Beal and Westbrook shine as Wizards win fourth straight
The Washington Wizards have won four games in a row. Washington came into Portland to face a red-hot Trail Blazer team that had won six in a row. Washington came in and took their winning streak to a new level.
Russel Westbrook had one of his best games so far in a Wizards uniform notching his eight triple double this season. Westbrook finished with 27 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds. An overall terrific game for the Wizards guard. The New Wizards duo of Beal and Westbrook had a combined 64 points leading them to a huge victory.
Wizards coach Scott Brooks is hopeful Westbrook is starting to play like the player he believes he can be. “He’s going to have more games like this,” Brooks said. “The guy is a championship player. How he prepares, how he talks to our guys, he gets them to be ready. His voice was loud in that first quarter. That’s what you want your leaders to do.” Brooks predicted a major turn around for this team and Westbrook’s play is essential to the Wizards success.
Portland’s star Lillard filled it up with 35 but wasn’t very efficient shooting 10/30 from the field. Portland came into the game confident but knew Washington was capable of doing some damage to a good team.
Portland came out strong and jumped out to an early lead which they held for most of the first half. Washington kept it a two-possession game through the first three quarters. This allowed Washington to make a late fourth-quarter run knocking down multiple three-pointers to take the lead. Beal once again showed why he’s a starter in the All-Star game this season. Beal finished with 37 points and made multiple clutch shots down the stretch to put the Wizards in front.
Davis Bertans followed his career night with a very quiet night. However, Bertans knocked down two three pointers late in the fourth quarter to give Washington the lead. “We didn’t make a lot of 3s,” Brooks said. “We made them when they counted.”
The Wizards defense in recent games has been much better. Holding a terrific offensive Blazer team to only 111 points is exactly what the Wizards need to win games. The offensive talent is there for Washington, the defense needs to keep their foot on the gas. Washington is getting hot when they desperately needed it most. The Wizards continue their road trip against the defending champion Lakers on Monday.
