The Washington Wizards knew in order to climb out of a 0-2 series hole against the Toronto Raptors, they needed more from its two star players, John Wall and Bradley Beal. Wall had been nothing shy of sensational, averaging 26 points and a playoff career-high 12 assists in the first two games in Toronto. However, Bradley Beal had been non-existent. Playoff Beal was becoming more of a myth than a legend.
Scott Brooks had apologized to Beal for not getting him the best of looks through their offense. And the intent was to get him better looks, making his game easier. From the onset of Friday night’s game, it was clear the Wizards were looking to accomplish that mission. Beal, who entered the game shooting 39.2 percent from the field with a 3-of-11 three-point shooting clip and averaging 14 points per game, doubled his average scoring tally with 28 points to help lead the Wizards to a 122-103 win.
Shooting 10-of-19, Beal was a totally different player from the first two games. After posting a horrid minus-34 plus/minus rating in Game 2, Beal tallied a game-high plus-19 rating in Game 3. He fed off Wall, putting pressure on the Raptors defense to handle the dynamic duo. Beal made more three pointers (4) than he did in the first two games combined (3). He was even trustworthy with the ball in his hands as Wall became active without the ball. Beal leading the set at times were a decoy to free Wall in late possession isolation.
Beal had the type of game that was needed to be a complement and aide to Wall. He felt comfortable and off-ball screens freed him to get more touches. He coupled the touches with aggression that allowed him to score 12 points in the first 11 minutes. Even with Washington falling behind early by as many as nine points, it was imperative that they showed Toronto Beal was able to score and get out of his funk.
That free up Wall’s spacing and allowed the WallStar to do him, breaking down the defense and getting to the cup with the proper spacing. Beal’s newfound shooting also held the Raptors defense honest when the Wizards went to their patented pick-and-roll with Wall and the struggling Marcin Gortat.
The end result, made Wall’s game just as easier as it did Beal’s. Wall led the charge with 28 points and 14 assists on the offensive end. The Raptors had no answer for the backcourt. Shift and crowd Wall and risk Beal shooting their lights out or hold Beal off the wing and let Wall pick apart the one-on-one coverage.
A total of 56 points and 18 assists from the Wizards two star players showed just how good the team can be when all cylinders are clicking. The defense by the two added bonus to their onslaught. Following the outcome of Game 3 and how Washington was able to control the pace and tempo of the game, shifts the pressure back on the favored Raptors. And hopefully, this breakthrough is what Beal needs to re-gain his confidence for the Wizards to turn the tide of the series.
