Washington continued its hot streak in the 2014 postseason, getting 22 points from Trevor Ariza and 13 points and nine assists from John Wall to post a 102-96 win at top seed Indiana Monday night in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The Wizards took control early, bolting out to a 10-2 lead in the first five minutes and leading by 13, at 28-15, at the end of the first quarter.
Washington led 58-45 at the half, and withstood a late rally by the Pacers that got Indiana as close as five at 98-93 on a long three by Paul George with 22 seconds left.
The Wiz went 8-for-8 from the line in the final 36 seconds to seal the game and take home-court advantage from the Pacers, who limped into the second round with a Game 7 win at home over #8 seed Atlanta on Saturday.
Washington shot 41.7 percent from the floor, including a blistering 62.5 percent (10-of-16) from three-point range, and outrebounded the Pacers 53-36.
Indiana got 18 points apiece from Paul George and George Hill. Starting center Roy Hibbert, in a prolonged slump dating back to March, was 0-for-2 with no points, no rebounds, two blocks and five fouls in 18 minutes.
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