### Wizards' Rookie Bub Carrington Shines with Buzzer-Beater to Conclude Disappointing Season The Washington Wizards concluded their challenging 2025 NBA season with a thrilling victory over the Miami Heat, finishing with a record of 18-64. The highlight of the game was a buzzer-beater by rookie Bub Carrington, who secured a 119-118 win. This dramatic finish not only showcased Carrington's potential but also marked a bittersweet end to a season filled with struggles for the Wizards, who were unable to qualify for the playoffs. The Heat, despite their efforts, ended their season on a heartbreaking note, missing out on the play-in tournament. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Moments and Performances 1. **Game Overview** - The Wizards faced the Heat in their regular-season finale, with both teams looking to end on a high note. - The game was tightly contested, with the lead changing multiple times in the final minutes. 2. **Crucial Performances** - **Bub Carrington**: Scored 15 points and provided 9 assists, including the game-winning shot. - **Tristan Vukcevic**: Led the Wizards with a career-high 28 points and 11 rebounds, marking his first double-double in the NBA. - **Justin Champagnie**: Contributed significantly with 27 points, helping to keep the Wizards competitive throughout the game. 3. **Final Moments** - The Heat, trailing by seven points with four minutes left, mounted a comeback with an 11-0 run. - They took a brief lead at 118-114 before a quick three-pointer from Champagnie narrowed the gap. - A critical turnover by Miami's Josh Christopher allowed the Wizards to regain possession, setting the stage for Carrington's buzzer-beater. ### Statistical Highlights from the Game - **Final Score**: Wizards 119, Heat 118 - **Wizards' Key Players**: - **Tristan Vukcevic**: 28 points, 11 rebounds (9-of-12 FG, 4-of-6 3PT) - **Justin Champagnie**: 27 points (11-of-17 FG) - **Bub Carrington**: 15 points, 9 assists - **Heat's Performance**: Despite a strong finish, they were unable to secure a win, ending their season without a playoff berth. ### Conclusion: A Promising Future for the Wizards The Wizards' victory over the Heat, highlighted by Bub Carrington's clutch performance, offers a glimmer of hope for the future despite a disappointing season overall. 1. **Key Takeaway**: Carrington's game-winner demonstrates his potential as a future star for the Wizards. 2. **Team Dynamics**: The contributions from Vukcevic and Champagnie indicate a developing core that could improve in the coming seasons. 3. **Looking Ahead**: The Wizards will need to build on this momentum as they prepare for the offseason and future drafts to enhance their roster. The thrilling finish to the season may serve as a catalyst for the Wizards as they look to rebuild and return to playoff contention in the upcoming years [https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/04/13/bub-carrington-buzzer-beater-wizards-heat, https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/apr/13/bub-carrington-hits-game-winner-time-expires-lift-wizards-play-bound, https://www.local10.com/sports/2025/04/13/carrington-hits-game-winner-as-time-expires-to-lift-wizards-over-play-in-bound-heat-119-118, https://www.thespec.com/sports/basketball/bub-carrington-hits-game-winner-as-time-expires-to-lift-wizards-past-play-in-bound/article_0bf44284-305e-5936-ac9d-5b0c13239eec.html, https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/bub_carrington_beats_the_buzzer_wizards_top_heat_to_finish_season/s1_17045_42046545].