It wasn't pretty, it wasn't clean, but it is certainly what the Washington Wizards should have expected heading into a road matchup against their Southeast division rival. In a back-and-forth affair, the Wizards sneaked past the Miami Heat, 105-103, to win their sixth straight game and improve their record to 19-6.
With the victory, Washington is tied for their best start in franchise history through the first 25 games of the season.
It was a win that looked like it was never meant to be. With Dwayne Wade leading all scorers with 28 points, the Heat led for majority of the game and went into the fourth quarter with a 79-76 advantage.
The comeback road victory was even more impressive considering Miami was 11-0 heading into the game when they held a lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Heading into the matchup, most were expecting the red-hot Wizards to roll over a depleted Miami team. From tip-off, it was apparent Washington did not have their A-game and would be in for a dogfight.
The Wizards struggled to get their offense in rhythm, shooting 39-79 (49.4%) from the field and an atrocious 3-14 (21.4%) from beyond the arc. It looked like Miami’s night, as they shot 40-75 (53.3%) overall and 9-19 (47.4%) from the three-point line.
When Washington needed their superstar point guard the most, John Wall came through. Wall's MVP-esque season continued, as he recorded his sixteenth double-double of the season, with 20 points and 10 assists. Wall took over in the fourth, scoring 1o of his 20 in the final frame.
With the score tied at 95 and 1:31 left in the game, Paul Pierce tipped in a Bradley Beal shot to give the Wizards a lead they wouldn't relinquish. With Washington clinging to a three-point lead, and the Heat in possession of the ball, Beal stripped Wade to steal and seal the game for Washington.
The gritty win snapped a five game losing streak at the American Airlines Arena for Washington and keeps the Wizards in first place in the Southeast division and second place in the Eastern conference.
Washington heads home for a two game home stand. The Wizards will host the Phoenix Suns and Chicago Bulls before their Christmas day game against the Knicks.