Poole Hits Big Three-Pointer To Lift Wizards Over Hornets (12-26-24)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: Washington WizardsÂ
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Washington Wizards defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 113-110, yesterday evening at Capital One Arena. Washington (5-23) has now won the first two of four meetings between the Southeast foes. Charlotte (7-23) has lost its past six contests.
The Wizards amassed a comfortable 21-point lead in the second quarter, but ultimately let the Hornets climb back into the contest. Charlotte went on a 19-4 run in the fourth quarter that gave them a 106-100 lead with 4:33 left in the game. Vasilieje Milcic hit back-to-back 3-pointers, followed by Tidjane Salaun, Brandon Miller, and Miles Bridges each hitting one themselves on the run.
Washington regained the lead by scoring the next seven points with a little under two-and-a-half minutes remaining.
The key turning point came when rookie second-overall pick Alex Sarr was called for a loose ball foul with 38 seconds, which Washington tried to challenge but was unsuccessful sending forward Josh Green to the free-throw line for a pair of free-throws. With the Hornets up one, Green had a chance to make it a three-point game but missed both attempts at the line.
Washington gained possession and a deep 27-foot stepback three-point attempt by Jordan Poole missed the mark. But Malcolm Brogdon stole the ball on the rebound by Moussa Diabate and had a layup attempt roll just out of the basket that was tipped in by Sarr.
On the inbound possession for the Hornets, Lamello Ball drove the lane and found the big man Mark Williams for the slam on a lob pass at the basket, giving them a one-point lead with 12.3 on the clock.
Jordan Poole returned the favor receiving an inbound pass at the top of the key, shooting a stepback three over the outstretched hands of Green who fell into Poole after he released the ball.
Miller missed a three on Charlotte’s ensuing possession, and Ball couldn’t find the net on a putback attempt. Justin Champagnie sealed the deal by hitting a free throw and missing the second to leave no chance for the Hornets.
Poole led the Wizards with 25 points and five 3-pointers. Bilal Coulibaly continued his strong play as of late finishing with 20 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
Ball had 31 points, and Bridges had a monster double-double with 22 and 14 rebounds.
The Wizards scored 24 points off 18 turnovers committed by the Hornets.
Up Next
Washington begins a back-to-back homestand against the Knicks starting Saturday evening.
Charlotte returns home to host the Thunder at 6 p.m. on Saturday.
