Dixon back in D.C!

Who says you can’t come home again? Juan Dixon proved that theory incorrect when the free agent guard signed a one year contract that reunited him with the Washington Wizards.

“I’m excited to return to the area and to resume my career with the Wizards,” said the Baltimore native. “I’m looking forward to the start of training camp and I’m ready to step in and contribute wherever Coach Jordan and the teams sees fit.”

Training camp for the Wizards begin Sept. 27 in Richmond, Va.

During Dixon’s three year tenure (2002-03 through 2004-05) with the Wizards, the former University of Maryland Terrapins (voted Most Outstanding Player at the 2002 Final Four) averaged 8.2 points and 1.6 assists in 176 games. Over Dixon’s career, which includes stints with the Portland Trailblazers, Toronto Raptors and Detroit Pistons; he is averaging 8.9 points per game and 1.7 assists. His best season was the 2005-06 season when he played 76 games for the Trailblazers and averaged 12.3 points per game. His career game came on Jan. 26, 2004 when he scored 30 points against the Trailblazers. He scored 35 points in a playoff game against the Chicago Bulls.

Drafted 17th in the 2002 NBA Draft by the Wizards, Dixon was signed to fill in the void created by the departure of Roger Mason, who was signed by the San Antonio Spurs.

“Juan is a proven NBA player and we like what he brings to our team,” said Ernie Grunfeld, president of the Wizards. “He is a tough, hard-nosed competitor who can score and his familiarity with our system is an added plus.”

“[This is an] opportunity for me to play a lot of minutes, but I got to work hard and earn those minutes,” said Dixon.

Noted for his sharp shooting, the Wizards are looking for that offensive spark off the bench. Dixon shoots 48 percent from the field – 39 percent from the arc for his career (he converted 132 three-pointers while a Wizard). While he is capable of contributing the same level of offensive numbers achieved by Mason, it still remains to be seen if he can produce the kind of defensive provided by Mason.

Dixon, who feels the metropolitan area has always been supportive of him, said he’s learned a lot in his career and hopes to be able to apply it this year.

“I’ve learn so much over the last three years and didn’t realize how good I had it [when I was] here,” said Dixon about his return to Washington. “I definitely plan on taking advantage of this opportunity; work hard, be a good teammate and get out in the community.

When Dixon initially played for the Wizards he wore No. 3, now worn by the All-Star forward Caron Butler. Dixon will wear No. 12, which is the number he wore in high school at Calvert Hall.

“I’m going back to the high school number where it all started . . . working with Coach Amatucci [Dixon’s high school coach]. I’m going to take it back to those days,” said Dixon.

Reggie Williams, an award-winning editor and journalist serves as Senior NBA Analyst for the Sports Journey Broadcast Network.

The Wizards buck Milwaukee

Despite squandering a 15 point half-time lead, the Washington Wizards held on last night to defeat the Milwaukee Bucks 105-97.  

Coach Eddie Jordan pleased overall with his team’s efforts was disappointed in their inability to defend the rim during the second half. 

“I wasn’t happy with the way our bigs protected the rim,” explained Jordan. The Bucks opened the third quarter by embarking on a 19-6 run, shooting 70.6 percent for the quarter and outscoring the Wizards 33-22. But the Wizards fourth quarter defense held the Bucks to 36.6 shooting. 

“We just played harder,” Jordan said. “We got some more steals. We got some more deflections.” 

The Wizards executed the aggression expected by Jordan. Jorda, in his pre-game conference, stated that he expected his team to be “rejuvenated,” “be on attack mode” and to “play with a lot of energy.” 

The Wizards shot 55.3 percent from the field and scored 42 points (a season high) in the paint during the first half, and dished out 16 assist. They finished the game with 66 points in the paint.   

Antawn Jamison led the Wizards scoring 23 points, but it was a collective offensive output by the Wizards. Brendan Haywood and Andray Blatche each scored 15 and Darius Songaila and Antonio Daniels each scored 11 points. Nick Young, who excited the 14,755 Verizon Center crowd in the second quarter with a thunderous slam dunk over the seven foot Andrew Bogut, scored a career high 22 points on 9 of 15 shooting.

 

Six-foot-six-inch Nick Young (1) dunks over the Milwaukee Bucks seven-foot Andrew Bogut to score two of his career high 22 points. Photo credit Ned Dishman NBAE/Getty Images.

Becoming more productive as the season wears on Jordan said Young, the rookie from the University of Southern California, “is getting use to the NBA game.” With a smile Jordan added that Young is probably, “Tired of me screaming at him and giving him the quick hook.”   

Jamison exited the game in the final minutes and headed to the lockerroom because of lower back stiffness. He is expected to play Thursday against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers; game time is 7 P.M.   

Reggie Williams, an award-winning editor and journalist, serves as Senior NBA Analyst for Sports Journey Radio. You can listen to his analyst Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 4:40 P.M. and 4:54 P.M. on ESPN 1240 in Delmarva, Maryland and Saturday’s on The US Sports Radio Network.    

Caron, one step away

The only debate that might be more hotly contested than who should become the presidential nominee for the Democratic Party is whether Caron Butler should return to action to help his team or should he shut it down for the remainder of the season.  

While it remains unclear whether Sens. Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton will be the elected/chosen nominee, it is absolutely clear that Butler will return to action this season; sooner rather than later.  

Despite missing the last 19 games due to a left hip flexor Butler took one additional step to his eventual return. Last night before the Washington Wizards contest against the Milwaukee Bucks, Butler participated in pre-game shooting drills. Although he has participated and performed well in practice, partaking in a pre-game workout was a first since being out with the injury. Incidentally Butler suffered his injury against the Bucks in Milwaukee on January 27th after notching a career high 40 points. 

For approximately 20 minutes Butler (the Racine Wisconsin native) and Wes Unseld Jr., the Wizards’ assistant coach, ran through a series of shooting drills. Butler began by taking a series of three foot jumpers and continued to move out to beyond the arc. Most of his shots were smooth and vintage Butler, but there were a few flat shots, proving there’s still a little rust to work off.  

It’s a safe bet to believe that not only will Butler return this season, but he will do so tomorrow against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and he will be in the starting lineup.  

Reggie Williams, an award-winning editor and journalist, serves as Senior NBA Analyst for Sports Journey Radio. You can listen to his analyst Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 4:40 P.M. and 4:54 P.M. on ESPN 1240 in Delmarva, Maryland and Saturday’s on The US Sports Radio Network.     

The Wizards and Raptors face off

Round 4 for Wiz and Raptors

It’s been suggested that when falling off your bike it’s best to remount immediately. I’m not sure if the Washington Wizards fell off their bike in their 30 point Wednesday night loss to the Orlando Magic or the Magic knocked the Wizards off their bike. Whatever the case, the Wizards will mount up tonight against the Toronto Raptors in an attempt to erase that distasteful defeat.  

Tonight’s contest against their Eastern Conference rivals marks the fourth and final meeting this season. The Wizards defeated the Raptors 101-97 on December 1 and 108-104 in overtime on January 29; both games were played at the Verizon Center. The Raptors avenged their overtime loss to the Wizards on the following evening with a 39 point victory – 122-83 in Toronto.  

The Wizards (29-31) hold the sixth position in the playoff hunt while the Raptors (33-27), who hold a four game lead over the Wizards, occupy the fifth playoff position. With a victory tonight the Wizards win the season series and guarantee themselves home court advantage if they conclude the season in a tie with the Raptors.  

Tonight’s game will be played at Toronto’s Air Canada Centre and can be seen on Comcast Sports Network at 7 P.M.  

Eastern	W	L	PCT	GB	CONF	DIV	HOME	ROAD	L 10	STREAK
Boston1	47	12	0.800	0.0	30-9	11-1	28-4	20-8	7-3	W 6
Detroit2	44	17	0.726	4.0	29-9	8-4	23-5	22-12	6-4	W 1
Orlando3	40	23	0.635	9.5	27-11	8-2	18-11	22-12	8-2	W 3
Cleveland4	35	27	0.565	14.0	19-15	5-4	19-10	16-17	6-4	L 1
Toronto5	33	27	0.541	15.5	22-17	8-5	18-13	15-15	5-5	W 1
Washington6	29	31	0.492	18.5	19-18	7-3	17-13	13-18	6-4	L 1
Philadelphia7	28	33	0.468	20.0	16-19	4-8	17-14	12-19	7-3	W 2
New Jersey8	26	35	0.419	23.0	19-18	2-8	15-17	11-19	3-7	L 3

Reggie Williams, an award-winning editor and journalist, serves as Senior NBA Analyst for Sports Journey Radio. You can listen to his analyst Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 4:40 P.M. and 4:54 P.M. on ESPN 1240 in Delmarva, Maryland and Saturday’s on The US Sports Radio Network.    

Wizards suffer a 30 point loss

Dwight Howard (12) of the Orlando Magic dunks on Andray Blatche of the Washington Wizards. Photo credit AP/Martinez Monsivais

A disappointing loss 

With about five minutes remaining in the third quarter of last night’s game against the Orlando Magic, Richard Hanks prepared for his exit. When asked if he was leaving, Hanks, a District resident, said, “I can’t continue watching this debauchery.”  

Down by 22 points when Hanks decided he could watch no more, the Washington Wizards eventually lost 122-92 in front of 17,745 Verizon Center crowd.  

With an opportunity to move up one game in the Southeast Division against the division leading Magic (40-23), the Wizards (29-31) played lethargic and without purpose.  

Coach Eddie Jordan, who took an unusual long time before arriving for his post-game press conference, described the 30 point beating as “very disappointing.”  

The Wizards competed well in the second and third quarters, but it was the first and fourth quarters that ultimately doomed them. The Magic jumped out to a 14 point first quarter lead on 56.1 percent shooting. The first six field goals converted by the Magic were either layups or dunks.  

“They pretty much had their way,” Jordan said about the Magic early physical dominance. “We backed off. We’re at home; we’re playing the best team in the division-one of the best teams in the League against one of the best big men in the League and I really thought that we would compete at a higher level.”  

“We had some mental breakdowns and didn’t play well tonight,” said Jordan. The Magic, who shot 60 percent from the field in the fourth quarter, played with a greater intensity and purpose. The Magic outscored the Wizards 56 to 40 in points in the paint, 12 to 6 in second chance points and 17 to 2 in fast-break points. 

“We’re sitting home thinking we’re going to get some rest [the Magic was on the back end of back-to-back games] and we just didn’t bring the energy – so it was just very disappointing.” 

Antawn Jamison led the Wizards with 19 points and six rebounds and DeShawn Stevenson added 17 points and five rebounds.  

Dwight Howard led the Magic scoring 20 and grabbing 11 rebounds. Rashard Lewis, Maurice Evans and District native Keith Bogans each added 17 points.  

Reggie Williams, an award-winning editor and journalist, serves as Senior NBA Analyst for Sports Journey Radio. You can listen to his analyst Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 4:40 P.M. and 4:54 P.M. on ESPN 1240 in Delmarva, Maryland and Saturday’s on The US Sports Radio Network.   

Wizards sting the Hornets

Antawn Jamison (4) shoots against Peja Stojakovic (16) of the New Orleans Hornet in a March 2 game at the Verizon Center. Photo credit Nathaniel Butler NBAE/Getty Images.

The Wizards beat Hornets again 

Like busy bees surrounding a hornet’s nest, the Washington Wizards kept buzzing and defeated the New Orleans Hornets 101-84 in a Sunday matinee. 

Ahead by a point with 6:39 remaining in the game, the Wizards (29-30) buckled down on defense, sharpen their offensive and embarked on a 19-0 run. 

Antawn Jamison converted two free throws to extend the lead to three and followed his foul shots with a 3-pointer, exciting a sold-out Verizon Center crowd. DeShawn Stevenson, who played lethargic through most of the game, followed Jamison’s three with a three. Brendan Haywood defended the rim blocking two shot and causing Tyson Chandler to miss his three foot shot attempt during that six minute stretch.  

“The difference [in the game] was when we started defending at the rim,” said Eddie Jordan. “We got some stops. We did a great job defensively.”  T

he Wizards, eight and half games behind the division leading Orlando Magic, entered Sunday’s game having won four of their last six games; the Hornets (39-19) won 7 of their last 10. 

Lead largely by their bench’s second quarter play, the Wizards built a 53-40 halftime lead. Andray Blatche led the subs with eight first half points. Collectively the reserves poured in 24 points on 55 percent first half shooting, converting 10 of 18 shots.  

Jamison led the Wizards with 28 points and was one rebound shy of collecting his 34th double-double for the season. Stevenson finished with16 points, after struggling during his first 23 minute of play.  

Chris Paul, the Hornets’ All-Star guard and Most Valuable Player candidate neither played like an All-Star or a MVP. He played well in the third quarter, but Antonio Daniels was a deterrent for Paul, who finished with 16 points and eight assist. Paul also committed six turnovers.  A.D. [Antonio Daniels] played Paul tough, said Stevenson.  

Visibly disappointed by the Hornets defeat, Coach Byron Scott said he was unable to understand his team’s performance.  

The Hornets, the Southwest Division’s second best team, lost four games since the All-Star break; twice to the Wizards.  

“I really don’t understand these guys sometimes,” Scott said. “I don’t think they have a clue what it means to be a professional basketball team; come out every single night and give it everything you’ve got.” 

The Wizards will play against the division leading Magic on Wednesday; game time is 7 P.M. 

Reggie Williams, an award-winning editor and journalist, serves as Senior NBA Analyst for Sports Journey Radio. You can listen to his analyst Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 4:40 P.M. and 4:54 P.M. on ESPN 1240 in Delmarva, Maryland and Saturday’s on The US Sports Radio Network.   

Kobe sparks victory over the Wiz

Kobe Bryant ignited Super Bowl festivites by dropping 19 points in the first quarter against the Washington Wizards. Caron Butler (3), Antawn Jamison (4), Nick Young (1) and Darius Songalia (9) look on as Bryant scores two of his game high 30 points. Photo credit Ned Dishman/Getty Images.

Lakers lead wire-to-wire

The Washington Wizards unknowingly found themselves in the thick of a Los Angeles bush fire. While DeShawn Stevenson picked up three fouls – in the first 5:25 minutes of the game – trying to guard Kobe Bryant, “Sir Kobe” poured in 19 of his game high 30 points in the first quarter. Bryant’s aggressiveness led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 103-91 victory over the Wizards. 

At the conclusion of the first quarter Bryant outscored the Wizards by himself. He dropped in 19 – the Wizards scored just 15.  

“Tonight they caught fire offensively,” explained Antawn Jamison. “Kobe [played] phenomenal in the first half. [He’s] pretty much the best player in the League and when he gets it going it’s hard to make it difficult for him. They [Lakers] caused us to force some things that prevented us from getting into a rhythm offensively or defensively.”  

Jamison led the Wizards with 21 points and Caron Butler added 15, but the Wizards lack of defensive intensity combined with poor offensive execution played critical roles in the Wizards 22nd defeat. 

Defensively the Wizards allowed the Lakers to shoot 56.2 percent, while converting just 34 of 79 shot attempts (43 percent). They also handed out a puny 18 assist. Antonio Daniels and Stevenson collectively scored five points and contributed two assist. Brendan Haywood scored six points while pulling down three rebounds.  

“We didn’t play as a group as well as we needed to play in order to beat a team as good as the Lakers,” said Wizards coach Eddie Jordan. “It’s disappointing that we had to play like that tonight, [but] you have to compliment the Lakers. They work hard. They put good defense on us.”  

Jamison grabbed 11 rebounds to record his 27th double-double of the season. Butler, who missed his first shot from the charity line after converting 73 consecutive free throws, returned to the lineup after missing three games due to a left hip flexor strain. 

Roger Mason and Nick Young each scored 14 points, collectively converting on 11 of 21 shots. Blatche, who had started the previous three games for the injured Butler and averaged 16.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in about 35 minutes per game, scored six points and grabbed four rebounds in 22 minutes of action.  

Jordan said he was disappointed in how the Wizards played for “the full 48 minutes.” He added that they “took shortcuts” and failed to “play with enough passion or concentration.”  

With Butler, Daniels, Stevenson and Haywood on the bench, Jordan appeared to concede defeat with 4:51 remaining when he replaced Jamison with Dominic McGuire. 

The defeat was the Wizards third consecutive loss. They lost to the Toronto Raptors Wednesday in Toronto and the Utah Jazz on Friday at the Verizon Center. The Lakers, on a nine game east coast road trip, have won two of the first three games.  

Not everyone at the Verizon Center was disappointed with the Wizards loss. The capacity crowd consisted of a large contingent of Lakers/Bryant supporters. At the 9:08 mark of the fourth quarter a chant “Let’s go Lakers,” echoed throughout the arena. But the faithful Wizards fans drowned out the chorus with their melody of boos. 

Paul Gasol in a pre-game workout with Kobe Bryant. AP Photo

The Lakers were without the service of their new acquisition Pau Gasol, who did participate in individual pre-game drills. Gasol was acquired in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday for former Wizards No. 1 draft pick Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton and draft rights to the Lakers first round draft choices in the 2008 and 2010 draft. 

Note: The Wizards play their next home game Wednesday night against the San Antonio Spurs at the Verizon Center; game time is 7 P.M.                      

Reggie Williams, an award-winning editor and journalist, serves as Senior NBA Analyst for Sports Journey Radio. You can listen to his analyst Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 4:40 P.M. and 4:54 P.M. on ESPN 1240 in Delmarva, Maryland and Saturday’s on The US Sports Radio Network.   

                 

Wizards hit a sour note

Antawn Jamison and Carlos Boozer (5), both named as reserves in this year’s All-Star game, match up in  Friday night contest. Photo credit Ned Dishman/Getty Images

Utah jazz the Wizards

The Washington Wizards held All-Star forward Carlos Boozer to just four points. Deron Williams, deserving of an All-Star invite, was held to11 points. Despite the great defensive effort giving by the Wizards they were defeated 96-87 by the Utah Jazz. 

“We gave great effort [tonight],” explained Wizards’ coach Eddie Jordan. “We held them to 42 percent shooting . . . that’s pretty good defense.”    

In front of capacity Verizon Center crowd the Wizards held the Jazz to 42.4 percent shooting. The Jazz, the League’s leader in field goal percentage shooting 49.3 percent per game are fifth in points scored (105.2) per game.  

Boozer, named as a reserve to this year’s All-Star game last Thursday, converted one of nine field goal attempts and scored his first basket at the 2:12 minute mark of the third quarter.  

Williams shooting .515 percent from the field (22nd in the League) converted just five of 14 shots, but four of the shots were made in the fourth quarter. 

The Wizards defensive effort was deserving of a victory, but it was their offensive deficiency that became their weak link.   

Led by Antawn Jamison who was just two rebounds shy of recording his 27th double-double of the season scored 31 points and grabbed eight rebounds. But the Wizards shot 37.8 percent from the field; 15.8 percent from the arc and dished out only 12 assist.  

“We didn’t shoot the ball well,” Jordan said. “We just couldn’t score; we couldn’t keep the scoring pace.  

Jamison, named to the All-Star team on Thursday, played like an All-Star from the game’s opening tip; he recorded a steal, block shot and two rebounds in the first minute and 56 seconds of the game.  

“Antawn is carrying the load [right now],” Jordan said, adding, “We just didn’t have anybody else to pick up the slack.” 

Caron Butler, also named to the All-Star team, was unable to offer his all-star contributions having missed his second consecutive game with a left hip flexor strain.   

Andray Blatche starting in place of the injured Butler registered his third career double-double scoring 19 points and grabbing13 rebounds (Butler-like statistics). His contributions filled in admirably for Butler, but his play as a starter along with the contributions of Antonio Daniels depletes bench contributions.  

The physical play of the Jazz wore on the Wizards. The Jazz outrebounded the Wizards by 10 rebounds (49 to 39) and were plus five (17-12) in second chance points.     

“This team is one of the most physical team in the league, if not the most physical.  To fight that war for 48 minutes that’s a compliment to our team,” Jordan said.   

Note: Jamison and Butler’s 2007-08 All-Star selection marks the third consecutive year that two Wizards have been named All-Stars. Jamison and Gilbert Arenas were named for the 2005-06 game and Arenas and Butler played in the 2006-07 game. Kobe Bryant and the 28 and 16 Los Angeles Lakers will play the Wizards in a Sunday Super Bowl matinee. The Lakers chances of competing for a NBA championship improved with their acquisition of All-Star forward Pau Gasol. The seven-foot Gasol is averaging 18.9 points and almost nine rebounds this season. In return for seven year veteran the Memphis Grizzlies acquired Kwame Brown (Wizards former No. 1 pick 2001 draft choice), guards Javaris Crittenton and Aaron Mckie (signed with the Lakers on yesterday – McKie was serving as an assistant coach for the Philadelphia 76ers this season), the draft rights to Marc Gasol (Pau’s younger brother) and the first round picks in 2008 and 2010. Brown was traded to Los Angeles for Caron Butler and Chucky Atkins on Aug. 2, 2005.           

Reggie Williams, an award-winning editor and journalist, serves as Senior NBA Analyst for Sports Journey Radio. You can listen to his analyst Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 4:40 P.M. and 4:54 P.M. on ESPN 1240 in Delmarva, Maryland and Saturday’s on The US Sports Radio Network.   

D.C.’s deserving duo

Antawn Jamison (l) shares a laugh with teammate Caron Butler in an AP interview.

Photo Credit AP/Jose Luis Magana 

Deserving All-Stars

 For many NBA players the hour is drawing near. As that hour moves closer the atmosphere is akin to a child waiting anxiously knowing that in what appears to be an eternity Santa will arrive, possibly baring their wish.  

Today is the day when the League officials name the Reserve Players who will participate in this year’s All-Star game, held on Feb. 17 in the Crescent City – New Orleans Louisiana.  Will Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets), possibly the League’s Most Valuable Player, or Brandon Roy (Portland Trailblazers) earn their first All-Star roster spot – the play of Paul and Roy are huge reasons why their teams are in the Western Conference playoff hunt. 

Two other players who hope, if not expect, to receive a message confirming their All-Stars selection are the Washington Wizards’ starting forwards Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler. Both former All-Stars are putting up All-Star stats.  

Jamison is averaging 21.1 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. He is one of only five players (Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic, Carlos Boozer of the Utah Jazz, Al Jefferson of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets) averaging at least 20 plus points and 10 plus rebounds per game.

 Antawn Jamison scores a layup over the Memphis Grizzlies Rudy Gay. Photo Credit Ned Dishman/NBAE-Getty Images

Jamison is 22nd in the League in scoring and ninth in rebounding, and he has collected 26 double-doubles this year, which ranks him second behind Howard in the Eastern Conference. 

Historically, averaging at least 20 points and 10 rebounds per game and playing on a winning team guarantees an invite to the mid-season classic. Derrick Coleman was the last player (in the 1992-93) to average 20 and 10 and not be selected as an All-Star.  

“If it [being invited] happens it’s a great honor,” Jamison expressing his thoughts about the potential All-Star selection. “I will definitely cherish that moment, but if it doesn’t hopefully there will be more opportunities to get that opportunity.”  Butler, who gained his first All-Star invitation last year, is having a career year. He and LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) are the only players averaging 20 points, seven rebounds and four assist per game.  

Tough Juice, as he is known in D.C., is scoring 21.8 points on .481 percent shooting. He is converting at a rate of .372 percent from the arc, .915 from the charity stripe – all career highs. Currently Butler has successfully converted his last 70 free throw attempts. His last failed free throw occurred on Dec. 28 against the New Jersey Nets. He’s also set a career best with 2.4 steals per game which ranks him third in the League.

 Caron Butler scores over the Milwaukee Bucks’ Andrew Bogut (6) after grabbing an offensive rebound. Charlie Bell (42) and Royal Ivey (12) look on. Photo Credit Jonathan Daniels/Getty Images. 

Last year Butler, elated when he found out he was named as a Reserve, said he almost cried, but didn’t because he was with the fellows [his teammates]. It appears he will be just as excited when he receives the news later today.  

“Man, I just hope it happens. If it happens I’m going to accept it with open arms; definitely I’m going to be happy and soak it all in – definitely,” Butler said.   

Reggie Williams, an award-winning editor and journalist, serves as Senior NBA Analyst for Sports Journey Radio. You can listen to his analyst Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 4:40 P.M. and 4:54 P.M. on ESPN 1240 in Delmarva, Maryland and Saturday’s on The US Sports Radio Network.  

Wizards withstand the Raptors

Antawn Jamison scores two of his 24 points over the Toronto Raptors Chris Bosh (4) and Jarmario Moon (33). Photo credit Ned Dishman of NBAE/Getty Images 

The Wiz pull it out in O.T. 

Unbelievable!  

With just 1.2 seconds remaining in the game and the Washington Wizards leading by three, Candace Parker’s big brother Anthony sank a basket from the arc that pushed the game into overtime. Despite Parker’s last second heroics, the Wizards defeated the Toronto Raptors 108-104. 

“That was NBA at its finest man,” explained an excited and relieved Eddie Jordan, coach of the Wizards.  

Parker, who finished the game scoring just eight points on 3 of 15 shooting, floated to the arc – in front of Jordan – and upon catching the inbound pass – turned and launched a high arcing shot over three outstretched Wizards defenders that hit the bottom of the net.  

“Teams are going to make shots,” Jordan said, who joked that he should have pulled a Woody Hayes (former Ohio State football coach) on Parker. “The teams that respond are the ones that will go a long way in this league.” 

In the overtime period the Wizards jumped out to a 3-point lead after Antawn Jamison, who led all Wizards (24-19) with 24 points, converted three free throws after being fouled by Parker. While the Wizards never relinquished their lead (as large as six) during the O.T. period, for every punch thrown by the Wizards the Raptors (24-20) retaliated with an equally powerful blow. Roger Mason and DeShawn Stevenson made big 3’s for the Wizards, only to be matched by threes made by the Raptors’ Chris Bosh and Jason Kapono.  

Bosh – scored a game high 37 points – was hot in the first half scoring 21 points on 8 of 11 shooting, but made only three baskets in the second half; two in the overtime period.  

Jose Calderon added 23 points, while Kris Humphries chipped in 16, converting 8 of 9 field goals for the Raptors.  

Jamison, who many feel should be chosen for this year’s All-Star team, put on yet another All-Star performance. Logging 51:48 minutes, Jamison grabbed 20 rebounds. His final rebound, an offensive one with just 11 seconds remaining in overtime, put the Wizards ahead by five. The bucket turned out to be the game winning basket.  

“The timing and the importance of the bucket was definitely one of the biggest rebounds this year,” Jamison said. Jordan added that his star forward “worked tonight and took up the slack for Caron [Butler] a little bit rebounding wise.”  

Butler, another deserving All-Star selection, did not play due to a hip-flexor strain suffered in the Wizards lost to the Milwaukee Bucks earlier in the week.     

Last night’s double-double by Jamison was his 26th of the season. He and Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic) are the only two Eastern Conference players to be averaging at least 20 points and 10 rebounds per game. Western Conference players Carlos Boozer (Utah Jazz), Yao Ming (Houston Rockets) and Al Jefferson (Minnesota Timberwolves) also are averaging no less than 20 and 10.  

Andray Blatche subbing for Butler played well. He scored 19 points on 8 of 11 shooting and collected eight rebounds.  

Mason’s 13 points and rookie Dominic McGuire’s 10 rebounds [a career high] were huge contributions by the Wizards bench. Jordan said McGuire understood the concentration and gave the physical energy that was needed, and played the defensive rotations correctly. He made some big rebounds, Jordan said.   

Describing Parker’s shot that sent the game in the overtime Jordan said Parker, “Made a great, great shot,” and added, “We stood our ground. We kept our composure and made some plays ourselves. We kept our defensive energy up and we just never let down. We kept our confidence and that’s what the NBA is about.”  

Notes: After a hard fought victory (in the Wizards case) and loss (in the Raptors case) the two teams turn around a make a second go of it in two nights– this time in Toronto. Tonight’s game will be the third meeting between the Eastern Conference rivals. The Wizards are up 2-0, having first defeated the Raptors 101-97 on Nov. Dec.1.  Tonight’s back-to-back game is the third this year for the Wizards. They beat the Boston Celtics in consecutive games Jan. 12th and 14th; then split with the New York Knicks on Jan. 15th and 18th.      

Reggie Williams, an award-winning editor and journalist, serves as Senior NBA Analyst for Sports Journey Radio. You can listen to his analyst Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 4:40 P.M. and 4:54 P.M. on ESPN 1240 in Delmarva, Maryland and Saturday’s on The US Sports Radio Network.