Washington Wizards: Analyzing Bradley Beal’s Offensive Performance in Game 4

Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal had his most efficient game of the playoffs in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. After shooting 37% in the first three games, Beal shot 69% in Sunday’s smackdown. So how did he do it?

With Washington blowing out Boston in Game 3, the discussion surrounding the poor offensive play of guard Bradley Beal died down. Although he only scored 11 points on 12 shots, the Wizards were able to win by 27 points.

This low point total came after a 4-15 shooting night in Game 2 that saw him score only 14 points, and miss a potential game winning shot.

In Game 3, however, Beal only played 26 minutes because of foul trouble and the difference in score. With his offensive struggles in two straight games there was interest in how Beal would play in Game 4.

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He was still only 9 days removed from a 31 point effort in Game 6 against the Atlanta Hawks, that was overshadowed by an absurd 42 point explosion by John Wall.

On Sunday, Beal showed why he is one of the best shooting guards in the NBA. After the game, Scott Brooks would add that he’s more than simply a great shooter.

"From Washington Post: “He did a good job defending. He’s one of the best defenders in the league. He takes pride in it. He was raised the right way on the basketball court. There’s two ends of the floor, and it’s not always about offense. He’s so gifted offensively and so smooth offensively that you kind of gravitate toward that, but he’s a two-way player.”"

Scott Brooks certainly did not exaggerate about Beal, as he shot 11-16 (69%) from the field, including 3 three pointers. Beal also spent time guarding Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley, and Marcus Smart, who combined for 33 points on 11-30 shooting.

During the regular season he only shot over 60% from the field ten times so we can’t expect this efficiency too often. But when the shot is falling, usually the approach is great.

Beal was assertive on both ends, and played patient on offense, analyzing the defense before making his move. In his first score of the game (see below), he backed down the smaller Thomas, and avoided a double team from Jae Crowder before shooting a leaner in the lane.

Although a 40% three point shooter on the season, Beal is at his best when being aggressive and attacking the basket. That adds another layer that defenders must focus on, helping him to get open off of screens and in transition.

Beal spoke some about the difference in his approach from Games 2 & 3 to 4, saying:

"“Just being more aggressive. I was being real passive in Game 2. I was allowing their defense to kind of affect me a little bit instead of getting where I want to get to and get the shot for our team that we need. It’s just being aggressive, just picking my spots. My teammates do a great job of screening and getting me open.”"

Looking at the box score of Game 2, you can see the passiveness Beal mentions. He attempted nine threes (made one) and six two pointers. He attempted as many two pointers as he had turnovers.

At least two turnovers were on poor passes that occurred after Beal decided not to drive the ball or prematurely picked up his dribble.

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As nine of his 15 shot attempts were three pointers, that gave him a three point attempt rate of 60%. In the 10 postseason games, Beal has attempted 60% of his shots from three in only two games. The other came in Game 4 against Atlanta when he shot 5-14 from three. Washington lost that game by 10.

In Game 4, Beal was more patient in his offensive attack, and focused on getting to the rim. After that initial turnaround against Thomas, Beal’s next two baskets came on off-ball movement for layups. That led to his fourth made shot being a wide open three pointer.

Beal has shown reluctance over the course of the season to post up his defender, but whenever Thomas is guarding him posting or driving should be his initial thought. Similar to the first basket, he had another beautiful jumper against Thomas in the third quarter.

On the below play, Beal had the ball at the top of the key with only 4 seconds left on the shot clock. There were plenty of forced long three pointers in Game 2, from Beal and others. On Sunday though, Beal stayed patient, and drove against the bigger Crowder and past the ferocious Smart.

So much of basketball is a mental game and playing in front of the home crowd certainly helped Beal, as well as the other Wizards. The team is much more confident after two consecutive convincing wins, and Beal should take the last game as evidence that the Celtics can’t cover him.

Before Game 3 Jae Crowder talked about the Celtics’ defensive approach against Beal.

"“We had a lot of different guys guarding him… We’re contesting every jumper that he shoots. Just trying to make it as tough as possible for him because we know he can get it going. Just keep getting different bodies on him, not letting him get open looks and not letting him feel comfortable.”"

The Celtics approach and gameplan didn’t change after successful defensive execution in Game 2. Washington’s execution and mindset did.

Screens were stronger in an effort to free up Beal. He was more aggressive. And shots that he normally would make went in.

Beal had a great regular season (should have been an All-Star), and Game 5 will go a long way towards dictating which team will win the series.

In Boston the officiating will be different (unfortunately), the crowd will be hostile, and Thomas and the role players will play better. That can’t affect Beal’s offensive approach.

Next: How Important Has Mahinmi Been to Wizards?

He’s still the team’s best shooter, a very important scorer, and one who can exploit many of the matchups the Celtics give to him. For Washington to take the 3-2 lead, the Wizards will need to see an aggressive and assertive Bradley Beal in Boston.