The team with the worst record in the NBA ended a 16-game losing streak at the short-handed Nuggets’ expense Saturday.

Here are three takeaways from Denver’s 122-113 loss Friday in Washington:

1. No Jamal Murray and no Aaron Gordon is a problem for the Nuggets, but it shouldn’t have been the difference in Saturday’s game. Murray missed the game with hamstring inflammation, while the calf strain that sidelined Gordon for 10 games resurfaced. Nikola Jokic did his part with a career-high 56 points. He made 22 of 38 shots and 9 of 13 free throws, while adding 16 rebounds, eight assists and a steal in 39 minutes. There just wasn’t enough from the rest of the Nuggets.

2. The discrepancy in 3-point attempts and 3-point makes between the Nuggets and the Cavaliers throughout Thursday’s game in Cleveland was an issue. The math problem continued to stump the Nuggets Saturday in Washington. The Wizards went 16 for 41 from 3-point range, while Denver went 5 for 24. After being outscored by 48 points in Cleveland, Denver got beat by 33 from 3-point range Saturday. Jokic and Strawther were the only Nuggets to hit a 3 in Washington. The rest of the Nuggets went 0 for 14.

3. Some of Jordan Poole’s production was preventable. Some of it wasn’t. The Wizards’ No. 1 option hit a career-high nine 3-pointers on 20 attempts and finished with 39 points. Some of those were difficult, step-back shots from serious distance. Others were the byproduct of lackadaisical defense from the Nuggets. That highlights Denver’s lack of defensive discipline against a weaker opponent. Regardless of who’s available for Denver, a better defensive performance leads to a win.

WIZARDS 122, NUGGETS 113

What happened: The Nuggets trailed by seven points to start the second quarter and fell behind 69-57 at halftime. Denver closed within six points to start the fourth quarter but couldn’t comeback to hand Washington a 17th-consecutive loss. The Nuggets dropped to 11-10 on the season.

What went right: Julian Strawther bounced back with 18 points on 13 shots. He made a couple of 3-pointers on five attempts and both of his free throws. He finished a couple of points shy of a new season-high.

What went wrong: Denver committed 12 turnovers in the first half. Those giveaways led to 14 points for the Wizards. The Nuggets did a better job in the second half, finishing with 15 turnovers for 16 Washington points, but the carelessness helped create the early deficit.

Highlight of the night: The final field goal of Jokic’s career night was a classic Joker bucket. He dribbled the ball into the front court. When a couple of defenders dropped off, Jokic hit his third 3 of the night.

Up next: Denver heads to Atlanta for Sunday’s 4 p.m. start against the Hawks.