Chicago Bull |
Mike Dunleavy was making so many 3-pointers the Washington Wizards overguarded him at the arc and let him drive for a three-point play instead.
The points were coming so easily Bradley Beal guaranteed at halftime Dunleavy wouldn't score again -- and then clobbered the Chicago Bulls veteran during a 3-point attempt during the third quarter. The ball went in anyway, and Dunleavy completed a four-point play.
Dunleavy scored 35 points, one short of his career-high, and Jimmy Butler hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 24 seconds remaining Friday for a 100-97 Game 3 win.
"Coach mentioned some stuff about getting me some more catch-and-shoot situations, and we did that tonight," Dunleavy said. Dunleavy went 12 for 19 from the field, including a career-high eight 3-pointers on 10 attempts.
Not bad for a 33-year-old who was playing in only his 12th playoff game. His teams' records in those games before Friday: 1-10. He had almost become a forgotten man in this series, scoring 20 points combined in the first two games.
Wall added 23 points and seven assists for the Wizards, who will have to wonder whether they'll have Nene for Game 4. "It's a new day, new game, new possessions. After Butler's final 3, the teams traded fouls and free throws over the final two dozen seconds. "We definitely have to play like a desperate team," Ariza said. Game notes
Fans were given red, white or blue T-shirts, and Leonsis did his part by showing up in a blue coat, red sweater and white shirt. Bulls C Joakim Noah got into a confrontation with a Wizards security official during the Bulls' shootaround Friday morning. Washington coach Randy Wittman said his team was to blame.