Jordan Says Butler Is One Tough Cookie

DETROIT, April 19 -- The Wizards are 3-0 since Caron Butler returned from a sprained right thumb, and there's an easy explanation, according to Coach Eddie Jordan, who watched Butler score 11 of his game-high 33 points in the first quarter Wednesday night.

"Caron is as tough as they come," Jordan said. "He had the will and determination and won the game for us tonight. He forced his will on the game."

Scouting Around

Because the Wizards went into the Wednesday night's regular season finale not knowing who they were going to play when the playoffs open, the team's scouts have been working overtime.

Advance pro scout and assistant coach Wes Unseld Jr. spent the past several weeks tracking four possible first-round opponents: Detroit, Miami, New Jersey and Cleveland.

"Wes Junior does a great job," Jordan said. "He did a great job last year getting us ready for the playoffs. He's one of the sharpest guys I've ever been around."

Call Detroit Title Town?

The Pistons entered Wednesday night's game having already wrapped up the top seed in the East as well as home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, but they aren't the only Detroit team riding high going into the postseason. The Detroit Red Wings posted the top record in the NHL (58-16-8) and open the Stanley Cup playoffs Friday.

It's the first time a city has had its NBA and NHL teams enter the playoffs with the best records in their respective leagues.