A YOUNG WIZARD ENCHANTS CROWD
Garrison Mathews couldn’t believe what he was hearing. With the Washington Wizards holding an insurmountable lead, the home crowd began chanting “MVP! MVP!”
Mathews, an undrafted guard from tiny Lipscomb University, scored 28 points in his 11th NBA game to help the depleted Wizards beat the Miami Heat 123-105 on Monday night. Still, he doubted the fans were yelling for him.
“I thought they were saying, ‘Go Heat,’ ” Mathews said.
Mathews played big minutes because the Wizards were missing leading scorer Bradley Beal. Jordan Mcrae and Ian Mahinmi, also filling in for key members of the rotation, had big games for Washington as well. Mcrae scored a season-high 29 points and Mahinmi had a career-best 25.
Mcrae, a third-year player, and Mahinmi, a 13-year veteran, enjoyed nights to remember against Miami (24-9), which had its fivegame winning streak snapped. The Heat entered with the second-best record in the East and lost for just the third time in 20 games against conference opponents.
“We were a step behind and playing on our heels,” Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said. “We end up fouling or just getting beat off the dribble too many times.”
Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 27 points and Duncan Robinson scored 16. Bam Adebayo had 14 points and 14 rebounds.
“It shows how tough this league can be night to night,” Spoelstra said. “Anything you do before doesn’t guarantee what’s going to happen in the future.”
Mathews, whose previous NBA high was six points, scored 20 in the second quarter. Mahinmi had 19 in the first half as Washington (1022) took a 71-63 lead at the break and won going away. Mahinmi shot 10 for 11 from the field.
“We were completely destroyed at both ends,” Miami guard Goran Dragic said.
Bucks 123, Bulls 102: Giannis Antetokounmpo had 23 points and 10 rebounds after missing two games with a sore back, and visiting Milwaukee pulled away in the second half.
Jazz 104, Pistons 81: Donovan Mitchell scored 23 points and Jordan Clarkson added 20 to lead host Utah over Detroit.
Timberwolves 122, Nets 115 (OT): Shabazz Napier scored a season-high 24 points as host Minnesota rallied past Brooklyn in overtime without injured Karlanthony Towns and ill Andrew Wiggins.
Hawks 101, Magic 93: Atlanta rallied from 18 down without Trae Young (ankle) to top host Orlando and end a 10-game skid.
Suns 122: Trail Blazers 116: Devin Booker has 33 points and Kelly Oubre Jr. scores 29 to lead visiting Phoenix past Portland.
Wizards 123, Heat 105
Notable
Warriors forward Marquese Chriss was fined $35,000 for shoving Mavericks star Luka Doncic.
• Clippers point guard Patrick Beverley will miss today’s game against the Kings because of a sprained right wrist.