Washington native Roger Mason took the long way home. His circuitous route included stops in Chicago, Toronto, Greece and Israel. The summer before last, a few days after signing to play in Japan, Mason was rescued by his hometown team. His joy was tempered. He had no idea how long his dream job with the Washington Wizards would last.
Seventeen months later, Mason is still home. Mason had his best game in Washington Tuesday night, scoring 17 points off the bench to help the depleted Wizards earn a 102-88 victory over Minnesota before 12,177.
Mason, a graduate of Good Counsel High, responded when he was called on in the second period, after Antonio Daniels (12 points) left with a minor hand injury. Mason scored 10 points to help the Wizards transform a 1-point deficit into a 10-point halftime lead. He hit 5-of-8 shots from the floor and went 5-of-5 from the free throw line.
“I’ve always appreciated [playing in the NBA],” said Mason, 27. “But at the end of the day, I’m thankful to be playing ball, whether it’s here or overseas. I’m very lucky to be playing the game I love. But to be home is special.”
This summer, Mason turned down an offer with NBA champion San Antonio to re-sign with the Wizards. With Gilbert Arenas out until March with a knee injury, Mason figures to have made a good decision.
“One of his poorest games was against Philadelphia and he bounced right back,” said Wizards coach Eddie Jordan. “He’s got a terrific shot. You need that in this league. He’s got range. He can drive the ball and he picks up defensively.”
Washington doubled its 10-point halftime lead as it held Minnesota (3-16) scoreless for the first 4 minutes, 43 seconds of the third period. During the 10-0 run, Daniels scored half the team’s points.
Minnesota rallied behind forward Craig Smith (career-high 36 points) and guard Sebastian Telfair (11 points, 10 assists), closing to within six points. But center Brendan Haywood (11 points, 14 rebounds) scored eight points in the fourth quarter, Daniels hit a 3-pointer, and forward Antawn Jamison (22 points, 13 rebounds) added a 3-point play to seal it.
Put backs
» The Wizards outrebounded Minnesota, 57-35. It was the second time this season all three front court players were in double figures on the glass.
» All five Wizards starters scored in double figures, including Caron Butler (20 points, 10 rebounds) and DeShawn Stevenson (14 points), who hit four 3-pointers.
» Forward Darius Songaila (sprained ankle) did not play, but was available, according to coach Eddie Jordan.
