Stunning Upset: Wizards Sweep Nuggets with Buzzer-Beater
In a shocking turn of events, the Denver Nuggets suffered a jarring 126-123 defeat against the Washington wizards on Sunday, marking a season sweep by one of the NBA’s struggling teams.Jordan Poole’s improbable 35-foot three-pointer with just 1.8 seconds remaining sealed the win for Washington, overshadowing Nikola Jokic’s impressive 40-point performance.
Nuggets Stumble Against Wizards Despite Jokic’s Heroics
The loss underscores a troubling inconsistency for the Nuggets (43-25), who, in the same week, secured a dominant road victory against the Western Conference’s top team but faltered at home against the Eastern Conference’s bottom dweller.
Poole’s Late-Game Heroics Sink Sluggish Nuggets Defense
Poole’s game-winning shot, his defensive assignment, and the Nuggets’ overall defensive effort came under scrutiny. Coach Michael Malone suggested a more aggressive defense on Poole might have altered the outcome, but acknowledged the shot’s difficulty nonetheless.
Defensive Lapses Prove Costly for Denver
“If you can just get one stop tonight, you win the game,” said Malone, highlighting the team’s inability to secure crucial defensive plays in the closing moments. Five lead changes occurred in the final two minutes, with Kyshawn George’s wide-open three-pointer giving Washington a momentary lead before Jamal Murray tied the game, setting the stage for Poole’s heroics.
Murray’s Resilience Not Enough to Secure Victory
Murray, who appeared to injure his ankle in the fourth quarter, quickly returned to the game and contributed 24 points, six rebounds, seven assists and four steals. Russell westbrook added 22 points and 11 assists, with the Nuggets racking up 40 assists as a team.
Nuggets Face Challenging Road Trip After Disappointing loss
The loss drops the Nuggets into a tie with Memphis and Houston in the Western Conference standings. All five Wizards starters scored in double figures, led by Alex Sarr with 32 points. Denver now embarks on a demanding four-game road trip, beginning with a game against the Golden State Warriors.
Here are two PAA-related questions based on the provided text:
Stunning Upset: Wizards Sweep Nuggets wiht Buzzer-Beater – Q&A
Q: What exactly happened in the game?
A: The Washington Wizards, considered an underdog, shockingly defeated the denver Nuggets 126-123, completing a season sweep.The game was sealed by Jordan Poole’s incredible 35-foot buzzer-beater.
Q: How did Nikola Jokic perform?
A: Despite the loss, Nikola Jokic had a stellar performance, scoring 40 points. This highlights the overall team’s defensive struggles.
Q: What’s the meaning of the loss for the nuggets?
A: The loss is concerning as it shows inconsistency for the Nuggets (43-25). They previously had a strong win against a top Western Conference team, contrasting with this defeat against a bottom Eastern Conference team.
Q: Why was Jordan Poole’s shot so critical?
A: Poole’s game-winning shot exposed defensive weaknesses in the Nuggets. Coach Malone suggested a more aggressive defence might have prevented the shot, but acknowledged its difficulty.
Q: How did Jamal Murray play?
A: Despite what appeared to be an ankle injury in the fourth quarter, Jamal Murray returned and contributed 24 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 steals. Russell Westbrook added 22 points and 11 assists, and the Nuggets had a total of 40 assists as a team.
Q: What are the Nuggets’ next steps?
A: The loss puts the nuggets in a tie with Memphis and Houston in the Western Conference standings. Denver now faces a challenging four-game road trip,starting with the Golden State Warriors. This trip is crucial for improving their standing.
Q: Interesting Trivia
A: This was the first time in the season that the Wizards have swept a team. All five wizards starters scored in double figures, led by Alex Sarr with an impressive 32 points.
Actionable Advice: Keep an eye on the Nuggets’ defensive adjustments during their road trip, especially concerning Poole’s type of shot.
This stunning upset highlights the unpredictable nature of the NBA. Follow the Nuggets on their upcoming road trip to see if they can rebound from this disappointing loss!
