Kingston Flemings First NBA Start Delivers Instant Spark After Veteran Gesture

Kingston Flemings delivered an immediate spark in his first NBA start as the Atlanta Hawks beat the Washington Wizards 120-105 on Wednesday night. The 19-year-old rookie point guard, selected eighth overall in the 2026 NBA Draft out of Houston, scored 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting in 23 minutes, adding three rebounds and four assists. He hit a three-pointer on Atlanta’s first possession and used his speed to pressure Washington’s defense. The promotion reportedly followed a veteran push from CJ McCollum, who approached coach Quin Snyder before tip-off. McCollum accepted a bench role, scoring 15 points in 25 minutes, while Flemings’ composure was praised by Snyder.