The Sports Xchange
Nov 15, 2017
MIAMI -- John Wall provided 27 points and Bradley Beal added 26 to lead the Washington Wizards to a 102-93 victory over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night at AmericanAirlines Arena.
Washington made 29 of 31 from the free throw line, breaking a string of five consecutive losses to Miami. The Heat made 16 of 19 free throws.
Hassan Whiteside had 14 points and 21 rebounds to lead Miami. It was his third 20-plus rebound game of the season. Miami's backcourt of Goran Dragic (21 points) and Dion Waiters (19) led the team in scoring.
Miami trailed 88-86 with 4:51 left, but Washington scored nine of the next 11 points, including six free throws by Beal and a key 3-pointer by Kelly Oubre.
Four of the free throws came in one sequence. Beal was fouled by Waiters on a 3-pointer. Miami's Tyler Johnson argued the call and was hit by a technical. Beal calmly made all four free throws.
The Wizards (9-5) and Heat (6-8) will play a rematch Friday at Capital One Arena in Washington.
Miami, which never led in the first half, got off to a slow start, shooting 35 percent in the first quarter, including 1-of-5 on 3-pointers. Washington took advantage, taking a 30-19 lead after the first quarter. The Wizards stretched their lead to 13 points before settling for a 61-49 halftime advantage.
Washington's outstanding shooting was on display in the first half. The Wizards converted on 52.4 percent of their field goal attempts, including 7-of-9 on 3-pointers, and 10-of-10 on free throws.
Miami woke up in the third period, taking its first lead in the game after a 17-3 run. Miami won the period 25-10 and held a 74-71 lead heading into the fourth. Washington, which shot so well in the first half, made 4 of 19 in the third quarter (21.1 percent).
A 15-3 run in the fourth quarter spurred Washington to victory.
NOTES: Heat F Okaro White (left foot) will have surgery Thursday. There is no timetable for his return. ... The Heat came off a 3-3 road trip and has not had a winning streak longer than two games or a losing streak greater than three contests this season. ... Wizards PG John Wall on Monday received an autographed copy of a book written by New England Patriots star Tom Brady. ... Washington has the No. 1 scoring offense in the Eastern Conference and No. 2 in the NBA. ... In terms of points allowed, Miami has the No. 3 defense in the Eastern Conference.