Can Washington stop skid against Bucks?
It is with a mixture of excitement and trepidation that Caron Butler returns home tonight when the Wizards play at Milwaukee.
Excitement comes from playing 15 minutes from his hometown of Racine. Trepidation, from a history of bad luck in his home state.
Last year in Milwaukee, Butler suffered a torn labrum in his hip that knocked him out for seven weeks. In 2006-07, Butler’s season ended prematurely when he broke his hand on a backboard at the Bradley Center.
But Butler also has played well in Wisconsin, albeit in losing causes. In the game he injured his hip, he scored a career-high 40 points in an overtime loss. The previous season he had 29 points and 13 boards in a December defeat.
“It’s an added incentive because you’re playing in front of so many loved ones, friends, people who cant afford League Pass because of the recession,” joked Butler who has arranged for tickets for 35 friends and relatives. “There’s something about home that brings out the best in me, real energetic.”
Washington (0-2) looks for Butler’s best stuff tonight against improved Milwaukee (2-2), which is stressing defense under new coach Scott Skiles, limiting opponents to 93 points per game.
“They’re going to play defense and they’re going to play hard,” said Wizards guard DeShawn Stevenson, who will check Bucks’ top scorer Michael Redd, provided the left-hander plays after spraining an ankle in Sunday’s win at New York.
The idea scenario for the Wizards would be to get out of Milwaukee with a win and a healthy Butler, who has felt no twinges in his hip.
“So far so good,” said Butler. “I think a lot of it is attributed to yoga — really focusing in on stretching out a lot and taking care of my body.”
Note » Etan Thomas is questionable for tonight’s game after sitting out practice Monday and Tuesday with a sprained ankle. Jordan declined to say who would start at center if Thomas is unable to play.
UP NEXT
Wizards at Bucks
When » Tonight, 8
Where » Bradley Center
TV » Comcast SportsNet
Radio » 980 AM
» Playing three of four games on the road, Milwaukee (2-2) is off to a promising start under new coach Scott Skiles. G Mo Williams departed for Cleveland, but F Richard Jefferson (15.5 ppg) was acquired in a trade with New Jersey. Michael Redd (21.3 ppg) is the top scorer, paired in the backcourt with last year’s rookie surprise, Ramon Sessions (15.0 ppg, 8.5 apg).
