Wizards Holding the Fort Without Arenas

After a disastrous 0-5 start and an injury to their charismatic superstar, the Washington Wizards looked ready to threaten the lottery more than the playoffs. The Wizards had the talent to compete in the East, but never showed the toughness that all winning teams need to prevail. But, Eddie Jordan’s team has responded from the tough start, and with their second consecutive win over the Boston Celtics, the Wizards have crept to within a game and a half of division leader Orlando in the Southeast.

Washington’s bug-a-boo early in the season had been their porous defense, but for the past month, there has been a marked improvement on the defensive end. The Wizards allowed an astonishing 105 points a game last season, which put their talented offensive unit under an enormous amount of pressure to convert. Their Big Three, Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison, and Gilbert Arenas had made Washington a solid playoff team in spite of their defense, but without Agent Zero, the Wizards faced an ultimatum to ease the pressure on their efficient offense.

Washington has responded, allowing over 100 points only four times in December and January, going 13-7 over that stretch to put themselves in great position without their All-Star. The run has been led by Butler and Jamison, who have paved the way for a team that is growing up, and quickly learning how to play without Arenas. Jordan helped coin the nickname, “Tough Juice” for Caron, and there is no better way to describe Washington’s unquestioned leader. After a career year last season riding shotgun with Arenas, Butler encountered an unprecedented amount of responsibility as Washington’s number one man on the perimeter. The first-time All-Star from a season ago has stepped his game up to a new level, averaging over 20 points for the first time in his career, and distributing the ball like he never has before.

Jamison, the so-called #3 for Washington, has improved his game as well this season, averaging a double-double for the first time in his career as Washington’s strong man down low. Since Arenas hit the shelf again, Jamison has picked up the slack smoothly, and been the catalyst for Washington’s marked improvement on the defensive end. With the Eastern Conference lacking depth at power forward, its very possible Jamison will join his teammate Butler in New Orleans for an All-Star bid himself.

It wasn’t unexpected to see Jamison and Butler lift their game to a new level; they were established stars in this league. The most pressure, though, was left to the supporting cast, which shriveled up last season when Arenas first got injured. There hasn’t been a consistent third performer each and every night, but its been a combination of guys that have assumed the role in helping Washington diversify on offense. Brendan Haywood, DeShawn Stevenson, Nick Young, Andray Blatche, and Antonio Daniels have all had their moments this year, rotating on who steps up when the team needs it most. They haven’t been intimidated in the big moments.

It was Haywood, who had the best game of the season with 20 points and 9 rebounds in a comeback victory at Charlotte last month. Stevenson has served as the team’s streaky three-point threat, hitting four from downtown in last night’s 88-83 triumph at Boston. Blatche is a developing 21-year old center that has led Washington in scoring on two occasions, both victories. Daniels has assumed the starting point guard role seamlessly, and led the team in assists since Arenas’ departure. Young may be the most raw of the group, but no one questions his leaping ability, especially after watching his antics in the air hit YouTube. He’s campaigning hard to be in this year’s Slam Dunk Contest, and could be a favorite in next month’s competition.

The date of Arenas’ return is becoming more uncertain with each passing day; the star has been shockingly quiet about his return to the Wizards, but you wouldn’t know Washington was missing their star with their improved level of play. If and when Arenas manages to come back to the Wizards, his team will welcome him with open arms as they prepare for the stretch run. But, until then, the Wizards continue to fight without their fallen star, with their eyes firmly set of closing the gap between them and Pistons and Celtics of the Eastern Conference.


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