Wizards top Lakers in OT for 5th straight win

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Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) shoots against Los Angeles Lakers center Marc Gasol (14) during the second half at Staples Center on February 22, 2021. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Bradley Beal scored 33 points and Russell Westbrook added 32 on Monday as the visiting Washington Wizards rallied for a 127-124 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Lakers for their first five-game winning streak in three years.

Westbrook, who added 14 rebounds and nine assists, made a shot inside and was fouled with 11.6 seconds remaining in overtime to put the Wizards up three points.

He missed the ensuing free throw to give the Lakers a chance to tie the score, but LeBron James and Kyle Kuzma missed 3-point attempts on Los Angeles’ final possession.

Rui Hachimura scored 15 points and Robin Lopez added 13 off the bench as the Wizards improved to 2-0 to open a four-game road trip against Western Conference teams.

Washington’s last five-game win streak was Jan. 27-Feb. 5, 2018.

James finished with 31 points, 13 assists and nine rebounds while Montrezl Harrell added 26 off the bench as the Lakers lost three consecutive games for the first time this season.

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