2. March 1 @ Golden State Warriors
When the Wizards traveled to San Francisco to take on the Golden State Warriors, Beal wasn’t facing much defensive opposition. The former juggernauts of the NBA have been humbled by injury this season, and now own the 25th ranked defensive ratings.
Beal came into this game with 17 consecutive 25+ point performances. One more and he would have sole possession of the franchise record. Against a weak foe, Beal got to work on securing his place in Wizards history early.
By the end of the first quarter, Beal had already exploded for 22 points and needed just three throughout the remainder of the game in order to write his name in the history books. He got that…and more.
Beal’s hot start didn’t lead the Warriors to simply give up though. As the game progressed, the sensational shooting guard saw more and more double teams, forcing the ball out of his hands. And most of the time he made the right decision. Most of the time, that decision went by the name of ‘Davis Bertans.’ The Latvian Laser lived up to his name and drilled seven of eight three-point attempts in the second half.
Bertans finished the game an impressive eight of ten from beyond the arc, but Beal’s efficiency from all over the floor was even more remarkable, and he rivaled Bertans from behind the arc. Oh! And the Wizards won on the road for just the eighth time this season.
Final Score: Wizards 124 – Warriors 110
Beal’s final line: 34 PTS, 2 REB, 8 AST, 5 STL, 1 TOV; 10/24 FG, 7/9 3PT, 7/8 FT
Season Series: 1-1 vs. Golden State