Bradley Beal scored a career-high 53 points this evening but it would be all for naught as the Wizards fall to Chicago, 126-117 on Sunday evening. Zach LaVine and Coby White both eclipsed the 30-point mark for Chicago who snapped a three-game losing streak as the Bulls captured the season series between these two teams.

After a nice start to the game for Washington, things came to a screeching halt once Coby White checked in. The rookie caught fire for 16 first quarter points to erase the Wizards lead as Chicago led 35-31 after the first quarter.

Things started to fall apart for Washington in the second quarter are their turnover issues and defensive problems started to rear their ugly heads. Chicago was able to capitalize on the Wizards’ miscues as they scored a season-high 73 first half points and led 73-58 at halftime.

Things got bad for Washington and quickly as they quickly found themselves in a 25-point hole midway through the third quarter. The Wizards wouldn’t roll over though. A 17-5 run highlighted by back-to-back three-pointers from Davis Bertans trimmed the lead to single digits, 90-81 to put Washington within striking distance.

Unfortunately for the Wizards, that would be the closest they’d get as the Bulls would keep them at bay the rest of the evening and would cruise to a 126-117 win despite the 53-point explosion from Bradley Beal.

Game Notes

Bradley Beal doesn’t get much scoring help from his teammates

Bradley Beal was outstanding on the offensive end tonight for Washington. Beal scored a career-high 53 points on 15-27 shooting and knocked down five three-pointers in the contest. Brad has often been criticized as of late for playing too much hero ball (which is legitimate) but tonight had no other option as there wasn’t another consistent scoring threat for the Wizards.

Rui Hachimura looked like he might be in for a big night after scoring eight points in the first quarter, scored just two the rest of the night. Davis Bertans scored 22 points on the evening but did most of his damage in the second half and was a non-factor for most of the first half.

You’re not going to win many games when only four players score in double figures and Beal needed a lot more help from his teammates if the Wizards were going to pull this one out.

A lost opportunity

Washington entered the All-Star break in the 9th position in the Eastern Conference and just three games out of the 8-seed. Winner of five of their last seven games entering the break, Washington was on a bit of a roll.

The chances of the Wizards making the postseason was slim to begin with but if they wanted to make that goal a reality, they had to take care of Cleveland and this Chicago team - both of which are behind Washington in the standings.

The loss drops the Wizards to 20-35 on the season and was a cold hard reminder of the rebuild taking place. All the optimism from the Washington’s hot finish to the All-Star break is gone as the Wizards were served a slice of humble pie for the second time in three days.

Up Next: Things don’t get any easier for the Wizards as the Milwaukee Bucks head to D.C. tomorrow night.