NBA Playoffs 2014, Bulls at Wizards final score: Washington cruises to 98-89 win, takes 3-1 series lead

After losing game 3 to see their series lead fall to 2-1, the Washington Wizards dominated the Chicago Bulls for a majority of the game and held off a fourth quarter rally to earn a 98-89 victory and take a 3-1 series lead.

Playing without Nene, who was suspended after his ejection for his altercation with Jimmy Butler in game 3, the Wizards got a team-high 30 points and eight rebounds from Trevor Ariza, 18 points and five rebounds from Bradley Beal, 17 points and five rebounds from Marcin Gortat and 15 points and 10 assists from John Wall.

The Bulls were led by Taj Gibson, who scored a game-high 32 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Jimmy Butler scored 16 points and Joakim Noah had 10 points, 15 rebounds and five assists while no other Bull scored in double figures.

The Wizards held a 23-point lead in the opening minute of the fourth quarter, but the Bulls used a 21-6 run to get back into the game. The Wizards, however, made enough plays down the stretch to hold the Bulls off.

The Wizards were in control from the start, taking a 28-18 lead after the first quarter. They then increased the lead by five in each of the next two quarters.

Game 5 is Tuesday night at 8:00 pm EST and the game is on TNT.

Game 1: Wizards 102, Bulls 93
Game 2: Wizards 101, Bulls 99
Game 3: Bulls 100, Wizards 97

For more on the Bulls and Wizards, check Pippen Ain’t Easy and Wiz of Awes.