The Denver Nuggets had a bad run over the weekend, suffering their worst loss of the season. washington wizards It ended the NBA's longest losing streak. Washington had lost 16 straight entering Saturday night's game against the Nuggets, and Denver remained the heavy favorite despite missing Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon with injuries.
Nikola Jokic did his part, posting 56 points, 16 rebounds and eight assists. Unfortunately for him, the rest of the Nuggets struggled while Denver's defense was absent, giving the Wizards a rare 122-113 victory. It was Washington's first win since October 30th.
Jordan Poole was a big star for the Wizards, scoring 39 points. In the process, Poole also produced one of the best awful celebrations of any NBA player this season. Either Poole is trying to say, “My game stinks” (a compliment) or he's pantomiming Denver's defense drowning in Poole. Either way, this is interesting. Watch the celebration here:
“The Nuggets are drowning in pool parties” is the funniest read of the celebration, but it seems more likely that he's channeling it. A stinky face like I've seen on other superstar guards before.. At the same time, the hand placement lends some plausibility to the idea that he was going to a “drowning” celebration. Either way, it's great, so read it however you like.
Honestly, this was a terrible setback and poor Christian Braun had no chance to stop it. We've featured Poole many times on this website since he left for the Wizards before last season, and he's a really good scorer even when he's locked in. Denver caught Poole at his best and helped hand him a tough loss.
The Wizards have to be the favorites in the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes at this point, even if it doesn't guarantee the No. 1 overall pick. Washington will lose a lot before this season mercifully ends, but at least they can take their hats off to this win and Poole's cheerful celebration.
