Wizards Insider
Thomas's Birthday Present: Starting
Monday, April 2, 2007; Page E06
Caron Butler's season-ending hand injury overshadowed the Wizards' 121-107 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, but Coach Eddie Jordan made a significant roster move before the game when he benched center Brendan Haywood in favor of Etan Thomas.
Thomas, who turned 29 yesterday, hadn't started since spraining his ankle against the Houston Rockets on Dec. 9. The Wizards had gone 22-9 with the starting lineup of Haywood, Antawn Jamison, Caron Butler, DeShawn Stevenson and Gilbert Arenas, but Jordan decided to make the switch after several lethargic performances from Haywood.
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"I didn't see enough consistent energy," Jordan said. "I'm going to make stands to get us to bring a lot of energy. I don't want them to think that I'm going to stand still and allow things to deteriorate. I've had patience. I've gotten to the point where I held on long enough."
Thomas had seven points and nine rebounds in 22 minutes. Jordan said he expects to start Thomas the rest of the season.
Patterson by KO
Butler broke his hand while attempting to block a dunk by Ruben Patterson. It was the second time this season that a Wizard was injured when coming in close proximity with Patterson. Arenas injured his right shoulder in a collision with Patterson on Dec. 30. "He's just a rock down there," Arenas said. "He didn't even hit nobody and he broke somebody's hand." . . .
Calvin Booth (11 points, 11 rebounds) had his first double-double of the season.
UP NEXT Tomorrow at Bobcats 7 p.m. NewsChannel 8, WTEM-980 Wednesday vs. Bobcats 7 p.m. NewsChannel 8, WTEM-980
