Gilbert Arenas ignored the pain, trying to ease the aches with an assortment of jumpers. It didn’t work. Rest is the best prescription; it’s also not an option.
Considering starters Etan Thomas (back) and Caron Butler (finger) are out, the last thing Washington needs is Arenas in street clothes during a game.
“Until we seal up that five spot, there will be no rest,” Arenas said. “I just have to keep going full throttle until we get that five seed. We’re getting banged up at the worst time, and it’s going to be a battle the rest of the way. But we have enough talent on this team to keep winning.”
As long as the talent on the floor includes Arenas, who scored 30 points in Saturday’s loss to Miami, despite lower back pain. It’s apparently the same pain that sidelined Thomas, and will do so for the week.
Butler warmed up Saturday, but could not play.
“[Arenas] is really hurting,” Wizards coach Eddie Jordan said. “To play a game like that, and to be as productive as he’s been, it’s incredible; absolutely incredible.”
The Wizards need Butler to return, giving Arenas needed help. Forward Antawn Jamison is in a mini-slump, having made just 19 of his last 65 shots. In the last two games, the Wizards (39-37) have had a combined five players scorein double figures (the Heat had that many Saturday alone), a troubling stat.
Butler also provides a toughness the team often lacks.
Thomas’ absence creates a deeper void in the middle, where the Wizards have struggled with inconsistency. This now decreases Jordan’s options inside, especially if center Brendan Haywood isn’t contributing, as has too often been the case. The Wizards can use 6-foot-8 Michael Ruffin inside on occasion, but Haywood, benched in favor of Thomas two weeks ago, will get the bulk of the work.
It might hurt Washington more Wednesday when they play at Milwaukee, whom they’re trying to hold off for the fifth spot. The Bucks have size inside with Jamaal Magloire and Andrew Bogut. And this is the game Washington needs most. With six games remaining, if the Wizards sweep Milwaukee in their final two meetings they’ll be hard to catch for the fifth seed.
Friday’s opponent, Chicago, has size with Tyson Chandler, who, in three games against Washington, has averaged 10.3 boards. But he’s not a scorer.
“You’ve got to suck it up and perform, execute, fight, be physical and get through it,” Jordan said.
Considering only six games remain, there’s little choice.
“This is what it’s all about,” Jamison said. “It’s going to be a fun stretch, but in reality this is the most important stretch of the season.”
The week ahead
At Philadelphia (35-41), tonight
Allen Iverson has scored 40 or more points 14 times this season — and has finished with at least 38 another 10 times. Iverson has averaged 32.3 points and 9.0 assists against Washington this season. The Sixers have slumped, winning just five of their past 17 games, but are tied with Chicago for the No. 8 seed. Andre Iguodala has not scored much of late, with four games of six points or less in his last eight games. He’s averaged 15.7 points againstWashington this season.
At Milwaukee (37-39), Wednesday
Milwaukee dropped three straight on a tough road trip, only to host torrid New Jersey on Sunday. The Nets had their 14-game winning streak snapped Saturday. After scoring 35 and burying a game-winning three-pointer to beat Washington in December, Maurice Williams has scored more than 20 points just four times. And he’s scored in single digits in five of his last eight games entering Sunday. Michael Redd entered Sunday averaging 28.4 points in the past five games; he’s made 15 of 30 three-pointers in that stretch.
At Chicago (35-41), Friday
The Bulls had won four straight before Saturday’s loss to Philly. Forward Andres Nocioni has averaged 19.6 points and 11.4 rebounds in the past five games. He’s averaging 12.5 points and 5.7 rebounds for the season. Coming off the bench the past two games, guard Ben Gordon has scored 44 points on 16-of-27 shooting. He’s averaged 23 points in two games against the Wizards this season. Luol Deng did not play Saturday because of a mild concussion.
Cleveland (46-30), Sunday
This is a playoff preview, except it’s unlikely the Cavs will show much considering they already clinched the No. 4 spot, making this game meaningless for them. Still, these teams are likely to meet in the first round. Ex-Wizards guard Larry Hughes makes his first return to Washington. He returned earlier this week from a fractured finger; he scored 15 points against New Jersey Saturday. Guard Flip Murray has averaged 13.3 points in 21 games since joining the Cavs, providing slashing moves and clutch play. LeBron James has scored 35 or more points in eight straight games. He’s good.
