Last Updated: Sep 7th, 2005 - 07:28:04 Damn That Hurts By Kealin M. Culbreath "The Truthsayer"
for HOOPSWORLD.com
Mar 12, 2005, 00:01
Its that time of year in a long, grueling 82 game regular season schedule where player injuries start to mount up and players bodies break down. All of the running, jumping, falling, hard fouls, practicing and game play begin to take its toll. The Wizards are feeling the full effect of this phenomenon. Point blank: This team is physically, mentally and emotionally whipped right now. The team has lost seven out of the last ten games and the schedule now calls for an absolutely killer stretch of games on the road.
To their credit, the Wiz have endured a season full of injuries and illnesses, and have found a way to battle through them and maintain the third best record in the Eastern Conference. But this is different, EVERYONE needs some rest and relaxation - or better yet, rest and recuperation. Fortunately for the team, they havent had a game since the setback in New York on Tuesday and wont play again until Sunday. In effect, the team has had about four days to lick their wounds and prepare for the toughest stretch on the schedule this year. Hopefully we will see a rejuvenated and healthier squad focused solely on grabbing home court for the opening round of the playoffs.
Even in adversity, there is always something to be thankful for. For starters, both Juan Dixon and Jared Jeffries have returned to the line-up after an extended absence. Dixon returned to action on Saturday night after missing five games due to a sprained right ankle which he suffered in Houston shortly before the All-Star break. During his leave, scoring from the bench was woeful. After he gets his game legs back, he should resume his role as the teams top reserve playmaker. Im going to try my best to get back, to be healthy, said Dixon. We banged up, man. We hurting. But guys that are hurt got to suck it up somehow. Weve got to make this push. | |
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