John Wall and Bradley Beal combined for 73 points to lead the Washington Wizards a series-clinching 115-99 victory over the Atlanta Hawks in Game Six of their first round Eastern Conference playoffs series on April 28 in Atlanta.
Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) is defended by Atlanta Hawks forward Kent Bazemore (24) and Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) as he passes in the second half of an NBA playoff basketball game Friday, April 28, 2017, in Atlanta. Washington won 115-99 to clinch the best-of-seven series. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
The victory clinched the best-of-seven series for the Wizards, 4-2, and advanced them to the second round to face the Boston Celtics.
Washington took control of the game in the second quarter, building a double-digit lead. They led the Hawks, 65-46, at halftime and extended their margin to as many as 22 points in the third quarter.
Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal, right, goes up for a basket against Atlanta Hawks forward Taurean Prince (12) in the second half of Game 6 of a first-round NBA playoff basketball series Friday, April 28, 2017, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
But the Hawks didn’t give up easily, and clawed their way back into the game. Washington’s lead was cut to just three points after Atlanta guard Jose Calderon hit a three-pointer with nine minutes left. The Hawks would get no closer, as Wall and Beal put on a show down the stretch to seal the Wizards’ win.
Wall scored a game-high 42 points, including 19 in the fourth quarter. Beal followed with 31 points.
Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris (5) battles Atlanta Hawks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) for a rebound in the second half of Game 6 of a first-round NBA playoff basketball series Friday, April 28, 2017, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Wizards forward Markieff Morris had an outstanding performance for the first time since Game One of the series; he scored 17 points and added eight rebounds.
Paul Millsap led Atlanta with 31 points and 10 rebounds. Dennis Schroder added 26 points with 10 assists for the Hawks.
Next: Washington will face the Boston Celtics in a best-of-seven Second Round Series. Game One is set for Sunday at 1 p.m.
