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Wizards nearly throw game, beat Nuggets in OT

In today's Wake-Up Call, we recap last night's overtime win in Denver. Also, John Wall is amazing and Marcin Gortat is continuing to become an afterthought in the team's offense.

Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

1. Wizards outlast Nuggets, win 117-115 in OT

Just when you thought you'd seen it all from this Wizards franchise, Paul Pierce -- yes, 17-year veteran Paul Pierce -- goes ahead and makes a boneheaded rookie mistake. Luckily for Washington, it didn't bite them in the you-know-what, as Ty Lawson missed his jumper that would have tied the game with less than a second remaining in overtime, after stealing Pierce's inbounds pass.

John Wall was superb once again with 19 points and 16 assists, with a major helping hand from Kris Humphries, who had himself 21 points and 14 rebounds.

To the recaps!

Bullets Forever

The Washington Post

Comcast SportsNet

Wiz of Awes

2. Questionable calls

Unlike the past two games in which the Wizards squandered double-digit leads late to lose, Washington pulled away from Denver in the clutch (though they tried their hardest to give it away) and came away with a victory on the second night of a back-to-back. This time, it was the Wizards who got the benefit of some referee miscues -- according to Nuggets coach Brian Shaw, that is.

3. John Wall: the man, the myth, the legend

Right when you start to know Wall's tendencies and go-to moves, he decides to switch things up and make you do a double-take. That's what happened last night when a routine pick-and-roll with Marcin Gortat turned into a highlight reel pass for one of his 16 assists on the night.

4. Gortat is not a primary offensive option

It was something he desired greatly dating back to last season. Gortat wanted to be a primary option in this team's offense. He showed that he was deserving of more touches last season but he hasn't looked the same this season. His touches are down, his shot attempts are decreasing, and, so far, his confidence looks to be dwindling as well.

5. Hear from the team

John Wall

Kris Humphries

Paul Pierce

Randy Wittman