Denver, CO – March 15, 2025
In a thrilling encounter at Ball Arena, the Washington Wizards secured a 126-123 victory over the Denver Nuggets, with Jordan Poole hitting a decisive three-pointer with just 2.1 seconds remaining.
Game Highlights
- First Quarter: The Nuggets started strong, leading 44-30.
- Second Quarter: The Wizards narrowed the gap, with the halftime score at 72-63 in favor of Denver.
- Third Quarter: Washington continued their momentum, reducing the deficit to 95-96.
- Fourth Quarter: A back-and-forth battle ensued, culminating in Poole’s game-winning shot.
Key Performances
- Washington Wizards:
- Alex Sarr: Achieved a career-high 34 points, along with six rebounds and five assists.
- Jordan Poole: Contributed 19 points, including the crucial late-game three-pointer.
- Kyshawn George: Added 19 points, showcasing his shooting prowess.
- Justin Champagnie: Recorded a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds.
- Denver Nuggets:
- Nikola Jokic: Led all scorers with 40 points and grabbed 13 rebounds.
- Jamal Murray: Contributed 24 points, maintaining offensive pressure.
- Russell Westbrook: Added 22 points and dished out 11 assists.
Decisive Moments
In the final minute, Poole’s jumper gave the Wizards a 120-119 lead. Westbrook responded with a layup, but George’s three-pointer reclaimed the advantage for Washington. Murray’s jumper tied the game at 123 with 5.1 seconds left, setting the stage for Poole’s game-winning shot.
Implications
This victory allows the Wizards to complete a season sweep over the Nuggets, despite holding the worst record in the Eastern Conference. For Denver, the loss complicates their pursuit of the second seed in the Western Conference, now sharing a 43-25 record with the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies.
