Just one game removed from Bam Adebayo dropping 83 points, claiming the second-highest scoring performance in NBA history, the Washington Wizards took on the Orlando Magic. In a close overtime thriller, the Wizards would move to 16-49, losing their 10th straight game. Even with the rest of the season looking bleak, there are a few positives to take away from losing. A perfect example is the performance of Wizards third-year pro Bilal Coulibaly, who had a career night in the close loss to Orlando.

Wizards Forward Has Career Night In Failing Effort Against Magic

After shooting under 40% for the third time in four games against the Miami Heat, Coulibaly headed into the contest against Orlando needing to build some confidence. Once again, he has seriously struggled offensively this season. The Frenchman’s field goal percentage has dropped to 40.9% while his three-point percentage sits below 30% for a second consecutive season. His lack of improvement on that end of the floor has begun to raise questions about whether or not he should be a part of Washington’s long-term vision.

The questions are certainly there. Can he develop his offensive game further? Can he sustain a consistent level of production? Even with the up-and-down and question-filled season Coulibaly has had to this point, against the Magic, he was the star of the show.

Coulibaly’s Performance

Before the contest, Coulibaly had only scored 20+ points twice this season. In December, he dropped 21 points against the Toronto Raptors on 57.1% shooting. The second was earlier in March, when Coulibaly finished with 23 points in 27 minutes, knocking down a career-high five three-pointers. These are arguably two of the forward’s best games in the NBA, but the Orlando game takes the cake.

In the OT thriller, Coulibaly would drop a career-high 29 points against the league’s 10th-best defensive-rated unit. He picked up the slack of Will Riley and Tre Johnson, who shot a combined 4-21 in the game. The forward would shoot 42.9% from the field and hit another five three-pointers, which included the game-tying three to send the battle to an extra frame. He finished the game with 29 points, five rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block across 37 minutes.

Bilal Coulibaly’s game-tying three was awesome. But his teammates’ reactions might’ve been even better.

1. Look at the shock in Justin Champagnie’s face after Bilal tied it.
2. Trae Young, Alex Sarr and several others mobbed him with such joy.

A really cool moment for Bilal. pic.twitter.com/vGbE9o2S7g

— Greg Finberg (@GregFinberg) March 13, 2026

Underlying Message

Not only was it a special game for the 21-year-old, but it served as a real reminder to fans. Coulibaly is still extremely young and still has lots of potential in the NBA, especially with the Wizards’ core. While people can be critical of the forward (I am), it’s important to note that all players provide different skillsets.

Never give up on a player too early; Coulibaly’s defensive capabilities make him an extraordinary talent. If he can get his consistency down, particularly in the shooting department, the forward has the makings to become a staple of the Wizards’ future.

For Coulibaly, his stagnation in offensive production is just a young player still trying to find his groove in the NBA. Washington doesn’t need him to score much, just effectively. His confidence should be nearing an all-time high, and that is what’s important heading into Washington’s first postseason push since the 2020-21 season.

© Mike Watters-Imagn Images