Washington beats up on the Pacers and secures a playoff berth

Washington, DC- The Washington Wizards finished off the Indiana Pacers 142-115.

In a do or die situation, the Wizards stepped up their intensity in the first half against the Pacers. For a team not known for their defense, the Wizards were making life miserable for Indiana. They were getting after shots and closing out on open shooters. At one point in the half, the Wizards held the Pacers to shooting 33% from the field.

Russell Westbrook stamped his name on the court in the first half. He was effective on both sides of the floor and put his team in good position to get quality shots. Westbrook finished the half with 15 points, 9 assists, 9 rebounds, and helped his team build a double digit lead against the Pacers. At the end of the break, the Wizards had a 66-52 lead.

In the second half, the Wizards took it to the Pacers and blew the game wide open. The game was pretty much finished mid-way in the third quarter, as the Wizards went up 25 and was pouring it on on the confused and non-existent defense of the Pacers. The Wizards finished off the Pacers in dominate fashion. The Wizards will face the 76ers in the first round of the playoffs.

Westbrook finished with 18 points, 15 assists, and 8 rebounds.

Bradley Beal finished with 25 points, 4 assists, and rebounds