Wizards close regular season with tough loss in PhillyBy WashingtonWizards.com staff / April 27th, 2006@Philadelphia (15-13) | L 84-90Gilbert Arenas vs. Allen Iverson. What more could an NBA fan ask for to close out the '05-06 season?
The Wachovia Center was indeed rowdy as the Wizards and 76ers took the court for one final showdown, but it only took 4 minutes for the visiting crowd to go silent. It wasn't a hot start by the 76ers or even a cold start by the Wizards. It wasn't an early 3-point barrage or demoralizing facial. The Wizards' entire season flashed before their eyes as Antawn Jamison attacked the basket off the baseline, collided mid-air with Andre Iguodala, fell awkwardly, and left for the locker room, grimacing in pain. After tempting fate with an unusual injury-free season, the Wizards could only watch in disbelief as their leading scorer and second-leading rebounder was declared out for the game and "probably longer" with a leg injury. More to come.
Still, the Wizards battled to stay within 1 point at the end of Q1. The 76ers started rolling in Q2, though, and outscored the Wizards 20-13 for a 43-35 lead at the half. Iguodala was fierce at the rim, throwing down dunk after dunk. Agent Zero helped make up for Jamison's absence offensively and worked to contain AI, but as any opposing PG can attest to, sometimes there's simply no answer for The Answer. Washington responded well after the half considering the gloomy atmosphere, but they couldn't quite get over the hump.
AI led all scorers with 27 points and 5 dimes. Iguodala followed with 16 points, and sharpshooter Kyle Korver scored 12. If there was a silver lining tonight for Washington, it was Caron Butler who stepped up in a big way with 23 points on 11-14 shooting. Agent Zero scored 19 points with 6 assists, and Marko Jaric scored 10.
And that's a wrap! Despite the loss and uncertainty around Jamison's injury, the Wizards are undoubtedly excited to return to the NBA playoffs with a chance to win a title.
Player of the Game: Allen Iverson
Box ScoreOff the CourtWhat a troll job, NBA Live! Still had fun in this game, and the injury forced me to think outside the box. Butler was huge tonight, so I hope that continues in the playoffs.