January 15, 2006 –

“We have the confidence in him to expect it.”

That’s what Washington Wizards teammate Antonio Daniels says of Wizards guard, Gilbert Arenas after he hit a three pointer milli seconds before the buzzer to defeat the Utah Jazz at the Verizon Center, 114-111.

Reminiscent of a previous end-of-the-game buzzer beater over the Milwaukee Bucks less than a month ago, one would have to wonder, given his MO, why somebody hasn’t double teamed Gilbert in the final seconds of the game. 

Seems obvious enough.

But we won’t give away any defensive strategies to the other 29 NBA teams that must come face-to-face with the Wizards this season.

It was a fitting tribute on a day when the country celebrated the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., slain civil rights activist and father.

The Wizard’s opened the game with the resounding voices of the Howard University Choir singing the National Anthem as only Howard’s choir could.

A few Wizards players – Etan Thomas, Antawn Jamison - made PSAs in remembrance of the slain civil rights leader that played on the jumbo tron at various intervals during the game’s time out sessions.

Dr. King’s entire “I Have A Dream Speech” was played at the half.

If in fact it was Gilbert’s dream to defeat the Utah Jazz, it too came to fruition as Gilbert had 13 pts in the first 15 minutes of the game, and his scoring just consistently increased throughout the evening.

Even though Utah had the Wizards by ten points at the half, 56-46, leaving Wizards fans wondering if they could catch up, the Wiz Kids laid to rest any doubts as they starting to make a come back in the second half.

It was a nail biter to the very end sending the crowd on an emotional roller coaster.

The game would become a question and answer session as the half began to wind down. 

The wizards would score, and Utah would answer by returning two more points.

The game tied several times which kept the crowd of 15,000+ chanting “Defense!”  “Defense!”

The Wizards called a time out with just under 10 seconds in the game after Utah’s center, Mehmet Okur scored another two that tied the game 111-111.

But not even the scoring of the Utah’s forward, Carlos Boozer who chipped in 27, nor Mehmet’s 38 points could stop the Wizards.

As it was once again Gilbert Arenas/Agent 0/our own MVP (Most Vicious Player) who just milliseconds before the final buzzer shoots a three at center court.

Already celebrating before it went in Gilbert told reporters “I knew it was going in."  “I had the hot hand.”

“I could see the great arc (trajectory) as the ball left my hand.”

Who would have known Gilbert had shoulder problems just two games prior, as none of that seemed to show tonight as he hammered in 51 points, 21 of those by way of seven, three-point shots that helped give the Wizards another 100+ point game.

The Wizards are a solid ball club, playing championship caliber basketball with players who can contribute, in their own right, stepping up and making big plays night-after-night.

Caron Butler continues his 20+ point scoring average and is a force when it comes to giving up assists and rebounding.

Antawn Jamison and Jarvis Hayes both made significant contributions to tonight’s win.

Wizards are 15-3 at home on the season, not seeing such a record – ever – either at the Verizon Center, nor Capital Centre – home to Washington’s franchise, Bullets of 1970s era.