The Washington Wizards ended a difficult season with a moment of magic on Sunday afternoon, as 19-year-old rookie Bub Carrington banked in a buzzer-beating game-winner to lift Washington over the play-in bound Miami Heat, 119-118.
With five seconds remaining and the Heat clinging to a one-point lead, a critical error by Miami guard Josh Christopher—who received an inbounds pass and then took it into the backcourt—turned the ball over to Washington. The Wizards capitalized immediately. On the ensuing possession, Carrington, calm beyond his years, took the inbounds pass and banked home the dramatic winner as time expired, capping off his 15-point, nine-assist, seven-rebound performance in thrilling fashion.
While the Wizards (18-64) finish with one of the NBA’s worst records, the finale provided hope for the future. Rookie big man Tristan Vukčević delivered a standout performance with 28 points and 11 rebounds, and Justin Champagnie added 27 points. Colby Jones also chipped in with 20 points off the bench, showcasing the depth of Washington’s young core.
Carrington’s game-winner wasn’t his only mark on history. With Sunday’s start, he became the first Wizards rookie to appear in all 82 games of a season since Jeff Ruland in 1981-82. He also joined Luka Dončić as the only players in NBA history to tally at least 300 assists and 100 made 3-pointers before turning 20.
Despite the win, the Wizards close the season having won just two of their final ten games, but head coach Brian Keefe remained optimistic.
“We’ve had a lot of guys, not just our younger guys, grow tremendously this year,” Keefe said postgame. “It’s been a tough season, but today’s game is a reflection of the work they’ve all put in.”
The Heat (46-36), locked into the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference before tipoff, opted to rest key players including Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. Even with a limited rotation, Miami saw a breakout performance from rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr., who poured in a career-high 41 points to go along with 10 rebounds and seven assists. Keshad Johnson and Josh Christopher each added 17 for the Heat, who now turn their focus to the postseason.
Miami now heads into win-or-go-home territory. The Heat will host the No. 9 seed Chicago Bulls in an elimination game on Wednesday. The winner will advance to face either the Atlanta Hawks (No. 8) or Orlando Magic (No. 7) for a chance at the final playoff spot.
As for the Wizards, all eyes shift to the 2025 NBA Draft, where they hold strong odds at landing the No. 1 overall pick—a pivotal opportunity to accelerate their rebuild.
Key Stats:
- Carrington: 15 pts, 9 asts, 7 rebs; first Wizards rookie to play all 82 games since 1981-82
- Vukčević: 28 pts, 11 rebs
- Jaquez Jr.: 41 pts (career-high), 10 rebs, 7 asts
- Champagnie: 27 pts
- Jones: 20 pts
A season finale filled with youthful promise, history-making milestones, and a buzzer-beating finish—Washington may be headed for the lottery, but they ended 2024-25 on a high note.
