Wiz of Awes
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Washington Wizards Quarterly Breakdown: Wizards Drop Another Road Game To Indiana Pacers

By Jen Julie Smith

Dec 19, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Thaddeus Young (21) goes to shake hands after the game with Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Washington 107-105. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Thaddeus Young (21) goes to shake hands after the game with Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Washington 107-105. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Wizards were unable to close out the Indiana Pacers on Monday night, continuing their season-long troubles on the road.

After coming off a strong Sunday win against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Washington Wizards headed to Indiana for a Monday matchup against the Indiana Pacers.

With all of the momentum on their side, the Wizards had an opportunity to capture an elusive road victory against an underachieving Pacers team that many expected to compete for a top spot in the Eastern Conference.

Despite an early hot start, the Wizards had trouble maintaining a double-digit lead and it quickly disappeared.

First quarter

Bradley Beal knocked down the first basket of the game, came back to hit a 3-point shot and then Otto Porter hit a three of his own. Shortly after, John Wall hit an open jump shot.

Porter was fouled by Thaddeus Young, putting the Wizards up by 11 points early.

Both Wall and Beal found Gortat inside, who finished a pick-and-roll play with a dunk.

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Washington gained a 7 point lead with just over 5 minutes remaining in the quarter.

Washington extended their lead to 10 after Wall made two free throws.

C.J. Miles would give the Pacers a much-needed boost, finishing a three point play after being fouled by Jason Smith.

Andrew Nicholson and Daniel Ochefu both got early minutes as Smith picked up three fouls in the first quarter.

Washington Wizards end the quarter leading 36-29.

Washington had shot 61 percent while the Pacers shot 36.

Wall and Beal had 10 points apiece, and Porter with 5.

Indiana shot 13 free throws, while the Wizards only shot 5.

Second quarter

Scott Brooks opens the quarter with his second unit, who manage to squander a lead within minutes.

Paul George and Myles Turner both knock down shots from the perimeter, cutting the Washington Wizards’ lead to 2 points.

Washington began to turn the ball over as Trey Burke travels and Gortat is unable to handle a pass.

Jeff Teague makes a pair of layups – one to tie the game at 47 and another to give the Pacers a 2 point advantage.

With less than 30 seconds left in the half, Oubre fouls George on a 3-point attempt. George, a 92 percent free throw shooter, makes all three of his shots.

The game is knotted at 57 to end the half.

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Third quarter

The starters check back in, but Beal picks up his fourth foul. Washington still manages to gain a 4 point lead.

Indiana starts to find a rhythm from deep, as George and Young drill shots from deep.

Following the made baskets, the Pacers gained a 4 point lead with over 6 minutes remaining in the quarter.

At this point, Washington’s offense began to stagnate and Indiana starts to flow, with George leading the way.

With just over a minute left, Kelly Oubre fouls Teague, who makes both of his free throws, giving Indiana a 7 point lead.

Indiana ends the quarter leading 88-79.

Teague totals 19 points, scoring 11 points in the third quarter.

Fourth quarter

Porter hits a timely 3-point shot after being fouled, completing a 4-point play.

This game begins to look a lot like many of the Washington Wizards’ other close losses. They start trading baskets and are unable to get a crucial stop.

Teague hits a jumper, which is followed by George’s long three. It gave the Pacers a 6 point lead with 4 minutes left in the game.

Wall does his best to keep Washington in it with Beal struggling, making a long two and a reverse layup after being fouled.

Wall turned it over on an errant pass. Pacers hit ball out of bounds, but the refs still give it to the Pacers. The play is not reviewable because there’s more than 2 minutes left in the quarter.

Wall then airballs his three but Porter is there to grab the rebound. Officials review Wall’s shot and find that the ball hit the rim, adding 2 seconds on the clock.

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Turner fouls out of the game after he hacks Beal, putting his team in the penalty.

Beal makes both free throws, cutting the Pacers’ lead to two.

Beal then made what appeared to be a 3-point shot, but when reviewed by the refs, was actually called a two.

Young hits a tough shot over Markieff Morris, putting the Pacers up by two.

With nine-tenths of a second left to play, Beal has a clean look from the corner but misses his 3-point shot.

Pacers win it, 107-105.

Post game note:

Ultimately, Beal’s foul trouble hurt the Washington Wizards down the stretch.

He wasn’t able to find a rhythm and the Wizards’ offense suffered. Even if he was struggling, having him on the floor would’ve made a tremendous difference.

Next: Wall, Beal Are Both Taking The Leap This Season

Washington will have an opportunity to redeem themselves on the road on Wednesday night against the Chicago Bulls.

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