Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal scored 50 points but was absent for the end of regulation and overtime because of a hamstring strain, as Washington edged Indiana 133-132 on Saturday night to move into the No. 9 spot in the Eastern Conference, a half-game ahead of the Pacers.
Wizards coach Scott Brooks said he was uncertain how serious Beal’s injury is and that it might not be known for a couple of days. But he held him out in overtime as a precaution.
“He tweaked his hamstring,” Brooks said. “Actually, he tweaked his ankle and we didn’t want to push it at the end. He wanted to, but our guys told him not to push it. Hopefully, it’s not too serious.”
Beal said during his postgame media availability in Indianapolis that the hamstring injury intensified in the second half.
Beal has scored at least 25 points in 71 of his past 82 games and has eight games this season with 40 or more points.
Beal’s teammate Russell Westbrook, who tied Oscar Robertson’s NBA record for triple-doubles with 181, made two free throws with a second left to give Washington the overtime win, and also blocked the Pacers’ final shot.
The Wizards make the fourth stop on a five-game road trip Monday at Atlanta.
ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk and The Associated Press contributed to this report.