Playoff Recap: Wizards light it up and Clippers destroy the Thunder
John Wall and Trevor Ariza were electric in the first quarter coming off a five day rest allowing Washington to take a 28-15 lead in their game 1 semi-final game against the Pacers.
In the quarter Wall had six points, five assists and two very impressive blocked shots.
Ariza had 12 points on 4-5 shooting and also held Paul George to 2-7 from the field. This match-up should be fun to watch throughout the series considering Ariza has the length to bother George's shot.
Indiana as a team shot 5-23 in the quarter.
The Pacers woke up in the second going on a 9-0 run on 4-4 shooting to start the quarter.
The Wizards countered by dominating the rest of the half and leading 56-43 at the intermission.
Washington as a team had eight blocked shots and Ariza led all scorers with 17 on 5-5 from distance.
The third quarter it looked as though the Wizards were going to cruise to an easy victory until they went ice cold from the floor allowing Indiana to cut the lead to six after a 10-0 run.
Drew Gooden hit one of two free throws to end the quarter and Washington led by 7 going into the fourth.
The Pacers made a couple of runs but second year guard Bradley Beal was too much for Indiana with 14 in the quarter as the Wizards came away with a 102-96 win.
For the game Washington shot 10-16 from 3.
Roy Hibbert and Ian Mahinmi both had zero rebounds in a combined 30 minutes for the Pacers.
Game 1: Clippers vs. Thunder
Chris Paul went 5-5 from deep for 17 in first quarter setting the tone for a 69 point half and ultimately a 122-105 Clipper thrashing of the Thunder.
Paul finished the game with 32 on 8-9 from three in just 28 minutes.
Game 2 takes place Wednesday night in OKC.
For more playoff coverage follow Clint on Twitter @ClintCorey
