WASHINGTON (AP) — Bradley Beal’s leaning bank shot with 7.4 seconds remaining gave Washington a 102-100 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Friday night in its first home game since the star guard signed his massive new contract to stay with the Wizards.
Washington blew a 17-point third-quarter lead in its home opener, but with the game tied at 100 and the shot clock running down, Beal’s shot off the glass dropped through to give the Wizards the lead. Following a timeout, DeMar DeRozan’s 3-pointer was just off the mark for Chicago.
DeRozan had 32 points to lead all scorers, and the Bulls nearly won their second straight game to start the season without Zach LaVine. DeRozan scored 37 in the opener against Miami.
Instead, it was Washington that improved to 2-0. Kyle Kuzma scored 26 points and Beal added 19.
The Wizards won 10 of their first 13 games under new coach Wes Unseld Jr. last season, but they ended up missing the playoffs after Beal’s season ended early because of wrist issues. He decided to return to Washington on a new five-year max contract.
The Bulls are still trying to manage LaVine’s left knee, which needed surgery in May. This was the first game of a back-to-back for Chicago, and the All-Star guard is expected to make his season debut in the back half against Cleveland.
Washington led 56-50 at halftime, and then Kuzma started the third quarter with a couple quick 3s. Beal hustled back to block a layup attempt by Ayo Dosunmu, and that defensive play led to a 3-pointer by Deni Avdija that made it 65-50.
MOVING THE BALL
Beal had eight assists, increasing his career total to 2,715. He passed Rod Strickland (2,712) for third in franchise history.
TIP-INS
Bulls: In addition to LaVine, Chicago was without Lonzo Ball (left knee). … Chicago went 27 of 33 on free throws while limiting the Wizards to only 11 attempts.
Wizards: Washington was without Corey Kispert (sprained left ankle) and Vernon Carey (concussion). … The Wizards shot 51.3% from the field but had 17 turnovers.
UP NEXT
Bulls: Host Cleveland on Saturday night.
Wizards: At Cleveland on Sunday night.
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