Story By: Sol Tucker
Photos By: Sol Tucker
Washington, D.C–
Coming into the game this afternoon, Bradley Beal knew that it would be an emotional return to the place he called home for 11 years, what he didn’t know was that he was going to have a breakout game with 43 points and lead his Suns to a 140-112 blowout victory over the Wizards.
Beal received a video tribute and standing ovation during player introductions before the game. What did he do after that? Just drop 26 points in the first half like it was no big deal. He just knew how to get up the shots.
After the game he was asked about the game and how he was able to have a breakout game today in his return.
“I guess I know this gym a little bit,” Beal said.
Washington had a huge hole to dig out of going into the second half, trailing 79-58 at halftime.
The Suns shot a blistering 69 percent from the field in the first half. They finished the game at 61.4 percent, with Beal going 16 of 21.
Beal’s continued his run with a layup early in the third quarter prompted a quick timeout by Washington, just 54 seconds into the half. The lead reached 32 early in the fourth. This is when the Suns sent most of their bench in to finish the game and Beal could take the rest of the evening off.
The Wizards only shining light in this game came from Deni Avdija, who tied a season-high with 24 points while Eugene Omoruyi scored 16 points and 10 rebounds in the place of an injured Marvin Bagley III.
The Wizards also did not have Kyle Kuzma available today due to a shoulder injury.
Washington will have a couple of days off before they face another hot team in Cleveland on Wednesday night.
