At times against the Lakers Saturday night, the Wizards lacked a consistent outside threat, a calming influence, a steady rebounder. They knew where to find one. Antawn Jamison just happened to be in street clothes.
With the injured Jamison out of the lineup, they’ve also lacked victories.
In his first two games sidelined with a sprained left knee, the Wizards (27-19) are 0-2, have allowed an average of 118.5 points and lost by a combined 26 points.
“We have to prove we can win without him,” center Brendan Haywood said.
In a tight Eastern Conference, there’s no time for pity: other contending teams in the East have lost players to injuries. Jamison is expected to be out three-to-six weeks.
“We have to find a way to make it work,” said reserve guard Antonio Daniels. “It’s a hell of an adjustment. Now you’re asking guys to do something they haven’t done all year or maybe their whole career.”
Daniels’ veteran presence is needed now more than ever; but he only played 14 inconsistent minutes in the 118-102 loss to the Lakers Saturday. Jarvis Hayes will continue to start for Jamison. In his two starts, Hayes is 6-of-13 from the field in a combined 45 minutes.
Second-year forward Andray Blatche will continue to play more. That could help in the future, but it leads to growing pains now.
“When Antawn is having a bad night, he still spaces the defense out to the three-point line,” Haywood said. “We haven’t found anyone that can replace him to do that.”
They also need to play better defensively and run their offense more.
“We claim to be the Phoenix Suns of the East, but the Phoenix Suns move the ball,” Haywood said.
Guard Gilbert Arenas did find one positive, noting the return of Darius Songaila and the eventual return of Jamison and forward/center Michael Ruffin.
“We are going to have fire power after the All-Star break,” he said.
Wiz notes
» Washington hosts struggling Seattle (17-30) tonight and San Antonio on Wednesday. After that, the Wizards don’t play again until hosting Portland on Sunday.
» Forward Darius Songaila debuted Saturday, playing 11 minutes, finishing with two points, three rebounds and an assist. His rebounding will help the Wizards, as will his passing and mid-range jumper. But he’s far from being able to play for long stretches.
