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Wizards vs Taipans score, result: Kyle Kuzma leads Washington to comfortable win in NBLxNBA pre-season

Benyam Kidane

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Wizards vs Taipans score, result: Kyle Kuzma leads Washington to comfortable win in NBLxNBA pre-season image

The Washington Wizards got their pre-season off to a winning start, cruising to a comfortable 145-82 victory over the Cairns Taipans in the NBLxNBA series. 

Kyle Kuzma led eight players in double-figure scoring with 22 points on 7-of-10 shooting, while newly-acquired guard Jordan Poole added 18 points on 4-of-8 from the 3-point line. Canadian Eugene Omoruyi put in work off the bench with 16 points and three steals in just 12 minutes. 

It was a tough task for the Taipans, who flew to the US after playing two NBL regular season games in the space of three days leading up to today's matchup, but produced some solid performances from Akoldah Gak, who recorded 17 points and nine rebounds, while Josh Roberts recorded a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double off the bench. 

MORE: Why Trentyn Flowers leaving Louisville to join NBL highlights allure of 'Next Stars' program

The Sporting News tracked all the live updates, highlights and stats from Wizards vs Taipans below.

Wizards vs. Taipans score

Team 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Final
Taipans 23 23 22 14 82
Wizards 44 38 34 29 145

NBL 2023-24 Roster Tracker: Signings, departures, re-signed players and coaches for every team

Wizards vs Taipans updates, highlights

(All times AEDT)

BOX SCORE: Taipans vs. Wizards

FINAL: Wizards 145, Taipans 82

12:25 p.m. — That's a wrap from Capitol One Arena as the Wizards cruise to a 63-point win over the Taipans. 

12:10 p.m. — Taran Armstrong turning defence into offence with his third steal of the game, to go with his eight assists and four points.  

12:09 p.m. — Gak with the nice cut to the basket and finishes through contact. He's got a team-high 17 points and nine rebounds. 

12:07 p.m. — Xavier Cooks cleans up at the rim for his first bucket of the game to extend the lead to 120-68.

End of third quarter: 116, Taipans 68

11:59 a.m. — Delon Wright weaves his way into the key and gets the floater to go. Wizards lead 104-66.

11:47 a.m. — Aussie Xavier Cooks checks into the game for his first minutes for the Wizards. They lead 101-59.

11:42 a.m. — Bobi Klintman shows off his playmaking skills with the nice dime to Akoldah Gak for the jam. Wizards lead 97-59.

The Swedish Next Star has plenty of eyes on him this season, with 25 NBA scouts in the house to see the 6-10 forward against NBA competition.  

11:35 a.m. — Despite their big lead, the Wizards begin the third with their starting lineup of Jones, Poole, Coulibaly, Kuzma and Gafford. 

Half-time: Wizards 82, Taipans 46

The Wizards go into the half with a 36-point lead. Kyle Kyzma leads four players in double figures with 16 points on 5-of-8 shooting. 

11:13 a.m. — Injury update: Wizards forward Anthony Gill exits the game and will not return after suffering a hamstring injury. 

11:01 a.m. — Coulibaly has been doing a great job making extra plays and fighting for loose balls tonight. He hauls in the offensive rebound and puts it back in to end the Wizards' dought from the field, going without a field goal for over four minutes. Wizards lead 65-37.

0:48 a.m. — Patrick Miller takes it right to the rim and finishes through contact. He leads the Taipans with seven points and four rebounds. 

End of first quarter: Wizards 44, Taipans 23

The Wizards take a 21-point lead into the first break, thanks to their lights out shooting, connecting on 71 percent from the field.

10:41 a.m. — The defense continues to make the difference for the Wizards as they make it six blocks and five steals in the first quarter.

10:29 a.m. — Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole lead the way for the Wizards with 10 points apiece. This duo is sure to get plenty of buckets this season. 

10:28 a.m. — Bilal Coulibaly gets his first points in a Wizards uniform, getting the steal and racing out for the wide-open jam. Wizards lead 27-14.

10:24 a.m. — Kuzma finds Gafford for the emphatic alley-oop flush!

10:22 a.m. — The Wizards defense has been locked in early in this one as Daniel Gafford blocks the 3-point attempt. Wizards lead 21-7.

10:20 a.m. — McCall with the dime, Roberts with the slam!

10:18 a.m. — A fast start for the Wizards as they race out to a 13-0 lead on 100 percent shooting. Timeout Taipans.

Jordan Poole looks right at home in a DC jersey!

Pre-game

10:05 a.m. — The Taipans will start with Patrick Miller, Tahjere Mccall,  Bul Kuol, Lat Mayen, Akoldah Gak, 

10:00 a.m. — The Wizards will start with Tyus Jones Jordan Poole, Bilal Coulibaly, Kyle Kuzma, and Daniel Gafford

What channel is Wizards vs Taipans on?

  • Date: Tuesday, Oct. 11
  • TV channel: Kayo Sports
  • Live stream: NBA League Pass 

Wizards vs Taipains will air on Kayo Sports in Australia. The game will also be available to stream on NBA League Pass.

Wizards vs. Taipans start time

  • Date: Tuesday, Oct. 11
  • Time: 10:00 a.m. AEDT

Wizards vs Taipans is sings is scheduled to tip off around 10:00 a.m. AEDT on Tuesday, Oct. 11. The game will be played at Capitol One Arena in Washington D.C.

2023 NBLxNBA preseason schedule

2023 NBLxNBA preseason schedule
Date Game Location
Oct. 11 Taipans at Wizards Capital One Arena
Oct. 11 Breakers at Trail Blazers Moda Center
Oct. 16 Taipans at Raptors Scotiabank Arena
Oct. 17 Breakers at Jazz Vivint Arena

Benyam Kidane

Benyam Kidane Photo

Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor and has been covering the league for The Sporting News since 2016. In his spare time you can find him watching Allen Iverson highlights on repeat.