Bradley Beal shook off a sprained ankle to score 28 points, and streaking Washington remained unbeaten in the postseason, knocking off top-seeded Atlanta 104-98 on Sunday in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
It was another gritty performance by the Wizards, who improved to 8-1 on the road in the playoffs over the past two postseasons, including 3-0 this year. They became the first team in NBA history to win four straight Game 1s on the road.
Taking advantage of a week off since their sweep of Toronto, the Wizards wore down the Hawks in the fourth quarter.
DeMarre Carroll had another big game for Atlanta with 24 points, but 21 came in the opening half and he went scoreless over the final quarter.