By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 21:48 EDT, 2 April 2025 | Updated: 21:48 EDT, 2 April 2025
WASHINGTON (AP) - Jordan Poole scored 23 points and the Washington Wizards beat the Sacramento Kings 116-111 Wednesday night to split the season series between the teams.
Bub Carrington and AJ Johnson each added 19 points for the Wizards, who entered Wednesday tied with Utah for the fewest wins in the NBA with 16. Tristan Vukcevic had 17 and Anthony Gill added 10.
DeMar DeRozan scored 20 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter trying to rally the Kings from a 14-point deficit after three quarters. The Kings outscored the Wizards 34-25 in the fourth, but never got closer than 111-109 inside the final minute.
Domantas Sabonis had 18 points and 16 rebounds for the Kings. Keegan Murray and Zach LaVine had 18 apiece.
Kings: They have lost three straight to start a six-game road swing that is their last of the season. The Kings needed this win trying to hold onto a spot for the play-in tournament. Sacramento came in at No. 10 with only two games left against teams either eliminated already or below the Kings in the Western Conference standings.
Wizards: They snapped a three-game skid to improve to 8-30 at home this season, which still is the fewest home wins in the NBA this season.
Washington Wizards guard AJ Johnson (5) dunks the ball as Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Washington, Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
JT Thor made one basket when it mattered most. DeRozan had scored 18 points to pull the Kings to 111-109 with 55.6 seconds left. Thor, called up from the G League earlier Wednesday and playing his 16th game with the Wizards, made a 3-pointer with 40 seconds remaining. DeRozan missed a short layup, and Carrington added two free throws with 28.2 seconds to go.
The Wizards made 17 of 43 3-pointers while the Kings struggled outside the arc, making only 10 of 39.
Sacramento visits Charlotte on Friday night. Washington wraps up a homestand Thursday night agsinst Orlando.
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr (20) shoots the ball over Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Washington, Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (8) goes to the basket for a lay up and is fouled by Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Washington, Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) has his shot blocked by Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Washington, Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) handles the ball against Washington Wizards forward Justin Champagnie during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Washington, Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr (20) shoots the ball over Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Washington, Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Washington Wizards forward Anthony Gill (16) shoots a three point basket as Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Washington, Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan shoots a three point basket as Washington Wizards forward Justin Champagnie (9) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Washington, Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Sacramento Kings guard Markelle Fultz (20) shoots the ball over Washington Wizards forward Tristan Vukcevic (00) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Washington, Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington (8) passes the ball between Sacramento Kings center Jonas Valanciunas (17) and guard Keon Ellis (23) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Washington, Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)