Washington
Philip Maymin
Basketball News Services
Larry Hughes had a triumphant return to the hardwood, immediately making his presence felt with a spectacular 31-point, 6-rebound, 4-assist night. Those numbers came in addition to, and not at the expense of, his backcourt partner Gilbert Arenas: Arenas also had a sensational 33-point, 8-rebound, 5-assist night. Best of all, the Wizards beat the Rockets 101-98, making the return of Hughes that much sweeter.
Kwame Brown led all players with 12 rebounds, and that's a nice sentence to be able to write. With four and a half minutes remaining, Brendan Haywood made a terrific block of Yao Ming, though they credited him with a steal instead of a block, which led to a Gilbert Arenas fast break. The game came down to a Tracy McGrady three at the buzzer which didn't quite stay in the hole.
Perhaps the game was a little too close for comfort but the Wizards have got to be happy to get Hughes back. With most of their key pieces back together again, they are a virtual lock for the playoffs and can look to attempt to unseat Miami as the East's top seed for this Cinderella season to come to a fitting end.
NEXT GAME
The Wizards (32-24, second in the Southeast) host the Golden State Warriors (17-40, fifth in the Pacific) on Friday, March 4th. The game starts at 7:00pm Eastern and will be broadcast on CSN and NBA League Pass. The Wizards better not treat this opponent lightly as they are one of the contenders for the title of second-best backcourt in the league with Baron Davis and Jason Richardson, and they did just knock off the Timberwolves. (You know, of course, that the Wizards boast the best backcourt in the league.)
TEAM NOTES
Our own Tracy Graven of Basketball News Services writes in today's Player News & Movement: Gilbert Arenas' wallet was made a little lighter on Wednesday. The Wizards' guard was fined $7,500 by the league for criticizing officials after Sunday's loss to the Kings. He was whistled for a foul with less than two seconds left that led to two free-throw attempts for Cuttino Mobley, who hit both of them for the victory. Arenas was upset by that call and the fact he was sent to the line only seven times. "I don't understand it sometimes," Arenas said following the game. "I probably drive the lane as strong as anybody in the league, and I don't get the same calls anybody gets, like an [Allen] Iverson, who can shoot 26 free throws a night
INJURY UPDATE
Peter John Ramos(foot),Juan Dixon(ankle), andSamaki Walker (lower back) are all on the injured list.Jared Jefferies(knee) is out about a week.Jarvis Hayes(knee) sat out last night's game.
Michael Lee ofThe Washington Postwrites: Less than 90 seconds into his return last night, Washington Wizards guard Larry Hughes showed little regard for his recently broken right thumb, elevating to block a shot, which led to a fast break dunk.Thirty seconds later, Hughes caught a pass from teammate Gilbert Arenas and excited an already charged crowd with a one-handed jam -- with his right hand, no less. Welcome back.
The Washington Timeswrites: 8: Number of consecutive victories for the Wizards with Larry Hughes (31 points) in the lineup.Hughes has missed 20 games with a broken thumb. KEY PLAY With the Rockets leading 91-90 with four minutes remaining, Hughes' 3-pointer during a 13-2 run gave the Wizards the lead for good.
John N. Mitchell ofThe Washington Timeswrites: The Washington Wizards had to be wondering what type of form Larry Hughes would show after missing 20 games with a broken right thumb. Hughes answered any doubts in stunning form last night in a stirring 101-98 victory over the Houston Rockets before 18,415 at MCI Center. He finished with 31 points -- including 20 in the second half -- six rebounds, four assists and a pair of steals in 37 minutes. "That was above and beyond the call of duty -- it really was," Wizards coach Eddie Jordan said."Just to come and play those minutes and to score the points and to make timely shots late in the game, the defense. That was ... that's a classic."