February 28, 2007 - In summation, it was not the most exciting match-up the Wizards have had with the Miami Heat - and the 92-83 loss
at the Verizon Center shows the Wizards are not the team we all cheered for earlier in the season.
And what about Agent Zero?
Well, despite “doing everything he’s been asked to do”,
as told by Coach Eddie Jordan to reporters after the game, Gilbert Arenas just can’t seem to get his groove back.
Missing 15 of 18 field goal attempts, and making (agent) zero of eight
three-point attempts, the Wizards’ star player decided not to speak to the media after the game.
We all understand that even the best players have a moment where their
hot scoring starts to cool down; but one would have to wonder if Gilbert Arenas is having a total melt down.
Teammate Roger Mason doesn’t think so. “He’s an all-star. He’ll bounce back”, said Mason who, himself seems to be on a
tremendous three-point scoring mission.
In the last three games Mason made ten of fourteen three-point attempts.
When DC Urban Sports asked Roger about his own hot hand, he answered
by saying he’s “staying ready”, preparing for what ever Coach Jordan needs him to do.
Meanwhile, Miami’s Shaquille O’Neal, still having issues connecting his free-throws, (missing seven of eight
attempts on the night), did manage to hurl in 23 points inside the paint - rolling over any, and most all, defensive stratagems
the Wizards could muster.
The Wizards were again without their star forwards, Caron Butler, who
continues to be sidelined with back spasms; and Antawn Jamison who has been out with a left knee sprain, but according to
Wizards personnel may play against Atlanta on March 2nd.
Without the team’s nucleus that helps keep them on the winning
track, the Wizards have lost four straight games, leaving them very vulnerable in their attempt to stay in first place
in the Eastern Conference.
Let’s hope the loosing streak roars ‘out’ like a lion
during March (madness) and the return to winning and making the fans believe in our team, heats up the hibachi that is the
Wizards we all know and have come to love.
Shaq and Brendan Haywood dual for possesion. Photo,: courtesy of J. DeFreitas.
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DC Urban Sports News Extra: DC Urban Sports
spoke with George Michael of The Sports Machine (News Channel 4) on celebrating his 27th anniversary in the
business and what it has meant to him.
Click here for interview.
