This was one of those series that should have caught the attention of the national media. The upstart Washington Wizards taking on a good Chicago Bulls team that had a ton of success during the regular year without their super star Derek Rose.
It was also a series that many believed the winner would likely end up in the Eastern Conference Finals, especially with the erratic play of the No. 1 seed Indiana Pacers atop the conference.
By virtue of its 101-99 victory against the Bulls in Chicago, Washington now possesses a 2-0 series lead heading home for two games starting Friday night. Down by five heading into the final quarter, the Wizards were able to overcome a 10-point deficit with just under seven minutes remaining to force overtime. Bradley Beal scored nine of his 26 points in those final seven minutes, including two big three-point shots. He did miss a game-winning jumper as time expired, but the young man showed his worth down the stretch.
"We still underdogs" – An emotional @John_Wall exits after Game 2 OT win (VIDEO): http://t.co/ji4ARIDrrJ #dcRising pic.twitter.com/mIbpiOaMg4
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) April 23, 2014
Beal and his backcourt partner in crime John Wall combined for 42 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists and five steals in the game. It was, however, Chicago’s 2-of-9 shooting from the field in overtime that sealed its fait. One of the most improved players in the NBA, Joakim Noah, put up another solid effort for the Bulls, tallying 20 points and 12 rebounds. Big man Carlos Boozer failed big time in an effort to supplement Noah’s production in the frontcourt. He made just 2-of-6 from the field for five points in just 21 minutes of play. Boozer is averaging just eight points per game thus far in this series.
Fortunately for the Bulls, who find themselves in a rather big 2-0 hole heading to Washington, they finished the regular season with an above .500 record on the road and will be taking on a Wizards that finished just 22-19 at home. In order to gain momentum and make a series out of this, Chicago will have to win both in Washington. If not, we could be looking at the upstart Wizards making a trip to the conference semifinals.
Photo: Mike Dinovo, USA Today