By Ivan Carter
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, March 23, 2007

SEATTLE, March 22 -- Injured forward Caron Butler remained in Washington on Thursday as he awaited clearance from team doctors to return to action after missing three games with a left knee contusion.

Butler had hoped to fly out and join the team in San Francisco on Thursday, and Coach Eddie Jordan said there was a chance the all-star could play before the five-game road trip ends Monday night at Utah if team athletic trainers and doctors gave Butler clearance.

If Butler does not join the team before the trip concludes, he'll most likely return Wednesday night when the Wizards play Philadelphia at Verizon Center. The team improved to 2-4 without Butler with Wednesday night's 108-106 win at Seattle.

The Warriors may feel that the Wizards owe them one. When the teams met at Verizon Center on March 4, the Wizards emerged with a controversial 107-106 win that was decided when Gilbert Arenas made three free throws with less than a second remaining.

With Golden State clinging to a two-point lead in the final seconds, Arenas drove and drew a shooting foul on Mickael Pietrus. Golden State Coach Don Nelson was then assessed a technical after coming onto the court to argue the call, and Arenas was awarded the extra free throw. Every win is precious for the Warriors (32-37), who are a half-game behind the Clippers for eighth place in the Western Conference.

UP NEXT Tonight at Warriors10:30 p.m. Comcast SportsNet, WTEM-980 Tomorrow at Clippers10:30 p.m. Comcast SportsNet, WTEM-980