It took until the final 30 seconds of overtime on Tuesday night, but the Washington Wizards took Game 2 from the Chicago Bulls in stunning fashion, 101-99.
NBA playoffs 2014, Wizards vs. Bulls final score: Washington survives Chicago in OT
Bradley Beal shines for Washington as the Wizards take the first two games in Chicago.
Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Washington jumped out to an early lead in the first half, taking a seven-point lead into the third quarter. Bradley Beal led the way for the Wizards, as the smooth-stroking shooting guard tallied up a game-high 26 points by the end of the night.
Chicago turned things around in the third period, allowing Washington to score just 14 points compared to their own 26. Things tightened up in the fourth, with Beal taking center stage in the final three minutes. The teams were tied, 91-91, in the final possession, but an aimless play after a timeout saw Beal taking an ill-advised fadeaway jumper from the right corner that forced the game to overtime.
In the extra period, the Bulls ran out of gas and couldn't convert down the stretch. Myriad turnovers, blocks and bricked jumpers put the Wizards on top, with Nene leading the way for Washington on offense. The Wizards tried to give up the lead late, but Kirk Hinrich bricked two free throws down the stretch and Washington eventually stole a second game from Chicago on their home court, 101-99.
Chicago was led by D.J. Augustin off the bench with 25 points on 10-of-22 shooting, adding seven assists, two rebounds and a steal. Joakim Noah had 20 points and 12 rebounds, with three assists and two blocks. Taj Gibson added 22 points and 10 rebounds.
For Washington, Bradley Beal dropped 26 points on 9-of-20 shooting, adding seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. Nene had 17 points on 8-of-13 shooting, with seven rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block. John Wall had 16 points and seven assists.
Game 3 will be 8 p.m. ET Friday in Washington on ESPN. The Wizards lead the series, 2-0.
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