In the Wizards-Nuggets game, the score was tied with 5.3 seconds left. The Wizards’ post-timeout play originally called for centre Alex Sarr to pass to Jordan Poole, who drove to the basket. However, Poole stepped onto the court, keenly aware of the Nuggets’ defensive intent, he quickly made adjustments.
Poole decisively gave new instructions to Kishon George, who was serving: “Give me the ball, no matter what.” This split-second decision showed Poole’s calm and confidence.
What followed was one of the most exciting moments of the Wizards’ season. George passed the ball to Poole, who, after a dribble, hit a three-pointer 35 feet from the rim against Russell Westbrook’s defence. The ball hit the net with just 1.8 seconds left. Jokic missed his long shot and the Wizards won 126-123.
After the game, the Wizards’ young players were beaming as they chased Poole and eventually Barb Carrington grabbed him and playfully tackled him to the court. This scene fully shows the happy atmosphere and team cohesion within the Wizards.
“One of the pillars we’ve been emphasizing is happiness,” Carrington explains. It was a happy moment. We won the game, hit the buzzer, it felt like a very tough team win.”
The Wizards have been on fire lately, winning six of their last 10 games. The trade deadline additions of veterans Kris Middleton and Marcus Smart provide more support and help for the younger players. Holmes’ ascension to the role of the backup centre also helped.
However, the Wizards’ outperformance could have an impact on their draft picks. The Wizards (15-51) are locked in a tight race with the Utah Jazz (15-52) for the league’s worst record. The Charlotte Hornets (17-49) and New Orleans Pelicans (18-50) are also chasing the No. 1 pick.
For the Wizards, a bottom-three finish at the end of the regular season would give them a shot at the top-four picks in the draft. But Poole and his teammates didn’t care. They believe that as a young team, it is very important for them to perform now.
“It was big for us,” Poole said. “I felt like a lot of our players grew tonight. It sets us up not only for the next game, next week or the end of this season but also for next year. We’re trying to make the playoffs and we need to win big games. It’s very rewarding for our players to see that right now.”
