floor. Their performances provided an encouraging glimpse of the team’s developing depth.
Dybantsa continued making an impression with 14 points, seven rebounds and two assists while displaying impressive athleticism in transition. George also finished with 14 points, making all eight of his free-throw attempts and blocking three shots. Davis recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds, while Sarr contributed eight points and a blocked shot. The combination of veteran production and emerging young talent gives Washington several interesting lineup possibilities entering the regular season.
Detroit’s Comeback Falls Short
Ebuka Okorie led Detroit with 14 points and six assists, while Duncan Robinson and Jenkins contributed 12 points each. Kevin Huerter added 11 points, connecting on three shots from beyond the arc, and Paul Reed finished with 11 points and nine rebounds. Tolu Smith supplied a strong rebounding performance off the bench, collecting 13 boards, including eight offensive rebounds. Despite the balanced contributions, Detroit could not finish its comeback in overtime.
The Pistons struggled with their overall shooting efficiency, making just 36.8% of their field-goal attempts and 25% from beyond the arc. Detroit compensated by attacking the offensive glass and generating additional scoring opportunities, finishing with 23 offensive rebounds. Washington shot a more efficient 46.5% from the field but committed 29 turnovers, an area that will require considerable improvement. The Pistons forced Washington into mistakes throughout the second half but ultimately failed to capitalize enough to secure the victory.
What’s Next for Washington?
Washington will return to Capital One Arena on Monday, October 12, to face the Brooklyn Nets at 7 p.m. The matchup offers another opportunity for Keefe to evaluate his rotations, develop chemistry and give younger players valuable preseason minutes. The Wizards have demonstrated encouraging offensive potential through their first two preseason victories, but turnovers and stretches of inconsistent defense remain concerns. Continued development from Dybantsa, Johnson and Riley could become one of the team’s most important preseason storylines.
MSB Take
The Wizards might have delivered one of the most entertaining games of the NBA preseason, but the biggest takeaway was not simply the overtime victory. Washington’s young players showed composure after surrendering a 20-point lead, with Riley, Johnson and Okpara helping rescue a game that appeared to be slipping away. Dybantsa also displayed the athleticism and creativity that could make him a major part of the franchise’s future. These are encouraging developments for a team looking to establish a winning foundation.
However, Washington cannot ignore the problems that allowed Detroit to erase such a commanding advantage. Committing 29 turnovers and allowing 23 offensive rebounds would make winning extremely difficult against stronger regular-season competition. Keefe needs to improve his team’s consistency while continuing to develop the chemistry between Young, Davis, Sarr and the younger players. The Wizards have reasons for optimism, but their ability to maintain discipline for an entire game will determine how much progress they make this season.
Sources: ESPN game summary · NBA official game statistics · RealGM box score · Bullets Forever game coverage
