With lineup nearly intact, Wizards halt Cavaliers 13-game winning streak
This is what the Washington Wizards envisioned in the preseason – a potent lineup with a trio of All-Stars, a noisy sellout crowd, Verizon Center rocking for an April game against the nemesis Cleveland Cavaliers.
The only part of the scenario they didn’t accurately foresee was the stakes. So while the Wizards’ 109-101 victory over Cavaliers before 20,173 on Thursday night lacked magnitude, it at least held some promise for the future for the last-place team in the Eastern Conference.
Heat @ WizardsWhen » Saturday, 7Where » Verizon CenterTV/Radio » CSN/980 AM
Miami (39-36) is battling Philadelphia (39-35) for fifth-place in the Eastern Conference. The Heat are led by MVP candidate Dwyane Wade who is averaging career highs in points (29.9 per game), assists (7.5 pg), steals (2.3), and blocks (1.4 pg). Miami has swept three meetings with Washington. Rookies Mario Chalmers (10.1 ppg, 4.8 apg) and Michael Beasley (13.2 ppg. 5.1 rpg) have been key contributors along with frontcourt starters Jermaine O’Neal (13.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg) and Jamario Moon (7.4 ppg), both acquired from Toronto in a February trade for Shawn Marion … Gilbert Arenas’ status will be determined Saturday.
Led by their big three, Caron Butler (25 points), Antawn Jamison (19 points) and Gilbert Arenas (11 points, 10 assists, 0 turnovers), and with strong work from their supporting cast, the Wizards halted the franchise-record 13-game winning streak of the Cavaliers.
“No matter when we play them, we have three players, we have 12 players, when we play Cleveland we get up for it,” said Arenas. “It’s been a rivalry since Larry Hughes decided to go there (2005). So it’s gonna be a good game.”
Washington (18-59) overtook Cleveland early in the second period and never trailed, holding off a Cavaliers’ fourth-period charge led by LeBron James (31 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists) and Mo Williams (19 points, 5 assists).
“Obviously there was a nice atmosphere,” said Wizards coach Ed Tapscott. “I noticed the concentration when we went through walk-through. We have a wonderful group of guys with a great sense of humor. Sometimes I have to curb that sense of humor. I didn’t have to curb anything today. It was serious focus.”
Cleveland (61-14) has the best record in the NBA, but two of its losses have come in Washington. The Cavaliers are the only team the Wizards have beaten twice this season at home.
“It’s still a meaningless win to the record. But to us it’s a real win,” said Arenas. “They’re trying to be the best. [James] is trying to win an MVP award. They had everything to lose and we had everything to gain.”
It was the first time this season that Arenas, coming off knee surgery, and center Brendan Haywood (12 points, 10 rebounds), coming off wrist surgery, were in the lineup together.
“It felt good to go out there and show what this lineup can possibly do,” said Haywood, who played 32 minutes in his second game back. “My wrist feels fine. But this is the most out of shape I’ve been in my life. My wind was terrible.”
The Wizards had heroes aplenty on this night. Darius Songaila (17 points, 6 rebounds) had a three-point play and a driving layup on back-to-back possessions in the fourth quarter. Nick Young (10 points) had a driving layup with 65 seconds left that sealed it. And forward Dominic McGuire (7 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists) had a key three-point play in the fourth quarter and contributed tough defense on James, who had six turnovers.
Washington started slowly, falling behind 11-2, but responding with a 12-2 run to get the lead. With an 11-point run that bridged the halves, the Wizards took command. Back-to-back slams at the start of the third period by Haywood and Jamison put Washington up, 54-41.
But in the fourth quarter, Cleveland fought back as reserve Daniel Gibson hit a 3-pointer and fed Wally Szczerbiak for another 3-pointer that tied it, 86-86.
But in the final six minutes, the Wizards were efficient at both ends. After Songaila scored five straight points, Arenas hit a jumper, threw an alley-oop to Butler for a bucket, and followed with a feed to Jamison for a breakaway score that put Washington up 101-92.
“Gilbert has come back with a wonderful pass-first mentality. He picks his spots to score. We’ve often said that success means 20 assists for our team,” said Tapscott. “When we share the ball, we are a much better team. Gilbert sets that tone.”
While Cleveland is thinking playoffs, Washington is considering the draft lottery. But for one night, the Wizards had the upper hand and a promise for much more next season.
“It’s just great for the organization. We’ve been through rough times,” said Areans. “We were right on [Cleveland’s] heels. We were snipping … This just gives us some assurance that we’re right there. We’re not that far behind.”
Notes » Jamison was named the sportsmanship winner for the Southeast Division. He limped off the floor with a sprained ankle in the fourth quarter, but returned, noticeably hobbled, four minutes later … The Wizards’ bench hit 14 of 22 shots from the floor (63.6 percent) … Cleveland did not have a steal … Wizards guard Javaris Crittenton sat out with back spasms.
