WASHINGTON (AP) — In spectacular style, Jordan Poole introduced the Washington Wizards out of the NBA cellar.
Poole’s 3-pointer with 8.1 seconds left gave Washington the lead, and the Wizards continued to beat the Charlotte Hornets 113-110 Thursday night. The win — and New Orleans’ loss — means Washington now not has the worst file within the league.
Regardless of a 16-game dropping streak firstly of the season, the Wizards (5-23) are forward of the Pelicans (5-26), and they aren’t far behind Toronto (7-24) and Charlotte (7-23). . Since its lengthy skid, Washington has gone 3-5, together with two wins over the Hornets every week aside.
“I all the time felt like I used to be the person of the second and I hit massive photographs on a regular basis,” mentioned Poole, who scored 25 factors. “Thanks to the teaching employees for placing the ball in my fingers and thanks to my teammates for locating me as effectively.”
Poole, 25, is virtually an elder statesman on a Washington group with three rookies — Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington and Kyshawn George — averaging a minimum of 25 minutes per sport.
Sarr had 15 factors – together with a key shot with 14.8 seconds remaining – and three blocks on Thursday.
“We’re studying, we’re attempting to win lots of 3s, however I feel one thing coach emphasizes night time in and night time out is simply counting on our protection,” Poole mentioned. “As a result of we’re such a younger group proper now that we’re nonetheless looking for our id on offense.
The Wizards received regardless of solely trailing 17 factors within the fourth quarter.
“We have been stable defensively,” coach Brian Keefe mentioned. “You may generally win when you do not shoot the ball effectively. Nice effort from our guys.
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