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Washington Wizards: Washington Wizards snap a five-game losing streak to the Heat with a 102-93 win

By Donnell Coley

MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 15: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat at the American Airlines Arena on November 15, 2017 in Miami Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 15: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat at the American Airlines Arena on November 15, 2017 in Miami Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – NOVEMBER 15: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat at the American Airlines Arena on November 15, 2017 in Miami Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – NOVEMBER 15: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat at the American Airlines Arena on November 15, 2017 in Miami Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Washington Wizards snapped their five-game losing streak against the Miami Heat, with a 102-93 win in South Beach on Wednesday night. That’s four straight victories as the team improves to 9-5.

It’ll take some time but these Washington Wizards, behind leaders John Wall and Bradley Beal, will learn how to shut the door on teams.  Wednesday night was a step in the right direction. The team got out to an early lead. They had a horrendous third quarter and surrendered that lead, then regained composure to close out the win.

Wall finished with a game-high 27 points and Beal was right behind him with 26, including 10 in the fourth quarter. Markieff Morris continued his hot play of late, scoring 15 points before getting ejected in the final quarter after arguing his sixth foul. Otto Porter Jr. tallied another double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds.

Here’s what you need to know about the Wizards fourth-straight win.

Sloppy Third Quarter

The Wizards were an entirely different team coming out of the locker room at halftime. Miami outplayed them in nearly every aspect of the game, especially from deep. Washington left shooters wide open and the home team took advantage, giving the listless crowd something to cheer about.

Heat guard Goran Dragic (21 points) hit three 3’s in the quarter, while fellow backcourt mate Dion Waiters (19 points) hit a pair of his own.

Wizards coach Scott Brooks wasn’t pleased with the team’s effort to start to the half.

“We had a bad third quarter. We gotta take the game,” said Coach Brooks to NBC Sports Washington after the game.

After shooting over 50 percent from the field in the first half, the Wizards made just four field goals on 20 percent shooting. The 10 points were a season-low.

Wall Way

Wall’s 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting led the team to a 61-49 first-half lead.

Wall went into his bag early and dazzled the South Beach crowd with all types of creative moves, including this gem.

Whenever teams see behind-the-back Wall, they know it’s going to be a long night. Though he cooled off a bit in the second half, it was Wall who gave his group a spark when they seemed to be letting another win slip away.

He had accounted for eight (two assists and two points) of the Wizards 10 points in the miserable third quarter.

For his final trick of the night, Wall drove to the cup and completed an and-1 with 19 seconds left in the game.

Wall has no problem showing other guards in the league, especially ones in the Eastern Conference, why he’s special. Those in attendance at American Airlines Arena got to witness this firsthand.

Making Free Throws

The Miami crowd also got to witness why the Wizards are a top-3 team in the conference.

This year’s team has taken great pride in getting to the free throw line. They rank seventh in the NBA in free throws and free throw rate (free throws attempted per field goal attempt), according to basketball reference.

It’s been a clear focus for the team, especially Beal. Though he struggled from the field Wednesday, Beal was a cool 13-of-14 from the line. In the fourth quarter, all 10 of his points were free throws.

Wall was equally impressive and went 7-for-8 from the line.

Washington was 29-31 in free throws and attempted 19 three-pointers. Miami was 16-of-19 from the line and conversely, attempted 30 shots from long distance, making just 13.

This team can win close games when they reach their potential at the foul line. Wednesday proved as much.

These two will battle again on Friday, this time in D.C., as they complete their home-and-home.

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