1/8/02: Jordan elevates over athletic Clippers

[Gamebreaker]

Wizards fall to (rising) lowly Hawks at home
FULL STORY
Box score

[Gamebreaker]

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GAME PREVIEW
Washington (10-14) @ Orlando (12-15)

Magic Update- Tonight there will be no Jordan rematch against Tracy McGrady, as he is out with a sore back. Both Orlando superstars (he and Grant Hill) will be unavailable tonight. Not surprisingly, they've lost four in a row to slip back under .500, however they managed to beat Utah 94-90 two days ago.

Wizards Update- How many minutes will Jordan play? After being limited to 30-35 for awhile, he went 38 against the Hawks, but had a miserable 1 for 11 fourth quarter showing. If that was an anomaly, more minutes would help improve the Wizards' less than glorious scoring numbers. And perhaps Doug Collins's job security. - Steve Caas

[Gamebreaker]

Wizards win, but lose #2 scorer Hamilton
FULL STORY
Box score

[Gamebreaker]

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GAME PREVIEW
Washington (11-14) @ New York (11-15)

Knicks Update- The bottom has fallen out in New York since coach Jeff Van Gundy tendered his resignation -- the Knicks lost seven in a row before beating the lowly Grizzlies two nights ago. After getting crushed 94-69 by Washington last week, it might be their turn to exact a bit of revenge.

Wizards Update- Jordan's 1st visit to Madison Square Garden was a thoroughly underwhelming affair. Maybe now he's rounded into shape enough to create another legendary memory? It is the tail end of a traveling back-to-back, but sometimes mortal concerns still don't end up affecting him much. - Steve Caas

[Gamebreaker]

Wizards embarrassed in the Garden again
FULL STORY
Box score

[Gamebreaker]

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GAME PREVIEW
Washington (11-15) @ Charlotte (15-12)

Hornets Update- Jamal Mashburn is still out, but the Hornets have been keeping the ship afloat in the meantime, going 9-9 in his absence. Elden Campbell (15.6ppg) and Lee Nailon (10.5ppg) have stepped up to help Baron Davis (21.8ppg, 8.1ast) carry the load. Still, Charlotte has become the worst shooting team in the league (.414), so watch out for that defense.

Wizards Update- The Wizards are down a big scoring star themselves, as Richard Hamilton (pulled groin) has been moved to the injured list and is expected to miss at least four to six weeks. Backup Courtney Alexander (8.6ppg off the bench) has been activated, but probably will not get the start. - Steve Caas

[Gamebreaker]

Jordan erupts for 51 points... 43 in the second half
FULL STORY
Box score

[Gamebreaker]

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GAME PREVIEW
Washington (12-15) @ Indiana (22-8)

Pacers Update- The Pacers are in first place in the Central Division, second overall in the Eastern conference. In their last meeting with the Wizards they came within a last second Michael Jordan three point shot attempt of losing. Tonight they might be looking to prove that close of a finish was an anamoly.

Wizards Update- What are the odds of Jordan producing back-to-back 50 point classics? Not likely, but in the 39 games following Jordan's 50+ outbursts he has averaged 32.7 points. Last night Hubert Davis had 20 points, Courtney Alexander 18, and Tyronn Lue 14... all guards, but that might be enough to get things done. - Steve Caas

[Gamebreaker]

Jordan scores 30, but Reggie scores the win
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Box score

[Gamebreaker]

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GAME PREVIEW
Charlotte (16-13) @ Washington (12-16)

Hornets Update- Since losing to Washington three days ago, both teams have played a game each, but Charlotte's was last night at home. They won, beating Milwaukee 97-90, so maybe they'll be both satisfied and a little bit tired.

Wizards Update- Same team, only home court advantage... could Jordan go for 50+ on the Hornets again? Unlike against Indiana, he's had a day of rest in between, so that should increase the chances. Charlotte's defensive specialist Stacey Augmon only played nine minutes last game. Perhaps he'll play more this time around, although they'd certainly miss Lee Nailon's offense (18 points in 33 minutes last meeting). - Steve Caas

[Gamebreaker]

Jordan spectacular again against Charlotte, but in a different way
FULL STORY
Box score

[Gamebreaker]

washingtoneagle.com


GAME PREVIEW
New Jersey (20-8) @ Washington (13-16)

Nets Update- What a difference a Kidd makes. Last year the Nets were one of the worst teams in the league, but after completing the Jason Kidd-for-Stephon Marbury swap, they're now one of the best. Recently they went on a 12 game win streak tear, the longest in the league so far this season, but have lost their last two, so look out. There's still some MVP talk for Kidd despite his modest numbers (14.5ppg, 10.5ast), but he'd probably have to improve his dreary 36% shooting to at least something resembling his usual awful mark to get serious consideration.

Wizards Update- Not to beat it into the ground, but the hopes of another Jordan scoring feast should be high tonight. He scored 41 points against the Nets in an exhibtion, and New Jersey coach Byron Scott hates to double. 60, anyone? - Steve Caas

[Gamebreaker]

Nets wake up and blow by Wizards, Jordan embarrassed in the clutch
FULL STORY
Box score

[Gamebreaker]

washingtoneagle.com


GAME PREVIEW
Chicago (7-23) @ Washington (13-17)

Bulls Update- It's already another ugly, lost season for Chicago, although it is beginning to look up a bit: after going 1-for-November, they won six games in December. That wasn't enough to stop head coach Tim Floyd from resigning on Christmas Eve and the reins to be handed over to Bill Cartwright.

Wizards Update- Will Jordan serve up something special to his former team? There have been rumors that he was quite miffed at not being offered a position in the Bulls' front office after he retired. Either way, no doubt he'll be enjoying the opportunity to personally embarrass the team that Jerry Krause broke up the champpionship Bulls squad to put on the court in their place. - Steve Caas

[Gamebreaker]

Jordan destroys the Bulls
FULL STORY
Box score

[Gamebreaker]

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GAME PREVIEW
Clippers (16-18) @ Washington (14-17)

Clippers Update- It's a new day in Clipperland -- the team is actually competing for a playoff spot this year. They are now led by new acquisition Elton Brand (20.8 ppg, 11.5reb), who rumors say the Wizards could have acquired from Chicago if they traded their no.1 pick in the draft. They lost to Philly 81-80 last night so they may be tired, but will probably be much more competitive.

Wizards Update- Washington may be very well rested, but they might also be very rusty, having played only one game in the last eight days. Last year when the Clippers visited, they came back from a blowout to get the win, causing Jordan's now infamous attack on his television set. If the same thing happens tonight, he'll be right in the middle of it. - Steve Caas

[Gamebreaker]

Washington beats the new, competitive Clippers
FULL STORY
Box score

[kibaxx7]

You're playing on Live 2000, right? Nice job man.

[Gamebreaker]

Thanks, man.

Not sure if I'm going to be able to do anymore. My life is in the process of being turned upside down. And boy, trying to maintain the actual schedule days is painful.

Really got a glimpse of how players must feel when they hit a four-games-in-five nights stretch and such.