1/8/02: Jordan elevates over athletic Clippers

[Gamebreaker]

washingtoneagle.com


GAME PREVIEW
Washington (5-7) @ Cleveland (7-7)

Cavs Update- So far, so great. Cleveland's .500 record is much better than most prognosticators projected it would be, especially with center Zadrunas Illguaskas still not back in the lineup yet. Led by the blooming talent point guard Andre Miller (17.5ppg, 8.3ast) somehow coach John Lucas is getting it done.

Wizards Update- If Washington can win this game, they'll be only one game under .500. They're 0-5 on the road so far, so perhaps they're due. Wizard center Brendan Haywood was activated from the injured list yesterday, replacing hustling Bobby Simmons on the bench. - Steve Caas

[Gamebreaker]

Jordan brings more hurt to Cleveland
FULL STORY
Box score

[Gamebreaker]

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GAME PREVIEW
Washington (6-7) @ Philadelphia (4-9)

Sixer Update- AI is back, and appears to be in prime form for his first duel with the grand master, averaging 35.0ppg since his return from elbow surgery. Surprisingly Philadelphia is only 2-4 since his return. Who would have thought the Wizards would have the better record? With their season slipping away, expect the Sixers' best punch.

Wizards Update- Rookie Brendan Haywood played 24 minutes in his NBA debut, and some of those were somewhat important. He may be in the starting lineup soon, with Jahidi White not even providing his stellar rebounding numbers so far this season (5.1rpg in 23.1min). Washington's own tiny tyke of a point guard, Tyronn Lue, is coming off the injured list tonight to lock horns again with his Finals arch-enemy. - Steve Caas

[Gamebreaker]

Wizards find their way back to .500; Jordan bests Iverson
FULL STORY
Box score

[Gamebreaker]

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GAME PREVIEW
Washington (7-7) @ Miami (3-11)

Heat Update- The Heat look like an absolutely shattered team in the wake of the embarrassing sweep they endured against the Charlotte Hornets last spring. They're currently suffering through a nine game losing streak, which reached a new low last night when they lost to Chicago by a point, a team that hadn't won a game in the first month of the season. Alonzo Mourning has been struggling with fatigue due to his kidney problems, and he recently sat out a few games due to food poisoning. Injuries are rampant on the roster, so perhaps when they get everybody back they can make a run at one of the lower playoff rungs.

Wizards Update- In his first comeback Michael Jordan scored 55 points the first time he faced Pat Riley. He scored 18 points in only one quarter's work against Miami in the preseason. Will tonight be another night for the ages? Statistics support the possibility: during the Wizards' last eight games (which they went 7-1), Jordan is averaging 27.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, i.e. he's looking a whole lot more like that guy we used to know. - Steve Caas

[Gamebreaker]

Heat surprise Wizards, finally break Riley's worst losing streak of his career
FULL STORY
Box score

[Gamebreaker]

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GAME PREVIEW
Orlando (7-9) @ Washington (7-8)

Magic Update- Most think that Kobe Bryant is the best perimeter in the league, but many basketball experts say Tracy McGrady has him beat. Either way it isn't like his statistical averages are shabby (27.1 pts, 7.4 reb, 5.3 ast). Grant Hill, another "next Jordan" candidate, is not expected to play tonight, due to bone spurs in his feet. His status is day-to-day.

Wizards Update- Jordan's season stats so far: 24.9 pts, 6.8 reb, 4.4. ast. Not bad for an old man, but he really is going to have his hands full tonight. On both ends of the floor, since no one else in Washington's starting lineup will be able to guard McGrady. - Steve Caas

[Gamebreaker]

McGrady (literally) destroys Jordan
FULL STORY
Box score

[Gamebreaker]

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GAME PREVIEW
Washington (7-9) @ San Antonio (8-7)

Spurs Update- After an ominous 2-7 start to their season, the Spurs have won six in a row to get back into the mix of things out West. With no great talent at the point guard position, Greg Poppovich has decided to start Eurorookie Tony Parker to let him work through his mistakes at a faster pace. Tim Duncan has been even more of a monster than usual, averaging 28.2 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists -- making him the frontrunner so far to receive the MVP award. His finding yet another level has helped make up for aging David Robinson's diminishing output (12.5 ppg, 7.0 reb).

Wizards Update- It is likely for Jordan will sit out this game, maybe more. Backup Courtney Alexander (8.7ppg) will probably get the start in his place. To have any chance at all, Washington will probably need huge games out of both him and Richard Hamilton. - Steve Caas

[Gamebreaker]

Wizards get crushed, but get back up off the canvas
FULL STORY
Box score

[Gamebreaker]

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GAME PREVIEW
Washington (7-10) @ Houston (6-13)

Rockets Update- Like the Wizards, the Rockets have been very streaky. After losing their first four games of the season, they won the next five, and are currently suffering through a six game nosedive. They've been bit some by the injury bug, and young star point guard Steve Francis (20.6ppg) is on the injured list and will miss tonight's game.

Wizards Update- MJ may play tonight, he may not. This could be a team they can beat without him, but Washington might not want to take that chance, having already lost three in a row. - Steve Caas

[Gamebreaker]

Jordan returns, but lowly Rockets still embarrass Wizards
FULL STORY
Box score

[Gamebreaker]

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GAME PREVIEW
Washington (7-11) @ Dallas (11-8)

Mavericks Update- The Mavericks record may not look too much like a Western superpower's, since they've lost two games in a row. Those were against the Spurs and the Lakers, so don't judge them too harshly. Budding German Dirk Nowitzki (18.8ppg) won't be playing tonight due to an ankle injury. It is likely former Wizard Juwan Howard will start in his place. Will he have an axe to grind with MJ for trading him?

Wizards Update- Washington scored a mere 63 points against the Rockets, their worst total this season. They currently average 92.7ppg, 23rd in the league. They say MJ's status is questionable, but with the Wizards having lost four in a row the safe bet is he plays, even if his leg has to be amputated.. - Steve Caas

[kibaxx7]

Man, you started 0-6, but now you are much better. Aim for .500

[Gamebreaker]

I'm surprised I lost so badly to the Rockets. Minus 'Chise. Geez.

I guess .500 might actually be the big dream.

[Gamebreaker]

Mavericks' offense still unstoppable without Dirk, Jordan erupts after Wizards lose fifth in a row
FULL STORY
Box score

[Gamebreaker]

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GAME PREVIEW
Washington (7-12) @ Memphis (6-13)

Grizzlies Update- Nothing has changed since the Grizzlies moved from Vancouver to Memphis this year; they were at the bottom of the Midwest Division before Houston lost another two games. They lost shooting guard Michael Dickerson for the season after only three games (and signing him to a big contract extension). On the bright side Memphis's two selections from this year's draft, Pau Gasol and Shane Battier, look like fantastic building blocks for the future, averaging 17.2 and 15.4 points per game respectively.

Wizards Update- Bad news: sixth man Courtney Alexander has been placed on the injured list with a contusion in his left fibula and a left ankle sprain. Tyrone Nesby has been activated in his place. This is the last night of a four game, weeklong roadtrip, which in and of itself would inspire a lot less optimism about the possibility of a win. Will Jordan have much energy? If the Wizards lose this game, they will be six games under .500... exactly where they were at the beginning of the season. - Steve Caas

[Gamebreaker]

Jordan scores 42 points in 30 minutes, ending Wizards' five game losing streak
FULL STORY
Box score

[Gamebreaker]

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GAME PREVIEW
Miami (5-14) @ Washington (8-12)

Heat Update- The Heat didn't exactly catch fire after stopping their nine game slide against Washington less than two weeks ago. They've been 1-4 in that span. They've gotten most of their players back from injuries, and have signed free agent Jim Jackson for some much needed offensive assistance. Eddie Jones has been their rock, taking his game to a new level (24.2ppg) in these trying times.

Wizards Update- Back home after their Texas Triangle + Memphis road trip must be a welcome change for Washington. Unfortunately tonight's game is the tail end of a back to back they have to deal with right after getting off the airplane. MJ finding a way to be immortal again for a second night in a row seems unlikely. Luckily Miami played Milwaukee last night too, so maybe it will be somewhat of a fair fight. - Steve Caas

[Gamebreaker]

Jordan and Hamilton combine for 60, beat the Heat
FULL STORY
Box score

[Gamebreaker]

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GAME PREVIEW
New York (10-12) @ Washington (9-12)

Knicks Update- The Knicks had been holding up well without Marcus Camby, going 10-8 while he was on the injured list, before losing the their last four games. Coach Jeff Van Gundy resigned December 8th, and since assistant coach Don Chaney has been promoted they're 0-2 -- despite Camby returning to play in both of those contests.

Wizards Update- Here's another very winnable game that would get Washington closer back to .500. The Knicks wiped the floor with them in the season opener at the Garden 110-88... will the Wizards show they've improved? - Steve Caas

[Gamebreaker]

Wizards avenge Madison Square Garden Massacre, but lose Laettner
FULL STORY
Box score

[Gamebreaker]

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GAME PREVIEW
Washington (10-12) @ Toronto (11-13)

Raptors Update- It's finally here, Air Jordan vs. Air Canada. Vince Carter is currently 2nd in the league in scoring, averaging 27.6 points a game. He's only shooting 42%, but has been dealing with some nagging injuries. Toronto has lost three of their last four to dip them below the .500 line, so expect a solid team effort.

Wizards Update- Jordan looks primed and ready for this particular matchup. In the last three games he's averaging 33.3 points... in 31.3 minutes of playing time. Maybe he hasn't peaked yet? - Steve Caas

[Gamebreaker]

And the winner of Carter vs. Jordan is ... Hakeem?
FULL STORY
Box score

[Gamebreaker]

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GAME PREVIEW
Atlanta (9-15) @ Washington (10-13)

Hawks Update- Still in the Eastern conference cellar after many predicted otherwise, the Hawks have won three in a row, including their last game against the Pacers, the best team in the east. Theo Ratliff only played in the first three games of the season, so that could explain the lack of success. Could Shareef Abdur-Rahim (23.1ppg) and Jason Terry (19.9ppg) be turning their ship around towards the direction of the playoffs anyway?

Wizards Update- The Wizards were blown out by Atlanta in the second game of their season. They were also blown out by New York, but returned the favor last week. Could some more revenge be had? Another loss to the Hawks would bring them perilously close to overtaking the Wizards in the standings... - Steve Caas