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

Nuggets-Wizards (postgame)

The game basically boiled down to Carmelo Anthony vs. the Wizards. Melo didn't have any help for Denver to stay in the game during the second half. Carmelo had an unbelievable game, with at least 5 dunks and point blank range layups. However, Arenas and Butler kept the scoring moving for Washington early. Jamison didn't score much until late in the 3rd quarter.

I feel that if Denver was completely healthy, with the front court of Camby, Anthony, and Martin, the lineup is nearly unstoppable. Carmelo has completely refined his game and he can do so many things. However, when his jumpers aren't falling, the team falters.

I was looking forward to seeing J.R. Smith mature into a better basketball player; however, he had a very bad game. Camby didn't look all there.

Denver: 12-8
Washington: 10-11

No more Answer in Philly

I'm disappointed that one of the biggest stars in the league ever has finally given up and asked to be traded from his team of 11 seasons. I'm equally shocked that the Philadelphia 76ers, from coach Maurice Cheeks to general manager Billy King to chairman Ed Snider, decided to make this very public and very firm against Iverson.

Iverson isn't perfect. He never showcased that he needs to be perfect. A.I. did, however, proved that he's a superior athlete with more heart than anyone you'll know. The Answer played hurt in many games and still delivered the goods that made him a superstar.

Iverson lashed out against Larry Brown, a hall-of-fame coach that took the team to the 2001 NBA Finals. Although A.I. and Brown have made up their differences now, the separation was too great between the star player and mentor. The team has never been the same since the break-up. Iverson broke team rules and didn't feel that practices added value to his talent. Iverson presented the NBA with a "gangsta/thug image" that commissioner David Stern wants to eradicate now. Iverson sold more of his jerseys and shoes because of who he is. And now, he's leaving the only city that values what Iverson preaches: being real.

Iverson's negativity didn't hurt his popularity as an athlete because he was so damn talented. The Answer won MVP at the all-star game. The Answer won MVP of the league. The Answer played on several flawed Team USAs. The Answer paid for the funeral of a kid that was killed over his jersey. The Answer took great care of his own kids. The Answer made his mama proud.

Basketball is a business and these things happen. Shaq has been traded twice and many would argue that he's the most dominant player from 1995-present. Iverson's value will be very difficult to match up equitably in the market. No doubt the 76ers will take a loss on any deal they decide to agree on.

Wherever Iverson goes, his fans will continue to follow him. I wonder if Philly fans will boo A.I. when he comes back as a visitor. Iverson will be somewhere else soon, but his heart will always be in Philly.

Rockets-Wizards (postgame)

All the stars and superstars came to play in this game. The Tmac-Yao show (mostly Yao) beat the "hibachi-warm" Wizards led by "The Chef" Arenas and Jamison. Arenas had a poor 1st quarter. He went back to the locker room, changed his white colored shoes to black, and subsequently dropped 41 points for the game. Quirky? You decide.

Yao Ming dominated all 4 Wizards centers. Haywood and Thomas did a fine job on Yao, limiting him to only 15 points in 3 quarters. However, both Brendan and Etan left the game with injuries and Yao just salivated over James Lang and Calvin Booth. Booth played with intensity, but there were several moves he did defending Yao that should have been called a foul (the refs didn't blow the whistle). Yao got the last laugh, scoring 23 points in the 4th quarter alone. Most importantly, the Rockets stopped the Wizards 3 game winning streak and prevented Washington from going back to a .500 record.

Tmac left the game with about 7 minutes to go with what appeared to be back spasms. You hate to see a talent like McGrady deal with this nagging issue. Tmac was so quick against the Wizards that not even Stevenson and Butler had a chance to slow Tmac's first step.

Carmelo is next on the schedule for the Wiz. He was sensational last year when he played in D.C. Carmelo is not going to disappoint his home area of Baltimore.

Houston: 14-6
Washington: 9-11

Wizards-76ers (postgame)

I only saw the 2nd half of this game. I didn't know that the Wizards came back from being down 20 and ultimately beat the lifeless 76ers at the end. Arenas, of course, made 2 unbelievable 3s from way downtown to end the 1st and 2nd quarters. This kid just shocks people.

The big news in Philly is the end of the Allen Iverson era. Sixers chairman spoke on the air at the game that "Allen Iverson has probably played his last game in a Philadelphia uniform". Iverson didn't play in the Wizards game. Coach Mo Cheeks and GM Billy King were rather unspecific in their tone about Iverson, but the word is that "The Answer" is done in Philadelphia.

Washington: 9-10
Philadelphia: 5-13