In the parlance of quotable Wizards coach Eddie Jordan, early March will be “harvest” time. It’s when his team plays seven of eight games at home and expects to do it with All-Stars Caron Butler (hip flexor) and Gilbert Arenas (knee) back in the lineup.
Until then, however, the Wizards (25-27) must take a one-game-at-a-time approach, starting tonight against the visiting New York Knicks (15-37). Five days off during the All-Star break was a welcome respite for a Wizards team stretched thin by injuries.
The Wizards’ depth woes were never more evident than last Monday when their eight available players performed admirably, building a 23-point lead against run-and-gun Golden State, before collapsing in the fourth quarter in a 120-117 loss.
Two nights later, with guard Antonio Daniels back from knee and ankle problems, his presence and performance (nine points, eight rebounds, seven assists) were key in a 91-89 victory at the Los Angeles Clippers.
The long-awaited win, also made possible by rookie Dominick McGuire’s career-high 12 rebounds, gave Washington a boost going into the All-Star break and renewed the belief that they will be ready when their injured stars return.
“We lost four or five games that went down to the last minute,” said All-Star forward Antawn Jamison. “That gives some of our young guys the confidence they can compete. We’re going to call upon them throughout the rest of the season. It was a big opportunity for them. No matter who’s on the court, we feel like we can win.”
Knicks at Wizards
When » 7, tonight
Where » Verizon Center
TV » Comcast SportsNet
Radio » 980 AM
» Caron Butler practiced, but Gilbert Arenas did not, in a rare evening practice Monday night, coming off the All-Star break.
