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Washington Wizards: Cavs end Wizards’ home win streak in OT classic

By Christopher Church

Feb 6, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) dive for a loose ball during the first quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) dive for a loose ball during the first quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Washington Wizards put their 17-game home winning streak on the line against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers Monday night in an overtime thriller.

The Washington Wizards and Cleveland Cavaliers played in arguably the most epic game of the 2016-2017 NBA season Monday night at Verizon Center.

However, the Cavs dynamic trio of LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love was too much for the Wizards as the three combined for 94 of the Cavs 140 points.

As a result, the Washington Wizards’ remarkable 17-game home winning streak came crashing down Monday night in front of a national audience, falling to the Cavs 135-140 in an epic overtime game.

The Wizards-Cavs matchup generated an extensive collection of jaw-dropping highlights in front of a sold-out crowd at Verizon Center.

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After missing the go-ahead layup with just four seconds remaining in regulation, John Wall was immediately sent to the free throw line after a quick personal foul on Cavs’ Kyle Korver. The Wizards’ MVP candidate Wall hit both of his free throws to put the Wizards up 117-120 with three seconds left.

The next possession, Love unleashed an incredible, full-court outlet pass hauled in by four-time MVP LeBron James who hit a memorable turnaround 26-foot three-pointer off the backboard to send the game into overtime.

Just 46 seconds into the overtime period, Lebron picked up his sixth foul and was disqualified from the game as a loud cheer showered Lebron as he headed towards the Cavs’ bench.

The momentum quickly shifted in the Wizards direction following a made 23-foot three-pointer by second-year player Kelly Oubre Jr. to put the Wizards up by five points with 3:44 remaining.

However, the Wizards missed their next four shots as the Cavs came storming back, taking a two-point lead following Irving’s two-point field goal with 1:47 left.

The next possession, Wall soared to the basket for the acrobatic layup and-one, hoisting the Wizards one-point lead.

Beal, who was a point shy of tying his season-high with 41 points, hit his sixth three-pointer of the game, putting the Wizards back on top 131-133.

Nonetheless, Irving stepped up big in absence of Lebron and hit the eventual game-winning three-pointer, snapping the Wizards’ 17-game home winning streak.

Following Wednesday’s road matchup against the NBA’s worst team, the Brooklyn Nets, the Wizards will play the next two games on national TV first in a home matchup against the Indiana Pacers Friday night on ESPN, then another home game against Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder Monday night on TNT.

Next: An inside look at Maryland's No.21 ranking in new AP poll

Despite the loss Monday night, it’s safe to say the Wizards have progressed into the NBA’s national spotlight.

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