Washington Wizards Steal Game One

The Washington Wizards hadn’t made a playoff appearance since 2008 until Sunday and they made it count.  After a strong finish to the Wizards season, the team slid into the five seed and took full advantage rallying by 13 points to capture a 102-93 game one victory.  Washington’s game one win was the first since April of 1986 and should spark the team in the series against the Chicago Bulls.  The Bulls fell to the hands of the Wizards three times during the regular season and so far the matchup appears to favor Washington.

Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Nene, who recently returned from injury, was dominant Sunday night finishing with 24 points and 8 rebounds.  The playoff veteran was dominant in the interior for Washington and also freed up Marcin Gortat, who chipped in 15 points of his own.  The game was extremely balanced across the board as both teams starting five scored in double figures.  John Wall had 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists in his playoff debut and sparked a third quarter run that watched the Wizards overcome a 13 point deficit.

Both teams will take back to the court Tuesday, where Washington will have an excellent opportunity to extend their hot streak against the Bulls and seize a 2-0 series lead.  The series will then shift its attention to the Nation’s capital on Friday and Sunday for games three and four.