Wizards Edge Out Nuggets 126-123: Poole's Last-Second Three Seals Victory

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Wizards

126

Final

Today

123

Nuggets

The Washington Wizards secured a thrilling 126-123 victory over the Denver Nuggets on March 15, 2025, at Ball Arena. Jordan Poole's deep 35-foot three-pointer with just 1.8 seconds remaining clinched the win for the Wizards, marking their second triumph over the Nuggets this season.

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Key Performances:

• Washington Wizards:

  • Alex Sarr: The rookie center delivered a standout performance, achieving a career-high 34 points, along with six rebounds and five assists.

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  • Jordan Poole: Contributed 19 points, including the game-winning three-pointer.

  • Kyshawn George: Added 19 points, showcasing his scoring versatility.

  • Justin Champagnie: Recorded a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds.

• Denver Nuggets:

  • Nikola Jokic: Nearly secured a triple-double with an impressive 40 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists.

  • Jamal Murray: Contributed 24 points, seven assists, and four steals.

  • Russell Westbrook: Achieved a double-double with 22 points and 11 assists, surpassing the 26,000 career points milestone.

  • Michael Porter Jr.: Added 20 points and 11 rebounds.

Game Highlights:

The Nuggets started strong, leading 44-30 after the first quarter. However, the Wizards steadily narrowed the gap, culminating in a 95-95 tie at the end of the third quarter. The final minutes were intense, with both teams exchanging leads. Kyshawn George's clutch three-pointer gave the Wizards a 123-121 lead with 10 seconds left, but Jamal Murray's mid-range jumper tied the game at 123. In the closing moments, Poole's deep three-pointer secured the win for Washington.

reuters.com

Team Statistics:

• Field Goal Percentage:

  • Wizards: 48.4%

  • Nuggets: 50.5%

• Three-Point Shooting:

  • Wizards: 19-of-45 (42.2%)

  • Nuggets: 12-of-34 (35.3%)

Implications:

This victory improves the Wizards' record to 15-51, reflecting a recent surge with a 6-4 run over their last ten games. For the Nuggets, the loss brings their record to 43-25, highlighting the need for consistency as they aim to maintain their position in the Western Conference standings.

Looking Ahead:

The Wizards will aim to build on this momentum in their upcoming games, while the Nuggets will seek to rebound and address the defensive lapses that led to this unexpected defeat.

FAQs:

1. How did the Wizards manage to defeat the Nuggets despite their record?

   • The Wizards showcased resilience and capitalized on key performances, notably from Alex Sarr and Jordan Poole, to secure the win.

2. What was Nikola Jokic's contribution in the game?

   • Jokic delivered a stellar performance with 40 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists, though it wasn't enough to secure the win.

3. What does this loss mean for the Nuggets' standings?

   • The loss emphasizes the importance for the Nuggets to maintain consistency as they vie for a top spot in the Western Conference.

Keywords: Washington Wizards, Denver Nuggets, Jordan Poole game-winner, Alex Sarr career-high, NBA game recap

This game serves as a testament to the unpredictability of sports, where determination and key plays can overturn expectations.

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