Wizards, Warriors Pick Up NBA Playoff Victories

After resting up for the past week, the Washington Wizards merely had to withstand Atlanta's early pace. Once the Hawks ran out of gas, Bradley Beal and the Wizards took control. Just call them the road warriors.

Beal shook off a sprained ankle to score 28 points, and streaking Washington remained unbeaten in the postseason, knocking off top-seeded Atlanta 104-98 on Sunday in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

It was another gritty performance by the Wizards, who improved to 8-1 on the road in the playoffs over the past two postseasons, including 3-0 this year. They became the first team in NBA history to win four straight Game 1s on the road.

Warriors 101, Grizzlies 86

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr joked before Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals that reporters should have two stories ready: One if his team looked well-rested and won, another if it looked rusty and lost.

"It was right in the middle, so you've got to write a third story," he teased afterward.

Neither the Warriors nor Grizzlies really felt good about the way they played. The difference is the Warriors did what they usually do at home: take care of business -- and comfortably, too. Stephen Curry had 22 points and seven assists, and the Warriors wore down undermanned Memphis in a 101-86 victory in Sunday's series opener.

Saturday, May 2 Scoreboard

Los Angeles 111, San Antonio 109
WESTERN CONFERENCE 1ST ROUND - GAME 7

Sunday, May 3 Scoreboard

Washington 104, Atlanta 98
EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS - GAME 1

Golden State 101, Memephis 86
WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS - GAME 1

Monday, May 4 Schedule (All Times Central)

Chicago at Cleveland, 6 p.m.
EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS - GAME 1

Los Angeles at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS - GAME 1