On the previous night, during a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers the Washington Wizards bench brought them back into the game. Down 25 points, they fought their way back into it. The second unit plays with a bit more edge and flat out hunger. They set the tone with 58 points in a 107-89 win over the Indiana Pacers, led by Jeff Green's (pictured above) 23 points. Green returned to the second unit with Porter being reinserted into the starting lineup.
After going down early, the Wizards used a 10-0 run in the first quarter to seize control. Bradley Beal scored nine of his game high 25 points during the period, he also had help from Trevor Ariza and Jeff Green as they scored seven points a piece.
Green's imprints were all over the first half, he played all 12 minutes of the second quarter and led Washington during that stretch. The Wizards were able to not only sustain the lead, but extend it to as many as 19 at one point. Beal who averages 37.2 minutes a game (second in the league), got a chance to rest. Playing just 2:40 in the second period, the second unit was responsible for all but two of the 24 points scored in the second, Beal scored the lone two they weren't responsible for.
A quick 8-0 run to start the second half helped Washington extend their lead, this time to as many as 25. Foul trouble did become an issue as both Beal and Ariza picked up their fourth fouls, within a three minute stretch. Bojan Bogdanovic led Indiana with eight points and Aaron Holiday helped spark a mini-run from the Pacers. They cut the lead to 10 at one point, but Chasson Randle drove and found Jordan McRae for an open triple to steady things at 82-69 at the end of three.
Washington continued to score, Beal had eight points in the final frame. Randle scored eight to end up with a career high 13 points, while McRae scored seven points to follow up his 15 point outing the night before with 12 points against Indiana.
As has been the case this season, the Wizards won the battle on the glass and played good defense. When those two things occur, they usually secure the win. Up next the Wizards have a few days off before they host the Milwaukee Bucks.
