After running out of legs against the young, quick 76ers Tuesday in Philadelphia, the Washington Wizards returned to the bump and grind Wednesday against a team that has perfected the art — defending NBA champion San Antonio.
So there were two ways to view the Wizards’ 85-77 loss before 20,173 Wednesday at the Verizon Center. While it was their second straight fourth-quarter fade, fifth consecutive defeat, and dropped them to the .500 mark for the first time in two months, it also was another demonstration of their newfound grit.
“We went toe-to-toe against the world champions,” said Wizards coach Eddie Jordan. “We played well. We played harder than we played last night.”
In the fourth quarter, Washington (24-24) couldn’t match the inside strength of Tim Duncan (23 points, nine rebounds) or the Spurs’ bench as veteran reserves Robert Horry, 37, and Michael Finley, 34, hit key 3-pointers during a decisive 9-2 run early in the fourth period.
“They execute you to death,” said Wizards guard Antonio Daniels (9 points, 7 assists). “When they have a guy (Duncan) down low and they can get a bucket every time, and they surround him with three or four shooters, it’s like, pick your poison.”
This season, Washington has rarely found a silver lining in defeat, but there were positive signs Wednesday as Andray Blatche (16 points, 15 rebounds) again played well in place of All-Star Caron Butler (hip flexor).
San Antonio (31-16) was missing point guard Tony Parker, but Manu Ginobli (9 points, 10 assists) filled the playmaker role and newly-acquired Damon Stoudamire (9 points) and veteran Jacque Vaughn (8 points) were able replacements at the point.
Wizards Notes
» Wizards forward Antawn Jamison had 18 points and 7 rebounds.
» Caron Butler, who has missed four of the last six games, will be evaluated “day-to-day,” said coach Eddie Jordan.
» Butler will accompany the Wizards on their four-game western road trip, which begins Friday night in Denver.
