The situation demanded one of the Big Three attempt a shot. Instead, they didn’t even touch the ball. Antonio Daniels, he of the 64 playoff games over eight years, surveyed the court, spotted an opening and understood what needed to happen.
So he did it.
In two cases the reserve guard’s drives ignited mini-rallies that either got the game within two points, or tied it. At the end of regulation Wednesday, trailing Cleveland, 107-100, Daniels drove the lane, got fouled, made the basket and completed the old fashioned three-point play. Next time downcourt, his drive and dish got Cleveland out of position, leading to an easy Caron Butler stickback.
Considering the Wizards trail in the series, 3-2, it helps having an experienced player. Not to mention an effective one: Daniels is averaging 11.4 points, 3.6 assists and 35 minutes in the playoffs.
“I try not to do too much and do what we need when we need it,” he said. “It’s not about trying to do one thing; I try to bring different things to the table.”
Because he can handle several roles, the Wizards don’t need to use other more inexperienced players off the bench. Washington has essentially used just two reserves most of the series – Daniels and Michael Ruffin.
“He gives us a guy who knows how to play with the ball,” Wizards coach Eddie Jordan said of Daniels. “He’s a playmaker and that’s what you need in the playoffs. He’s what the doctor ordered for us.”
His demeanor helps, too. Daniels’ playoff experience – he won a championship in San Antonio – allows him to keep others calm.
“There are sometimes in the playoffs where something goes wrong and a player never puts it behind him,” Daniels said. “But everyone’s human; something will go wrong. You need to put it behind you and move forward because your team needs you.”
