The Washington Wizards pulled off a stunning 126-123 upset over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night, powered by a career-high 34 points from rookie Alex Sarr.
Jordan Poole sealed the victory with a clutch three-pointer with 2.1 seconds left, finishing with 19 points. The win snapped Washington’s losing streak and marked just their 15th victory of the season, keeping them tied for the fewest wins in the league.
Nikola Jokic dominated for Denver, recording 40 points and 13 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to fend off the Wizards’ late surge. Jamal Murray added 24 points, and Russell Westbrook chipped in 22 while surpassing 26,000 career points, becoming only the second point guard in NBA history to reach the milestone.
The game was tightly contested, with the score tied at 95 entering the fourth quarter. Denver went on a 9-0 run early in the final period, but Washington clawed back. Sarr drained a three-pointer to tie the game at 116 with 2:13 remaining, setting up a thrilling finish.
Poole put the Wizards ahead 120-119 with 44.1 seconds left, but Westbrook answered with a layup. Rookie Kyshawn George then nailed a three-pointer, only for Murray to tie it again at 123 with 5.1 seconds left. On the ensuing possession, Poole delivered the decisive blow from beyond the arc.
Denver, playing the second night of a back-to-back after defeating the Lakers on Friday, started strong with a 44-point first quarter but struggled defensively down the stretch. The Wizards shot 42.2% from three-point range and capitalized on key stops late in the game.
Sarr, at 19 years old, became the youngest player in franchise history to score at least 30 points in a game. The French center showcased his full offensive arsenal, shooting 12-of-28 from the field, including five three-pointers, while also contributing six rebounds and five assists.
Washington was without Marcus Smart, who was a late scratch due to illness. Meanwhile, Denver missed Aaron Gordon, who remained sidelined with an injury.
