The Wizards’ record is vastly different from the Cavaliers’, they began their six-game losing streak in Cleveland two weeks ago, and LeBron James and his gang have won five straight. But Washington has to like its chances tonight. Three reasons why:
Antawn Jamison is back. It’s been explored at length already, but here’s what Wizards head coach Flip Saunders had to say: “I think the energy level’s up. I think there’s no question, it’s a combination, you better have energy when you play against the Cavs and LeBron and those things, but also I think that now, any time you get back one of your team leaders, a guy that’s been not only a very good basketball player for you but a vocal player for you, I think it kind of ignites you a little bit.”
How does that translate onto the court? This is the starting lineup — Jamison, Gilbert Arenas, Mike Miller, Brendan Haywood, Caron Butler — that the Wizards have been waiting SINCE JUNE to unveil.
Shaquille O’Neal (shoulder) isn’t in the building, and Anderson Varejao (bruised hip) isn’t playing either. Those two combined for 31 points, 18 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 blocks in the Cavaliers’ 102-90 win in Cleveland on Nov. 2. With them out, the Wizards’ decision to shelve Fabricio Oberto (hamstring) for the night is easier to digest. Saunders actually cautioned against it resulting in more minutes for JaVale McGee because the Cavs have been going very small.
“They still have [Zydrunas] Ilgauskas,” said Saunders, “which in some ways makes it more difficult to defend LeBron because he’s more of a perimeter-type player who’s going to take 15-, 16-, 17-foot face-up shots so it opens up the floor more for LeBron to get to the rim. No matter what, they’re a good team. The big thing is Lebron makes them go. Their two best players are LeBron and [Mo] Williams so you have to find a way to contain one of those guys and not let them be where they can not only beat you scoring but also being a facilitator offensively.”
Arenas is on Twitter. If Arenas isn’t spending time trying to sulk in front of the media, that’s a good thing. The better play will follow. As for his twitter account, @gilbertarenas, he says he won’t tweet until he has a million followers. And check out the Agent Zero video on his relaunched web site: www.gilbertarenas.com
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