Washington Wizards regained control of its first round NBA playoff series, defeating Atlanta Hawks 103-99 on Wednesday riding on a 27-point performance by Bradley Beal.
John Wall delivered 20 points and 14 assists as the fourth-seeded Wizards lead the best-of-seven Eastern Conference series 3-2.
In the later game, Boston Celtics used a fourth-quarter run to defeat Chicago Bulls 109-97 and take a 3-2 lead in their series.
Otto Porter scored 17 points and sank nine of 10 free throws for Wizards, who offset another poor shooting night from the three-point line by making 22 of 27 free throws.
Hawks, who won games three and four at home by an average margin of 14 points, host game six on Sunday.
Wizards are seeking to become the first road team to win a game this series.
Dennis Schroder had 29 points and 11 assists for the fifth-seeded Hawks.
Paul Millsap finished with 21 points and 11 rebounds and Tim Hardaway scored 15 points for Hawks, who shot 41 per cent from the field and 14 of 21 from the free-throw line.
Wizards’ game plan was to double-team Millsap, who still managed to score at least 19 points for the fifth straight game.
Schroder’s fifth three-pointer cut Wizards’ lead to 101-99 with 70 seconds remaining, but Wall answered with a jump shot on Washington’s next possession. Hawks missed their final two attempts from the field.
The results :
Eastern Conference : Washington Wizards 103 bt Atlanta Hawks 99; Boston Celtics 108 bt Chicago Bulls 97.
