SPORTS INSIDER – Wizards’ playoff hopes dashed as they fall to Pacers, 80-93, in game 6
May 17, 2014Ceci Ferrara
Sports Writer
Sports Insider – Update
Washington did their best to stay alive, but in the end, it wasn’t enough to overcome a Pacers team eager to close out the series.
The Wizards trailed most of the game, and looked flat compared to the aggressive Indiana offense. They trailed by 12 at the half, and by as much as 16 in the third period. Washington was able to cut the deficit to two (71-73) a few minutes into the fourth period, but after the taking a one-point lead on a three-pointer by Bradley Beal, the Wizards made just one field goal over the next seven minutes.
Indiana outscored Washington 20-7 in the final minutes, en route to a 90-83 victory. While the loss was disappointing, the Wizards proved they should be taken seriously.
“A lot of teams respect us now,” John Wall said. “We definitely didn’t want it to end. We didn’t want it to end at home in front of those great fans and it was tough. It was a tough pill to take, but we just keep our heads up.”
With the victory, the Pacers advanced to their second straight Eastern Conference Finals, where they will once again face the Miami Heat. The Heat beat the Pacers in seven last year, and went on to win their second straight championship.
