Wizards Edge Nuggets with Last-Second 3-Pointer by Jordan Poole

DENVER – Jordan Poole sank a three-pointer with just 2.1 seconds on the clock, clinching a 126-123 victory for the Washington Wizards over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night.

Poole concluded the game with 19 points, while Alex Sarr topped the Wizards’ scorecard with a career-high of 34 points, along with six rebounds and five assists.

For the Nuggets, Nikola Jokic shone brightly, amassing 40 points and 13 rebounds.

Poole’s crucial shot with 44.1 seconds remaining put the Wizards ahead 120-119. Although Russell Westbrook managed a layup for Denver, Kyshawn George responded with a three-pointer, reclaiming the lead for Washington.

Jamal Murray’s jumper leveled the score at 123 with just over five seconds left, setting the stage for Poole’s game-winning three-pointer.

During the game, Westbrook achieved a significant milestone, exceeding 26,000 career points. He is now the 21st player and only the second point guard after Oscar Robertson to accomplish this feat.

Takeaways

Wizards: With this victory, Washington’s record improved to 15-51, the lowest number of wins tied in the league. Marcus Smart was unexpectedly absent due to illness.

Nuggets: This game marked the 14th back-to-back for the Nuggets, who triumphed over the Lakers, 131-126, on Friday. The Nuggets poured in 44 points in the first quarter, the highest tally against the Wizards this season.

Key Moment

The score was evenly poised at 95 entering the fourth quarter. Michael Porter Jr. launched a step-back jumper that thrust the Nuggets ahead 105-104 with 8:18 on the clock, igniting a 9-0 run finished by Murray’s three-pointer lifting them to a 112-104 lead. However, the Wizards rallied, leveling again at 116 following Sarr’s three-pointer with 2:13 remaining.

Key Stat

At just 19 years old, Sarr is the youngest player in Wizards’ history to score over 30 points in a game.

Next Up

The Wizards will continue their road trip, facing the Trail Blazers on Monday night.

The Nuggets head out to battle the Warriors on Monday, kicking off a sequence of four consecutive away games.