Skip to content

John Wall records 16 assists as Wizards outlast Nuggets in OT

Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports / reuters

The Denver Nuggets are finding new and creative ways to lose.

The Nuggets had two shots to win against the Washington Wizards on Sunday. With the score tied and just 1.4 seconds left in regulation, Kenneth Faried toed the line for two free throws. He promptly missed both, thus allowing the Wizards to emerge victorious in overtime 117-115.

Faried made up for his blunder by blocking the Wizards' attempt at a game-winner which set the stage for overtime, but that led to more tragedy for the Nuggets. 

Trailing by five points late in overtime, Wilson Chandler raced down the floor and sank a pull-up 3-pointer with 3.8 seconds left. Wizards forward Paul Pierce then threw a haphazard inbounds pass straight to Nuggets guard Ty Lawson who was wide open from 13 feet, but he rushed the shot and his game-tying attempt bounced out.

Cardiac #Wizards

The Wizards were paced by point guard John Wall, who poured in 19 points and 16 assists in the win. He was one of four starters to score in double digits, as Washington's starting unit ran roughshod on Denver's lackluster defenders.

Lawson was no slouch himself as he countered with 31 points, 12 assists and 3 steals on 10-of-20 shooting. However, Lawson alone wasn't enough to keep the Nuggets afloat, as they shot just 40.6 percent from the floor. In fact, the only reason why Denver got so far was by shooting 41.4 percent from deep and hitting 21 free throws.

Of note, Wizards backup big Kris Humphries came off the bench to chip in with a double-double effort. Humphries dropped 21 points and 14 rebounds on 9-of-13 shooting. His energy was infectious and his hustle generated second-chance opportunities for Washington.

The win moves Washington a half-game ahead of the Toronto Raptors for second place in the Eastern Conference. The Nuggets now sit eight games below .500.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox