Washington Wizards Three Takeaways: Bradley Beal Seals the Deal against the Bulls
By Sununu Bah
Led by Bradley Beal, the Washington Wizards finished 2017 and the Chicago Bulls, 114-110.
On Christmas day, the Washington Wizards appeared to be headed for a run after beating the Boston Celtics. However, the Atlanta Hawks, dead last in the East, halted them with a resounding win. With another big win, this time against the Houston Rockets, the Wizards made sure not to suffer an additional loss to an under-500 team, as they never gave up and persevered in their win against the Chicago Bulls.
Winners of 10 of their last 12 games, the Bulls had Washington fans anxious about the contest, due to the Wizards pedestrian 9-10 record against and under 500 team. A 12-point first-half deficit did not much to alleviate, instead, further heightened their disappointment.
Much to the credit of their starting backcourt and the promising play of their reserve forwards, Washington reeled their way back for a 114-110 victory over Chicago.
Beal Sealed the Real Deal
Stephen Curry returned on Tuesday and delivered a season-high 10 three-pointers on his way to a 38-point game. Bradley Beal arguably bested the superstar guard’s performance with his near triple double game against the Bulls. The potential first year All-Star knocked down seven from three-point range, and finished the game with 39 points, nine rebounds and nine assists.
From the 6:14 mark of the fourth quarter to the 50-second mark, the fifth-year guard scored 15 Wizards points to keep Washington within striking distance. Four-time All Star John Wall closed the game with a layup and free throws.
Mike Scott continues to spark starters
In the first half, Wizards big men Marcin Gortat, Ian Mahinmi and Markieff Morris struggled mightily. Coach Scott Brooks impressed by Mike Scott’s stellar play in the month of December, decided to plug Scott and Kelly Oubre into the game alongside the trio of Wall, Beal and Otto Porter.
This small ball lineup had only played two minutes together this season, but the confident reserves helped Washington overcome a 12-point deficit, heading into the half only down by four points.
Scott scored eight of 17 points in the second quarter alone. He concluded the night with three 3-pointers, four rebounds and a 63 percent shooting performance.
Wall rebounded with a stellar defensive outing
Wall had one of his worst shooting evenings of the season, even though he had 21 points, with a putrid 30-percent field goal percentage (6-20, 3-7). However, his four blocks almost tied his career-high of five.
In the play below, Wall his posted down in the key against a 6’11” forward Bobby Portis. Portis tried to take advantage of the 6’4″ guard with a quick left hook. But Wall timed the block well and had himself a three on the other end to satisfy superb play.
The Wizards will start the New Year off at home against New York Knicks on Wednesday.