WIZARDS INSIDER
Lately, Pulling Out The Close Games
Wednesday, March 7, 2007; Page E05
The Wizards have displayed an ability to pull out close games all season, with Friday's one-point win over Atlanta and Sunday's one-point win over Golden State the latest examples.
The Wizards are 9-2 in contests decided by three points or less. Only Dallas (10-2) owns a better record in such games.
TRACKING THE WIZARDS Andray Blatche will attend 'John School,' a day-long seminar on the ills of solicitation. The Wizards re-sign forward Andray Blatche to a multiyear deal. After a delay, the Wizards finalize a trade of guard Juan Carlos Navarro to Memphis for a draft pick. Wizards Insider Ivan Carter and Michael Lee with exclusive coverage and analysis on the Washington Wizards. |
Sunday's win was clinched when Gilbert Arenas made three clutch free throws, but DeShawn Stevenson and Caron Butler also scored big baskets down the stretch.
"You would like to make it so games don't get that close in the first place, but we have shown an ability to make the plays we need to make," forward Antawn Jamison said. "As long as you can do that, you have a chance."
Skidding Hawks
The Wizards will be in Atlanta for tonight's game against the Hawks (22-39). Washington won the first two meetings between the teams, including Friday's 93-92 victory at Verizon Center. The Wizards also beat the Hawks by a point, 96-95, at Verizon Center on Nov. 28.
The Hawks have lost six straight, and opponents are averaging 102.8 points over that span. One player to watch is forward Josh Smith, who finished with 24 points, 14 rebounds and 7 blocks in Friday's loss to the Wizards. Smith is the youngest player in NBA history (21 years 88 days) to reach 500 career blocks.
The Wizards and Hawks meet once more this season, April 13 at Atlanta.
UP NEXT Tonight at Hawks7 p.m. Comcast SportsNet, WTEM-980 Saturday vs. Knicks7 p.m. Comcast SportsNet, WTEM-980
