Story By: Sol Tucker
Photos By: Sol Tucker
Washington, D.C–
During quite a few minutes of the third and fourth quarters of tonight’s rematch with the Heat, it looked like it would be a repeat of the game just two nights ago in Miami, that was until Beal and his crew took over the final 5 minutes of the game in route to a 103-100 victory.
This game came down to two series of key free throws by Kyle Kuzma, who had an off night from the floor and had just 2 points prior to his two trips to the free throw line.
One thing that was noticeable in this game that did not exist in many of the previous seasons for the Wizards when down by doubt digits… the ability to come back. Tonight they were down by 16, which more than likely would have secured another loss for the Wizards, but the push by Beal and few key turnovers by the Heat allowed the Wizards to get the game to single digits with over 5 minutes remaining.
The fourth quarter featured the Wizards going on a 19-6 run and it eventually became the pivotal point in the final outcome of the game. Miami stayed close until the 1:43 mark in the fourth and had the game tied at 96. This is when Spencer Dinwiddie would hit a three-pointer to give the Wizards the lead over Miami, 96-93.
Miami would make one more run behind Jimmy Butler at the 1 minute mark and close to three at 99-96, but the two trips to the line sealed the deal for the Wizards at 103-100.
As for Miami, Butler led the way with 29 points, Tyler Herro, who was injured in the match-up earlier this week scored 20 points off the bench. P.J. Tucker and Bam Adebeyo combined for 29 points. The Heat struggled from three-point range only making 7 of their 27 attempts.
Washington moves up to 7-1 at home and 11-5 overall only half a game behind the Nets in the Eastern Conference.
The Wizards will make another trip back to Miami in early December and it looks like they will be battling for position as long as each team stays healthy going into the New Year.
Monday night will feature a rematch with the Hornets, who took advantage of some Wizards mistakes for a victory inb Charlotte this past Wednesday night.
