Washington coach Eddie Jordan couldn’t ask more of his starting five. Each is having arguably his best season in a Wizards uniform.
So as long as injured All-Stars Caron Butler (hip flexor) and Gilbert Arenas (knee) remain the world’s best-dressed cheerleaders, there’s only one resource Jordan has left to mine — his inconsistent bench.
In Saturday’s 110-95 win over Charlotte, Jordan got double-digit scoring from each of his starters. But it was the hustle of his reserves that paved the way as they combined for 30 points and 18 rebounds, including 10 off the offensive glass. It was no coincidence that the Wizards’ 28-13 edge in second-chance points matched the victory margin — 15 points.
“It really felt sweet to play that way for 48 minutes and to have our bench energize us,” said Jordan. “They played very well. They had good stretches in the both the first and second half.”
Washington (26-29) will need more of the same tonight at New Orleans and tomorrow night at Houston. New Orleans (37-17) had won six straight before falling to Houston Friday and at San Antonio Saturday. Houston (35-20) had the NBA’s longest winning streak (11 games) going into last night’s game with visiting Chicago.
“We’re gonna need our bench,” said Antawn Jamison, who had 22 points and 9 rebounds Saturday. “Until we get some guys back, we need guys to come off the bench and make a difference.”
After a game at Chicago on Friday, the Wizards will play seven of their next eightat home. And they hope to do it with their two hobbled stars.
“We know when we get Caron Butler and Gilbert Arenas back, we’re one of the top five teams in the East,” said Brendan Haywood, who had 15 points, 7 rebounds, and five assists Saturday. “Right now, we’re just trying to hold down the fort.”
