Spotty not only describes the early-season play of the Wizards. It also applies to their schedule.
With only seven games in the first 20 days, the Wizards have been the least active team in the NBA.
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“It’s sort of weird that teams have 11 games and we have seven,” said Wizards coach Eddie Jordan. “It doesn’t give you rhythm. Once the season starts, players love playing games, and they feed off of that rhythm.”
With four games in the next five days, however, this is catch-up time for Washington (1-6) in the schedule, and the standings. After facing Miami (5-5) tonight, the Wizards play at Atlanta (6-3) on Wednesday, against visiting Houston (6-4) on Friday, and at New York (6-4) on Saturday.
Rhythm, among other things, was lacking Friday night in a 97-77 loss at Miami in which the Wizards were out-rebounded 52-33.
“The most important thing is the effort,” said forward Antawn Jamison. “Miami’s a much smaller team. When you get out-rebounded by [19], guys coming down the lane dunking, things like that, it’s not acceptable at all.”
Jamison did his part with team highs of 15 points and 10 rebounds, but he received little help. Caron Butler (6 points) was stymied by defender extraordinaire Shawn Marion.
“We’ve always prided ourselves on playing hard, never giving up” said Jamison. “I just didn’t sense that. Our last two road games have been horrible. In order to be a good team we have to find a way to win on the road.”
Note » Wizards guard Antonio Daniels (knee) did not practice Monday and is unlikely to play tonight. Heat star Dwyane Wade (sprained ankle) is questionable, according to the Miami Herald.
