Wizards snap 16-game losing streak against shorthanded Timberwolves

The Washington Wizards' slide into the history books has been halted, courtesy of the shorthanded Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Wizards, owners of easily the worst record in the NBA, snapped a 16-game losing streak on Saturday with 105-103 win over a Minnesota team that was missing All-Star Anthony Edwards as well as Julius Randle. The streak had tied a franchise record.

It was Washington's first win since Jan. 1.

The Timberwolves nearly avoided the ignominy when the Wizards turned it over on an inbounds play and Nickeil Alexander-Walker shot a would-be game-winning 3-pointer. The shot rimmed out as time expired, giving the Wizards the win.

Kyle Kuzma, he of the "don't be that team" fame, led the way with 31 points and eight rebounds, with all five starters scoring in double figures. Jaden McDaniels led Minnesota in scoring with 23 points.

Even with the streak halted, not much has changed for the Wizards now that their record is merely 7-41. The record for the NBA's longest losing streak remains 28, set by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2015 and matched by the Detroit Pistons last year.

The Wizards entered Saturday ranked dead last in offensive rating. They were also dead last in defensive record. Their leading scorer: Jordan Poole, whose contract remains something of an albatross. Their No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr is shooting 39.7% despite being a big man. Even with veteran reinforcements this season like Malcolm Brogdon and Jonas Valančiūnas, the team looks like it's at the absolute bottom of a rebuilding cycle.

The Wizards are on track to be a major seller at the trade deadline later this month, so it could get even worse in D.C., hopefully before it gets better.