Monday, April 17, 2006
LeBron James returned to the lineup in a meaningless game for Cleveland.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Washington Wizards simply walked off the court and headed to the showers after securing their second straight trip to the playoffs.
No big celebration, no confetti, no cigars. Maybe that's just the way it is when you figured all along you'd get there.
Or when you're more relieved than thrilled, thanks to a five-game losing streak that actually put your postseason plans in peril.
Gilbert Arenas scored 35 points, and Caron Butler returned from a thumb injury to add 21, leading Washington past possible first-round opponents LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, 104-92, Sunday.
The Wizards finally locked up consecutive postseason berths for the first time since 1988, something they were in position to do a week ago.
"It's what we should have done a long time ago," said Antawn Jamison, who had 16 points and 11 rebounds. "It's what we expect."
Sparks Wizards
Butler sparked Washington with constant energy at both ends, his contributions including eight rebounds, four steals, three assists and a block. His 3-pointer at the buzzer ending the third quarter put the hosts ahead 88-62.
Game over, right? Well, not quite. The Cavaliers went on a 15-0 run to start the final period with James and their four other starters on the sideline. That made it an 11-point margin and drew some boos from the home crowd of 18,405.
The Wizards' first basket of the fourth quarter didn't come until there were just under seven minutes remaining. Who scored it? Butler, whose five-game absence coincided with the team's five-game slide.
"We kind of rallied around Caron," coach Eddie Jordan said. "His confidence, his toughness, his production on the floor."
Arenas called Butler's style "bully-ish."
LeBron has 17 points
James returned to Cleveland's lineup after missing a game for the first time this season because of a sprained left ankle. He scored 17 points in 29 1/2 minutes, but there was no reason for him or his teammates to push it because the game didn't mean much to the Cavaliers -- they're assured of being the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference.
"Not taking anything away from Washington, that's a very good basketball team down there, [but] it looked like our guys thought they were coming out after the first three minutes," Cavaliers coach Mike Brown said.
The Wizards (40-40) are No. 5 in the East, where all eight playoff teams are set, although seeding for Nos. 5-8 isn't. Washington's win eliminated Philadelphia.
Washington won series
If the Wizards and Cavaliers do wind up meeting when the postseason begins next weekend, both clubs will know this: Washington won their season series 3-1.
"It doesn't make us worried," James said. "We know if we face them in the first round or face them later in the playoffs we'll be ready for them."
James didn't take it easy when he was on the court, and showed no signs of an ankle problem. He drove strong through traffic for a two-handed dunk in the first quarter, then looked at an official and implored, "And one!" -- but no foul was called.
James said he'll see how his ankle feels this morning before deciding whether to play at Boston at night.
Washington closes with games against visiting Milwaukee on Tuesday and at Detroit on Wednesday. The Wizards can claim the fifth spot by winning both, no matter what other teams do.
"We are relieved," center Brendan Haywood said, "but we're not satisfied."