Wizards lose Beal to protocols, Westbrook to quad injury
Rich Dubroff | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years AGO
WASHINGTON (AP) — Wizards guard Bradley Beal was a late scratch for a game Saturday against Miami due to the NBA's health and safety protocols, leaving Washington's backcourt short-handed after Russell Westbrook was also ruled out with a quad injury.
Beal, the NBA's leading scorer with 35.0 points per game, tied the team record with 60 in a loss at Philadelphia on Wednesday and had 41 on Friday night in a loss at Boston. The 76ers and Celtics are both missing players due to contact tracing related to positive coronavirus tests.
Brooks said Westbrook was injured Wednesday, and he credited the star guard for playing through the injury Friday.
Westbrook, who had triple-doubles in his first four games with Washington, is averaging 19.3 points, 9.7 rebounds and 11.3 assists.
“It's pretty sore,” Brooks said. “He's definitely out.”
Westbrook played 33 minutes in a loss Friday at Boston and was intending to play again Saturday. He'd been held out of the second half of Washington's first two back-to-backs this season as a precaution.
Westbrook also dislocated a finger on his right hand Wednesday and played Friday with his ring and pinkie fingers taped together. He had 12 points on 4-of-16 shooting.
Raul Neto will start in Westbrook's place.
___
More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
MORE IMPORTED STORIES
ARTICLES BY RICH DUBROFF
Beal scores 34, Wizards beat Suns 128-107 for first home win
WASHINGTON (AP) — Bradley Beal scored 34 points and the Washington Wizards snapped their three-game losing streak and won at home for the first time this season, beating the Phoenix Suns 128-107 on Monday night.
Beal scores 34, Wizards beat Suns 128-107 for first home win
WASHINGTON (AP) — Bradley Beal scored 34 points and the Washington Wizards snapped their three-game losing streak and won at home for the first time this season, beating the Phoenix Suns 128-107 on Monday night.
Herro's 31 points lead Heat over short-handed Wizards
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Miami Heat allowed 71 points in the first half to the short-handed Washington Wizards, and that was too much for coach Erik Spoelstra.