Dunleavy (35 points) contributes in big way

WASHINGTON - Wizards guard Bradley Beal did an interview heading off the court at halftime with the local Comcast SportsNet station.

According to multiple reports, Beal guaranteed that Mike Dunleavy wouldn't score in the second half after piling up 16 points by intermission.

Not quite. Dunleavy tacked on 19 more in the second half, finishing with maybe a season-saving 35 points. The veteran forward set a Bulls playoff record by knocking down 8 of 10 attempts from 3-point range.

"I feel like I've been shooting the ball well, I just haven't had a ton of looks," Dunleavy said. "Coach (Tom Thibodeau) mentioned some stuff yesterday about how you need some more catch-and-shoot situations, and we did that. I got a couple of layups early on to get going and just had one of those nights."

Dunleavy was asked if he knew anything about Beal's prediction.

"We don't watch TV at halftime," he said. "It didn't really have any impact on the game once I came out in the second half. I just had some good looks."

Dunleavy didn't waste any time ruining the shutout. He had a free throw, tip-in and 3-pointer all in the first five minutes of the third quarter. He also got to play more in crunchtime than usual.

"I think everybody wants to be out there down the stretch, but there's only five guys at the end," he said. "We have a bunch of guys who can contribute and play. He's probably got a tough decision sometimes with who to go with. Always stay ready, that's the thing."

While playing 12 NBA seasons, this is Dunleavy's third playoff series, and he hasn't gotten past the first round yet. Needless to say, this was his best postseason performance.

"It just feels good to get a win. It's been a rough series," he said. "We've been in positions to win a couple games, didn't get them. To come in here and hang on for a victory, that's the biggest thing. Whether I score 35 points or zero, I'm just happy we won.

Over the final 66 games of the regular season, the Bulls had just one player score 30 points in a game. That was when D.J. Augustin had 33 at Boston on March 30.

"Different guys have had moments over the course of the season where you get it going," Dunleavy said. "Tonight, obviously, I had it. The ball felt good off my hand. The guys did a great job screening for me and passing to me."