Heat-Wizards 1 (postgame)

Wade, Shaq, and JWill didn't play due to various injuries. An easy win for DC, right? Oh, that's why they play the game.

The contest almost became a huge choke for Washington. The Wiz were up 40-17 after the end of the first quarter that saw Caron Butler go crazy with 18 points (he ended the game with 30). However, the Heat has too much pride to give up (even with second and third stringers). Pat Riley inserted the young guns that are quicker and played with nothing to lose. Riley also switched to a 2-3 zone and dared the Wizards to make jumpers (let's just say that Jarvis Hayes shot like crazy and only made 2 or 3). Oh, and James Posey made 7 threes that had the Heat within 3 points. However, the Wizards wouldn't let Miami take the lead in the entire game and ultimately prevailed.

Due to the history of Washington not being able to beat Miami since April 2003, Wiz fans went from being nuts in the first quarter to complete nervousness during the Heat comeback. A sense of disappointment was about to fall upon the Verizon Center once again, but luckily, the home team did just enough to put the game away. Although Washington won, it was not a good win and Eddie Jordan should let his team know that they can't just cruise even after being up 23.

Jamison had a scare when he landed awkwardly (maybe slipped) and hurt his knee. He came back just minutes later to loud applause. Oh, and his 4 point play was pretty sweet. Gil was comfortable chucking 3s, but going 4 for 13 from downtown could have been disastrous if Washington lost. Caron Butler displayed why he really should be an all-star. His play has absolutely elevated and without him, I'm not sure if the Wizards would be able to come back to a .500 record. Lastly, I commend Brendan Haywood for playing his heart out in the very shaky 3rd quarter for the Wizards. Haywood's numerous offensive rebounds added enough doubt back in the Heat players' minds that they won't win tonight.

A very tough West road trip for the Wizards is coming up next: Lakers, Nuggets, Sacramento, and Suns. A 2-2 split would be good, but they could surprise and do better than expected. Of course, they also could falter and put themselves in the same hole that they just dug out of.

Lastly, Arenas and Adidas gave out more "Agent Zero" T-shirts. This time, it is a black T that says "Let it Be Known" on the front and "Arenas" on the back. He's a star player now but just like the commercial campaign, Wiz will only roll if everyone contributes.

"It Takes Five, Baby!"

Miami: 9-13
Washington: 11-11