The Washington Wizards have long been a three-man show. Unfortunately, they’re now carrying a fife, drum and tattered flag.
Washington’s freefall extended to seven losses in eight games Sunday afternoon. Chicago led by 18 in the first quarter en route to a 101-68 victory at Verizon Center. Misbehaving toddlers in checkout lines don’t get spanked so badly. The crowd booed before leaving at third quarter’s end. Kid’s Day should have received a PG rating, and we’re not talking pretty good.
“Talent beat lesser talent,” Wizards coach Eddie Jordan said. “It’s just one of those nights. It happens.”
Meanwhile, the postseason is looming like an overwhelming invader. The “300” Spartans stood a better chance of surviving into a second round than the Wizards.
What a shame, another Wizards season is coming to a bad end. Washington was a real contender at the All-Star break. Now they’re just broken. Agent Zero limped past in the locker room. Caron Butler is gone, too. Antonio Daniels is hurt.
For once, no one blames the late-season slump on the team. They’re doing the best they can. Unfortunately, Chicago (49-32) needed only brief bursts to show Washington (40-40) what playoff basketball is like. The two might meet in the first round. It will be a swift and merciful end. The over/under for the best-of-seven series is 4.1 games. The bet is whether one of the losses goes to overtime.
That’s right — the Wizards are heading to the postseason with less probability of success than Etan Thomas going bald. The ballhandling is loosey-goosey, the rebounding sporadic. Chicago blew by for 22 fast-break points against a team always a step slow.
Who has the worst luck right now — Manny Acta or Jordan?
The Wizards have roughly two weeks before the offseason. They’re looking for some spark for next year’s roster when Gilbert Arenas and Butler return. Darius Songaila muscling under the basket for a score against Chicago or Thomas powering two monster dunks like Darryl Dawkins seated courtside used to make. DeShawn Stevenson arcing three-pointers from the seats.
The Wizards are down to celebrating individual plays instead of individual games. Jordan watched reserves in the waning minutes looking for combinations to use in the playoffs. A blowout loss might have yielded some spark when the games really count.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we bounce back,” Jordan said.
Jordan might not, but the rest of Washington would be shocked.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
