As the NBA continues to chug along towards the postseason, the former Michigan Wolverines in the league continue to produce at a high level. Tim Hardaway Jr.’s Detroit Pistons seemed destined to make the playoffs for the first time in what feels like forever, while Franz Wagner’s Orlando Magic stumble towards the play-in tournament.
This week, we have the honor of highlighting Jordan Poole and the [Washington Wizards](https://www.bulletsforever.com) in a rare highlight for one of the NBA’s worst teams.
### **Poole hits a game-winner from deep**
There’s no doubt the season has been a struggle for the Wizards. Sitting at 15-52, Washington is firmly tanking for the hopes of winning the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes. However, on Saturday night in Denver, Poole provided arguably Washington’s greatest highlight of the season — a game-winning three-pointer with 1.8 seconds left:
Poole and the Wizards stunned playoff-bound Denver at home thanks to his near half-court heave as part of a 19-point effort. His scoring has been down a tad in recent weeks, but it’s corresponded with Washington playing better basketball of late. Winners of two of their last three and four of their last eight, the Wizards could accidentally play themselves out of the top lottery spot.
### **Houstan sets a season-high in scoring**
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope sat out on Friday night in Minnesota, meaning Caleb Houstan had a significant opportunity. In an unusually high 27 minutes, Houstan poured in a season-high 18 points and a career-high four steals. This was the first time he has scored in double-digits since Jan. 9, coincidentally also against the Timberwolves.
Unsurprisingly, all 18 of Houstan’s points came from the perimeter, as he canned six three-pointers. For context as to how surprising of an outburst this was, in the five games prior to Friday night, Houstan had scored 16 points total.
### **Franz Wagner snaps Cleveland’s 16-game winning streak**
The Orlando Magic haven’t played their best basketball for the past few months. However, they’re still likely headed for the play-in tournament. Wagner himself has continued to lead the Magic in scoring, assists and steals while being hyper-efficient.
On Sunday, the Magic snapped the Cavaliers’ 16-game winning streak in a 108-103 victory in Cleveland. Wagner tallied 22 points, eight rebounds, two assists and a steal. He has been a model of consistency this season, as he has scored less than 13 points just twice, with both coming all the way back in October.