DENVER -- The Washington Wizards recorded a thrilling 126-123 victory over the Denver Nuggets on March 15, 2025, thanks to Jordan Poole's clutch three-pointer with just 2.1 seconds left on the clock. This marked another tough match for the Wizards, who improved their season record to 15-51, tying for the fewest wins in the league.
Poole had a solid night overall, contributing 19 points to the win. The standout player for the Wizards was Alex Sarr, who scored a career-high 34 points, added six rebounds, and distributed five assists. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic shone for the Nuggets with 40 points and 13 rebounds but couldn’t steer his team to victory.
The game was packed with drama. After Poole's impressive jumper eased the Wizards to a 120-119 lead with just 44.1 seconds remaining, Russell Westbrook's layup swung the momentum back to Denver. But the Wizards were quick to respond; Kyshawn George hit a pivotal three-pointer to regain the lead for Washington. Jamal Murray tied the game at 123 with 5.1 seconds left, setting the stage for Poole's last-minute heroics.
Westbrook’s contribution to the game went beyond just scoring, as he also made history during the contest. With his 22 points, he became the fifth guard in NBA history to surpass 26,000 career points, joining legends like Oscar Robertson and others. His performance stood out, comprising four rebounds, 11 assists, and one steal, showing he still possesses the ability to impact the game significantly.
This was the 14th back-to-back game for the Nuggets, who had recently defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 131-126 the night before. Despite the loss, they sit at 43-25 for the season, currently ranked third in the Western Conference and showing signs of a competitive season, having gone 5-5 over their last ten games.
Michael Porter Jr. had impactful moments as well, contributing to the Nuggets' efforts with timely shots. He made a step-back jumper to give the Nuggets the lead at 105-104 with 8:18 left, initiating what seemed like it would be a strong finish for Denver until the Wizards pushed back.
Wizards head coach was particularly pleased with the resilience exhibited by his young team, praising 19-year-old Sarr for his impressive performance. Since he is now the youngest player in Wizards history to have scored over 30 points in a game, his future looks promising.
The Wizards are set to take on the Portland Trail Blazers on March 17, 2025, as they continue their road trip. Meanwhile, the Nuggets will be heading toward their next challenge against the Golden State Warriors, hoping to bounce back quickly from this narrow defeat.
This match highlighted the highs and lows of NBA action, showcasing both individual accomplishments, like Westbrook's milestone, and team dynamics, illustrating how even the underdogs can clinch victory through teamwork and determination.