Sports
A change of the guard?
By: Kevin Dunleavy
Examiner Staff Writer
November 7, 2008
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| Wizards reserve guard and former Maryland standout Juan Dixon has out-played starter Antonio Daniels so far this season. (Allen Einstein/NBAE via Getty Images) |
After practice Thursday, Eddie Jordan postponed his usual chat with reporters to work out the frustration of the Wizards’ 0-3 start.
“My stress-buster run,” said the coach, glistening with sweat after 30 minutes on a treadmill.
It was his way of dealing with Washington’s 112-104 overtime loss at Milwaukee Wednesday in which the Wizards missed 17 of 51 free throws and 16 of 18 three-point tries, surrendered a 14-point lead in the final 10 minutes, and again got uninspired play from their starting five.
“We’ve been seeing a trend since the beginning of training camp,” said Jordan. “The second unit has been very, very competitive.”
And the starting group has not. In Saturday’s loss at Detroit, the Wizards fell behind by 17 points before rallying in the second period to take the lead. On Wednesday, Washington trailed by 18 in the first quarter before surging to a six-point lead in the second.
The catalysts for both rallies were reserve guards Juan Dixon and Nick Young. While Dixon (21 points, 42 minutes) has out-played starter Antonio Daniels (18 points, 77 minutes) at the point, Young (47 points, 71 minutes) has out-produced starting wing DeShawn Stevenson (28 points, 96 minutes).
“I try to initiate [the offense] and get Nick the ball in his spots where he can be aggressive,” said Dixon. “He’s one of the best scorers on the team. I’m fortunate to play with him on the floor. He makes the game easier for me.”
With Dixon and Young together, the Wizards have played faster, thriving with a scrambling defense, leading to more transition opportunities.
So has Jordan considered changes in the backcourt?
“The consideration is under evaluation. Does that make sense?” said Jordan. “However patience is a virtue. Patience is when you’ve had enough, you gotta hold on a little longer.”
The Wizards also got strong work off the bench Wednesday from rookie center JaVale McGee (9 points, 5 rebounds, 13 minutes), who is pushing for more playing time, especially with starter Etan Thomas out with a sprained ankle. Thomas practiced Thursday and is likely to return tonight against the Knicks.
UP NEXT
Knicks at Wizards
When » Friday, 7 p.m.
Where » Verizon Center
TV » Comcast SportsNet
Radio » 980 AM
» New York (2-2) is off to a promising start under new coach Mike D’Antoni. F Zach Randolph (18 ppg, 10.5 rpg) leads the Knicks inside and G Jamal Crawford (15 ppg) is the top outside threat. Reserve G Nate Robinson (15.8 ppg) scored all 24 of his points in the first half of a 101-98 win over visiting Charlotte Wednesday.
