By Ivan Carter
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, November 5, 2007

The Washington Wizards are 0-3 after a 94-82 home loss to the Orlando Magic on Saturday night, but center Brendan Haywood is not responsible for the team's rough start.

Haywood has double-doubles in each of the first three games -- the longest such streak of his seven-year career -- and he's the only Wizard making more than 50 percent of his shots. Haywood, who is averaging 10 points and 13.7 rebounds, also led the NBA with 25 offensive rebounds entering yesterday's games.

On consecutive nights, he held his own against two of the game's dominating big men: Boston's Kevin Garnett and Orlando's Dwight Howard.

"He has been terrific," Wizards Coach Eddie Jordan said. "We told him [Saturday night] that this was going to be the ultimate challenge. They were different types of dominating centers, Garnett and Howard, and he really responded. He can play on a high level like that."

With Etan Thomas out indefinitely after undergoing heart surgery on Oct. 11, Haywood has been forced to carry the load at center. He averaged just over 31 minutes in the first three games but doesn't mind.

"I feel like I have a lot of energy and I'm in great shape so I feel good out there," Haywood said. "I know that I'm going to get the minutes so I'm confident when I'm out there."

If Haywood can continue to play like he has so far, the Wizards will have a chance to bounce back from the poor start, especially if some of the team's scorers can start making shots.

"The only consistent player has been Brendan, and that's good for us," said Gilbert Arenas, who is shooting 33.3 percent overall and made only 1 of 17 three-point attempts. "As long as everybody gets on his page, we'll be fine."

After giving his players yesterday off, Jordan said practices leading up to Thursday's game at New Jersey would have more of a training camp feel. The primary focus may be on creating some flow at the offensive end, where poor shooting and turnovers have been the biggest factors in the slow start.

"We will treat it like a minicamp," Jordan said. "We will watch a lot of tape and practice. Guys will get some rest, and we will work on some key things. We will scrimmage. We will build on the good plays emotionally and mentally to play Thursday."

The Wizards need to get it together quickly. Washington is 1-12 in the past 13 meetings at New Jersey dating from the 2000-01 season and on Friday night, Carmelo Anthony, Allen Iverson and the Denver Nuggets will make their lone visit to Verizon Center.

At the very least, the Wizards can look around the Eastern Conference and take solace in the fact that other potential contenders are off to slow starts as well. The Chicago Bulls, a team picked by many to win the East, dropped to 0-3 with a loss at Milwaukee on Saturday night while the Miami Heat dropped its third straight to open the season yesterday against Charlotte.

UP NEXT Thursday at New Jersey7:30 p.m. Comcast SportsNet, WTEM-980 Friday vs. Denver8 p.m. Comcast SportsNet, WTEM-980 UP NEXT Thursday at New Jersey7:30 p.m. Comcast SportsNet, WTEM-980 Friday vs. Denver8 p.m. Comcast SportsNet, WTEM-980