No Place Like Home: Nets-Wizards

Saturday, October 31, 2009

By Brian Jackson
CSNwashington.com

On this Halloween night the Wizards offensive production was downright scary.  But it should come as no surprise. During the preseason Flip Saunders provided each player with an I-pod touch that featured his entire 750-page playbook and a video clip of how each play should be run.  Against New Jersey the Wizards provided their coach with a return on his investment.  They shot a 62 percent from the field – their best shooting game in 7 years.   “When we get everybody back we’ll be even deadlier.”  Those were the words said by Gilbert Arenas, the lone member of the Big 3 to suit up against the Nets.  He had a lot to do with Wizards offensive efficiency.  They scored 123 points with only 10 of those coming via the fast break.  All of this coming with Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison out of the lineup.  

It was clear from the start that Arenas was in for big night.  He brought the 20,000 plus fans at the Verizon Center to their feet by sinking a half court buzzer-beater to end the first quarter.  But that was just the beginning for Arenas who would go on to score a season high 32 points with seven assists.   What was more impressive was the precise manner in which Arenas went about his business.  The floor general only needed 13 shot attempts and sat out most of the fourth quarter.  

But Arenas was far from a one man wrecking crew.  Andray Blatche ignited the Wizards offensive explosion pouring in a career-high 30 points off the bench.   With Jamison still out another couple weeks Saunders has elected to continue to bring Blatche of the bench because that will be his roll once the co-captain returns.  This type of production comes as no surprise to his head coach.  “He’s working hard.  He spends a lot of extra time in the gym after practice and now he’s reaping the benefits,” said Saunders.  

Equally impressive was the play of Randy Foye.  He got the start at shooting guard with Butler out with a knee injury and Mike Miller moving over to small forward.  So far Foye and Arenas have complimented each other very well as they share the role of playmaker.  Foye led the Wizards with eight assists but also scored 17 points and grabbed three rebounds.