Guard Bradley Beal scored a game-high 25 points and forward Trevor Ariza knocked in 22 points as the Washington Wizards took a 102-96 road victory from the No. 1 seed Indiana Pacers in game one of the Eastern Conference semifinals in Indianapolis. Washington now leads the best-of-seven series, 1-0.
Indiana struggled to keep up with the high-scoring Wizards, who outscored the Pacers 56-43 in the first half. Washington led the Pacers back into the game in the third quarter but scored 34 points in the fourth quarter to hold off Indiana for the win.
Beal and Ariza combined for nine three-pointers, more than Indiana’s entire team. Ariza was 6-for-6 from the arc, while Beal made 3-of-5.
Wizards center Marcin Gortat had a double-double of 12 points with a game-high 15 rebounds, and forward Drew Gooden added another double-double of 12 points with 13 rebounds off the bench. Washington had 17 offensive rebounds, 11 more than the Pacers.
Guard John Wall scored 13 points with nine assists; Nene scored 15 points with 6 rebounds.
Paul George and George Hill each scored 18 points for the Pacers. Roy Hibbert continued his playoff struggles, going scoreless and failing to collect any rebounds.
Washington will face the Pacers on the road again in game two on May 7. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.