Kyle Kuzma Scores 22 Points but Struggles with Air Balls in Wizards' Preseason Win Over Raptors

The Washington Wizards squared off against the Toronto Raptors in an NBA preseason showdown Friday night in the nation's capital, and while the game didn’t exactly affect the standings, it sure gave fans a lot to talk about. One of the standout players was Kyle Kuzma, who dropped 22 points in just 27 minutes. Kuzma, heading into his eighth NBA season, seems to be stepping into a larger role in Washington, and it’s clear he’s been given the ultimate green light. But with that freedom comes a lot of room for, well, both highlights and lowlights.

Kuzma’s performance was something of a mixed bag. Sure, he led the Wizards in scoring, but it wasn’t the cleanest night. He went 7-for-17 from the field, a solid stat line for most, but here’s where it gets interesting. Out of his 17 shots, a whopping 11 of them were from beyond the arc. Now, if you’re thinking that’s a high volume of three-point attempts, you’re right. And it seems Kuzma was letting it fly with zero hesitation. He managed to sink just three of those 11 attempts. But here’s the kicker: among the misses, there were a few that were particularly memorable for all the wrong reasons.

We’re talking air balls, and not just one or two. Kuzma threw up four air balls in the first half alone. Yes, you read that right. Three of those were from three-point range, and one—brace yourself—was from the free throw line. Now, if you’re an NBA fan, you know that free throws are supposed to be the easiest shots in the game. Kuzma, a career 73% free throw shooter, might want to forget that moment. Free throws are one thing, but to air ball one in an NBA game, even if it’s just a preseason match, is a tough pill to swallow.

The thing about preseason games is that they don’t count toward regular-season records, so players have the freedom to experiment, test out new moves, and get a feel for the upcoming season. That’s the good news for Kuzma and the Wizards. But the bad news? In today’s social media-driven world, nothing goes unnoticed. All four of those air balls were caught on video, and you can bet fans and trolls alike will have their say online.

But before we get too carried away with the air ball drama, let’s take a step back and remember the bigger picture here. Kyle Kuzma isn’t just some random player chucking up bad shots. This is a guy who averaged 22.2 points per game for Washington last season, leading the team in scoring. He’s capable of big performances, and the Wizards are clearly banking on him to be one of their primary offensive weapons this season. Every player has off nights, and if there’s any time to shake off the rust and work through some kinks, it’s during the preseason.

While the air balls were undoubtedly a rough look, especially the free throw miss, it’s important to consider the context. Kuzma is coming into his own in Washington, and the team has made it clear that they want him to be a focal point of the offense. Giving a player like Kuzma the green light means he’s going to take a lot of shots, and not every shot is going to fall. The key for him will be finding consistency and refining his shot selection as the regular season gets underway.

Let’s break down some key takeaways from this game and why fans should keep an eye on Kuzma this season:

1. High Volume Shooting: Kuzma took 17 shots, with 11 of those being three-pointers. This kind of volume suggests that the Wizards are trusting him to be a primary offensive option. He’s clearly not afraid to shoot, which can be both a blessing and a curse.

2. Four Air Balls: While air balls are never ideal, it’s worth noting that Kuzma was taking a lot of long-range shots. Three of the four air balls were from deep, so it’s not like he was missing easy layups. However, the free throw air ball will likely be a moment he’d rather forget.

3. Preseason Doesn’t Count: The beauty of preseason games is that the outcome doesn’t matter. This is the time for players to experiment, make mistakes, and get into game shape. Kuzma has the freedom to take risks right now, and that’s exactly what he did.

4. Leadership Role: Heading into his eighth NBA season, Kuzma is no longer the young guy trying to prove himself. He’s now a veteran on a young Wizards team, and they’re looking to him for leadership, both on and off the court. Nights like this are part of that process.

5. Room for Improvement: Despite the shaky shooting, Kuzma’s overall game is still strong. He led the team in scoring during the game, and his ability to create shots for himself and others will be crucial for the Wizards this season. The air balls are a temporary hiccup, but Kuzma has the skills to bounce back.

Now, let’s talk about the Wizards as a team. Last season wasn’t exactly one to remember—they finished with the second-worst record in the NBA. But this year, things could look a bit different. With Kuzma leading the charge, alongside some other key players, Washington will be looking to surprise some people. It’s not going to be an easy road, but if Kuzma can find his rhythm and the team can gel, they might just exceed expectations.

Of course, there’s still a lot to work on. The Wizards need to tighten up their defense, improve their shot selection, and figure out how to close out games. But with Kuzma’s scoring ability and his willingness to take on a bigger role, there’s reason for optimism. The key will be for him to take what he’s learning in the preseason and apply it when the games start to count.

In the end, Kuzma’s performance in this preseason game is a microcosm of what we can expect this season: flashes of brilliance, moments of frustration, and everything in between. It’s going to be a rollercoaster ride, but one thing’s for sure—Kyle Kuzma and the Washington Wizards will be worth watching this year. Whether it’s for the highlight-reel plays or the head-scratching moments, they’re sure to keep fans entertained. And at the end of the day, that’s what basketball is all about.