One Last Shot: Jordan's Final Chapter.

[RMJH4]

Game 6 - Wizards @ Kings

Jordan and Mullin slay the Kings in Sacramento.

October 29th, 2001 | by NBA.COM

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What year is this?! With 30 points each from Mullin and Jordan you would think it was the early to mid 90s. Neither team played a whole lot of defense tonight. Most of the game was post scoring but the Wizards are continuing to buck the trend in the league by hoisting up 20 plus three's a game. And they are knocking them down at an insane percentage too, 64% tonight. Now Chris Mullins 10 of 14 was a total exhibition again. Mully has thrived in the offense, finding acres of space created by the Wizards big men.

Pat Ewing has been extremely good, turning back the clock after a poor season with Seattle last year. Kwame Brown has been trending upwards and is part of a strong 3 man rotation in the post for the Wizards. But they faced a real 3 headed monster tonight from Sacramento in Webber, Divac and Scot Pollard of all people.

Webber was terrific with 34 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. Pollards 22 and 14 was a shock, and the Wizards big men will have to take a good look at their defensive performance with that statline. Integrating Mike Bibby into the lineup has been taking a little time, as the Kings now have a 3-3 record. Bibby was held to 10 pts and 6 assists. The Wizards guards shot well from three, Whitney hitting 4-4 and Hamilton hitting 2-2 from deep.



Jordan's defense again was top notch, holding Stojakovic to 18 points and effectively taking his 3 point shot away. Stojakovic had to fake and drive all night instead. Eliminating the Kings threat from deep of Bibby and Stojakovic was crucial in getting the win tonight. Another major factor was the Wizards having 8 players hit double figures.

The Wizards are now 3-3 and around 9th spot in the East. The Kings are in a similar spot out West. The Wizards play the Suns and Cavs before meeting the Raptors and Vince Carter. Can anyone slow down the Wizards 3 point barrage? Surely father time will catch up with Mullin, Ewing and Jordan soon. they key for the Wizards is keeping the young guys involved like Hamilton, Brown and Lue. But are the Wizards missing another piece? As October concludes the Wizards face, Toronto twice, Dallas , the Lakers, the Kings again, the Blazers and Pippen, the Hornets and Davis, the 76ers and Iverson.... the list goes on. Make it through November and I think Jordan will keep the roster the same, losing record and I think he looks at making a move or two.

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[RMJH4]

October 2001 - League Stats

[georgiafan]

Re: One Last Shot: Jordan's Final Chapter.

Look at Steve Francis being in the top 10 in blocks and assits…. love seeing the names of the players from my youth..... Bring Back Gheorghe Muresean

[RMJH4]

Around the NBA - October 2001

Around the NBA - October 2001

October 31st, 2001 | by slammagazine.com

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We've had the first Kobe - MJ matchup this year and it didn't disappoint. Kobe and MJ had 28 points each, but the younger Kobe got his Lakers the win on the night. Speaking of Jordan, the Wizards are at .500 for the season so far. They had a good win over the Kings the other night, but the Kings haven't exactly set the league on fire this year so far.

The Wizards have had a rollercoaster season so far, and it seems that could be the story of the season for them. They have had great performances from their veterans like Jordan, Ewing and particularly Chris Mullin. Mully has set the league on fire in the last week with his three point shooting. The Wizards are shooting and making more threes than any other team in the NBA at the moment. Lets see if that continues. A tough November lies ahead for them.

Likewise the Lakers who seem to be a little hungover from the NBA finals against the Pacers last season. You'd imagine that the Zen Master will get them back to the dominant team they are shortly. They are tied for 5th in the West with a few contenders like the Spurs and Kings. The Rockets are taking advantage early on an leading the way at 6-2 behind great play form Francis and Mobley.

The Youthful Memphis Grizzlies are settling in well in their new city, with rookies Pau Gasol and Shane Battier leading the way in their resurgence. Wouldn't it be amazingly ironic if the Grizz finally get a good team the second they leave Vancouver? Gasol is looking like the best rookie in league already, have a look below at his impressive numbers. Two more big suprises from rookies have been Warriors guard Gulbert Arenas who was drafted 31st overall. He has been extremely good for the Warriors who are stacked on offense, but can't defend a lick.

The Trailblazers seem to have hit on a good one in Zach Randolph, picked #19. Randolph has no easy time earning playing minutes with Rasheed, Dale Davis, Shawn Kemp and Chris Dudley already in the frontcourt. But Randolph has muscled his way in to earn almost 22 minutes a game, which could make a few guys expendable for the Blazers as they look to contend again this season.

The biggest surprise though has to be the #1 pick Kwame Brown, who until a few days ago hadn't scored, then he grabbed two double-doubles in a row! It could be a slow development for the High Schooler, and the big question is, will MJ be patient with him?

In other news, it looks like the Seattle Supersonics are about to be sold to Starbucks Mogul Howard Schultz. In what is being deemed as a great move for the Sonics future, Schultz has been a lifetime fan and will invest heavily in the franchise. The Sonics have not started well this season and Schultz may have a thing or two to say about the makeup of the teams roster. There is a lot of money committed to Gary Payton and Vin Baker this year and next, and if the Sonics don't improve soon, it may be time to move on from them.

On Tuesday, following an article in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, which mentioned at least four trade possibilities, Payton told reporters he would only welcome a trade to a winning team, which may be a tall order. Seattle likely would not accept anything less than a star player in return and a contender interested in Payton's all-around but eroding skills may not be willing to break up its nucleus.

Possible trade scenarios reported by the Post-Intelligencer included getting forward Marcus Camby, guards Allan Houston and Chris Childs and a draft pick from the New York Knicks; guard Sam Cassell, forward Tim Thomas and a future No. 1 pick from Milwaukee; guard Baron Davis and forward Derrick Coleman from Charlotte.

"If I'm going to be traded I want to go to a team that's winning and that I'm going to feel comfortable with," Payton said Tuesday after practice. "I'm not going to anybody. I don't care about that. Like I've told people, it's good to be here but if (a trade happens) I'm not going to cry about it. I'm going to take it in stride."

We prefer the idea of Payton - Stoudemire Swap with the Blazers ourself, but we don't make the big decision. Also in the trade winds this month are Chicago guard/ forward Ron Artest. Although the Bulls are playing well and are off to a 4-1 start, Artest has a bit of an attitude issue and is not happy with the offense running through the newly drafted post tandem of Curry and Chandler. But winning fixes everything. Keep your eyes out in your local newsagent for Novembers edition of Slam Magazine.

[RMJH4]

Game 7 - Wizards vs Suns

Hamilton and Jordan scorch Suns for 45.

November 1st, 2001 | by NBA.COM

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Rip Hamilton and Michael Jordan can be a fearsome duo when they both get it going at the same time. It hasn't happened often, but unfortunately for the Suns, tonight it happened. Hamilton hit 23 points on 8-18 shooting, and 2-6 three pointers. His relentless running off screens, and playing give and go's with his post players was impossible to slow down.

Jordan fed off the attention that Hamilton was drawing and spotted and posted up time and again. Jordan hit 8-15 from the field, and his impressive three point shooting continued hitting 3-6 from deep. The Wizards toned the three's down a bit tonight, only shooting 18. It was in the post the Wiz did most of the damage. Laettner was very effective in the high post, scoring, rebounding and assisting at a high clip.

Ewing and Brown also chipped in with solid statlines. Both almost grabbed double double's aswell. Tsaklaidis and Voskuhl were totally outmatched down low. Chris Whitney's 10 assists were a high point again, despite not scoring, Whitney kept the ball moving and got the Wizards offence running all night.

The Sun were not willing to fall away though, as Stephon Marbury fought hard all night long. His 21 points were a team high. Whitney and Lue couldn't stop him driving the lane as he constantly crossed them up and beat them off the dribble.

Shawn Marion and Dan Majerle were the best of the rest, but Jordan and Hamilton kept them both very quiet. The Wizards two wing men are becoming a good defensive tandem nightly. It's lucky because the Wizards are leaking points from the top of the key and in the post.

Dan Majerle had a chance to cut the lead to 1 point at the end with a three, but Jordan got a hand on it to deflect it just right of the cylinder. A final reminder that Jordan gives nothing easy up. The Wizards picked up the win at the MCI Center, their second home win of the season.

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[RMJH4]

Game 8 Wizards v Cavs

Mullin and Laettner lead Wizards as Jordan sprains ankle.

November 3rd, 2001 | by NBA.COM

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[RMJH4]

Game 9 - Wizards @ Raptors

Carter wins the fight, Jordan wins the battle.

November 5th, 2001 | by NBA.COM

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Michael Jordan was not to be outjumped tonight, turning back the clock for a vicious two handed jam over Carter early on. Jordan played through a sprained ankle, and his scoring took a major hit. He still found a way to lead his troops to victory though, 6 assists and tough defense were the keys.

Vince Carter came out all guns blazing, shooting from every spot on the court, especially when he was matched up on Jordan. Rip Hamilton had a tough time containing his strength and speed. His 4-9 shooting from three would normally be enough to drag the Raptors to a win, but the Wizards post players had other ideas.

Patrick Ewing and Hakeem Olajuwon had a throwback matchup. It was refreshing to see both teams throw the ball into their hall of fame centers and let them go to work. Ewing just edged the battle, with 14 points, 14 rebounds and 2 blocks. He barely outfought Hakeem who finished with 14 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists. What probably tilted the matchup in Ewings favour was the help he received from Christian Laettner.

Laettner hit a double- double of his own with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Kwame Brown did a little of everything, and hopefully learned a lot from watching the Ewing vs Hakeem battle. This matchup was in the end decided by the benches. The Wizards got a little scoring from 6th man Courtney Alexander who rarely shows up. He was aided by Brown and Lue.

The Raptors bench was pretty poor with most players only scoring once or twice all night. The Wizards escape with a good 8 point victory, which shows how far their defense has come in the last few weeks. Keeping Toronto to 81 points is a great starting place.

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[trekfan]

Re: Game 8 Wizards v Cavs

Oh, Jordan with an ankle sprain could doom the Wizards -- let's hope he's not out long.



Good set of wins against the Suns and Cavs respectively, both close. Nice win against the Raptors too, great to see a throwback battle between Ewing and Hakeem.

[RMJH4]

Weekly Roundup, November 5 - 12.

Jordans Wizards win 3 more to extend streak to 8.

November 12th, 2001 | by NBA.COM

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The Wizards have reeled off three more impressive wins this week, over the Mavs, Lakers and Hawks. Despite Jordan hobbling with a sprained ankle, he did enough to help lead his team to some improbable victories. His scoring took a hit, but Rip Hamilton stepped up against the Mavericks. Although only scoring 14 Hamilton led the attack on an out of sorts Mavericks, who haven't really adjusted to losing Juwan Howard in free agency. Having Dirk Nowitzki out too gave the Wizards a great opportunity.

Chris Mullin was also back on track after having a few quiet games. The big game of the week was undoubtedly against the Lakers. The Wizards ground out a narrow victory in MCI against a Lakers team who were playing a back to back game on the road. Laettner led the team with 17 points, and Rip Hamilton stayed on the attack all night. Ewing, Brown and White did their best to slow down Shaq, but it was the Lakers lack of help from everyone not name Kobe or Shaq that was eventually their downfall. Without their little general Fisher, they didn't have a third reliable scorer.

The final Wizards game of the week was against the Hawks and newly acquired Shareef Abdur-Rahim. Reef was unstoppable, but the Hawks did little to nothing to support him, Emmanuel Davis and Nazr Mohammed were the only other players to score in double figures. Jason Terry is usually good for 20 plus points but he injured his knee in warmups and didn't play. In contrast the Wizards had 5 players, with Rip Hamilton soaring with 28 points. Jordan who seemed a little more fluent hit 17, with Christian Laettner and Chris Mulin scoring 15 a piece.

What we learned this week is that the Wizards are a darn good team when locked in. They can play post centric or permiter centric when they need, or go super tough and grind it out with defense. Jordan has 2 more days off before the Kings visit Washington to get his ankle right. A minutes restriction at the moment is working out well for the Wizards who are learning how to play without Jordan on the floor at all times. When you have veteran leadership with the likes of Ewing, Mullin and Laettner to lean on, the whole team grows.

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[RMJH4]

Re: One Last Shot: Jordan's Final Chapter.

Look at Steve Francis being in the top 10 in blocks and assits…. love seeing the names of the players from my youth..... Bring Back Gheorghe Muresean

Yea I didn't even spot that! No surprises there! Wish I could, love this era when big guys ruled!

[RMJH4]

Re: Game 8 Wizards v Cavs

Oh, Jordan with an ankle sprain could doom the Wizards -- let's hope he's not out long.



Good set of wins against the Suns and Cavs respectively, both close. Nice win against the Raptors too, great to see a throwback battle between Ewing and Hakeem.

He's luckily day to day so playing through it with a minutes restriction. Cant afford to play without him!

Yeah was fun watching Ewing play like a man possessed, dunno what triggered the AI to do it!

[RMJH4]

Seattle Sonics sold to Howard Schultz

Sonics sold to Starbucks' Schultz.

November 12th, 2001 | by espn.com

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SEATTLE — For nearly two decades, Howard Schultz watched the Seattle SuperSonics through the eyes of a fan.

That will change tonight when the Sonics play at home against Memphis in a game that will be his first as the team's new owner.

Barry Ackerley called it a "bittersweet" day for his family as he turned over ownership of the team Thursday to a local investment group headed by Schultz, chairman and chief global strategist of Starbucks Corp., the Seattle-based coffee chain.

The Ackerley Group announced it was selling the Sonics for $200 million to Schultz and four others. The transaction also includes the WNBA's Seattle Storm. The sale is expected to be final by the end of the month.

"I'm a fan at heart," Schultz said, sporting a huge grin during a standing-room-only news conference.

He doesn't plan to make major changes right away, but is open to any necessary change. He said he will take time to learn how to best operate an NBA franchise.

"I realize the challenges of winning a basketball game," he said. "Any time you try to do something like this, you are best served when you know more about it than you did when you started."

Schultz is a lifelong basketball fan who grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y., cheering for the Knicks. Once during high school, he said, he waited all night for tickets.

Schultz has held Sonics season tickets since he moved to the city in 1982, and plays basketball every Sunday.

He said he vividly recalls a Sonics victory in the 1996 Western Conference finals over the Utah Jazz in which no one wanted to leave the arena, neither players nor fans. The Sonics lost to the Chicago Bulls in six games in the NBA Finals that season.

"I will never forget that day," he said of the victory over the Jazz. "It was a beacon in my life. I want to bring that back."

Besides Schultz, the buyout group includes Wally Walker, team president and general manager. Schultz said the other investors will not be identified until after the NBA Board of Governors approves the sale. The board's next meeting is scheduled for November 30th.

Forbes magazine listed the Sonics' value at $187 million in a recent ranking of NBA franchises.

It's the first sale of an NBA franchise since Mark Cuban bought the Dallas Mavericks last year for $280 million.

"For me and my family, this is a dream come true," Schultz said. "I never thought something like this would happen to someone like me. I was born on the other side of the tracks, but only in America. I'm really excited."

Ackerley said one of his group's main priorities was to find a strong local ownership committed to keeping an NBA franchise in the city.

Schultz said he will be an involved and visible owner, but will leave basketball operations to Walker. The Sonics currently are near the bottom of the standings in the Western Conference, it will be interesting to see Schultzs view on this position, and what he does to dispell rumors of Gary Payton's unhappiness in Seattle.

[RMJH4]

Charlotte Hornets seek move to New Orleans.

Charlotte Hornets seek move to New Orleans.

November 12th, 2001 | by cbssports.com

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Charlotte Hornets, who tried unsuccessfully last spring to relocate to Memphis, want to move to New Orleans, Mayor Pat McCrory said Wednesday. McCrory said he had not spoken directly with the team, but was told by Mike Crum, director of operations management at the Charlotte Coliseum, that the team plans to apply to the NBA for permission to move. Any move would have to be approved by NBA owners.

This comes as no surprise. We anticipated it for several weeks McCrory said. Hornets management refused to comment Wednesday, Crum could not be reached, and NBA officials did not immediately return phone calls. A spokeswoman for Louisiana Gov. Mike Foster, Marsanne Golsby, said Foster and team co-owner Ray Wooldridge would meet later Wednesday in Baton Rouge. It's not ever a done deal until it's signed she said. We've been very cautious about expressing our optimism because Charlotte could make an offer and they would change their minds.

Hornets co-owner George Shinn refused to comment as he left practice Wednesday morning after meeting with players. They said Shinn told them a deal with Charlotte looks unlikely, but mentioned nothing about applying to move and said no decision had been made. Shinn told the players that the Hornets lost a lot of money. Something has to happen. He didn't say one way or the other, forward P.J. Brown said, adding that Shinn said he expected a resolution in the next several days.

Coach Paul Silas said he and the players were trying to ignore the issue. We would like to have some sort of closure, but who knows when that is going to be, Silas said. I'm kind of tired of the whole thing. And I have no concern about that (the move). We've got to win ball games. That's what I want my players to concentrate on.

The NBA must approve the Hornets second attempt to move in 10 months. The team applied last spring to relocate to Memphis, Tenn., but withdrew the request after a strong playoff run that temporarily brought sellout crowds back to the Charlotte Coliseum. Shinn and Wooldridge resumed their search for a new home town after Charlotte voters in June rejected taxpayer support for a package that included a $200 million publicly financed downtown arena.

The Hornets owners have said they cannot survive economically in the Charlotte Coliseum, which has 23,698 seats but only 12 lucrative suites. The New Orleans Arena has a capacity of 18,500 with 44 suites and room to add 20. Chief executives of three of Charlotte's largest corporations last week pledged $100 million to help fund a $190 million downtown arena.

Wooldridge said the proposal has never been presented to team officials. McCrory said the city will try to keep the Hornets in town, but won't significantly change its proposal. We have a very sound proposal and we won't get into a bidding war he said. We think our argument is very strong with the NBA for their long-term needs. Under NBA bylaws, a committee assembled by commissioner David Stern to examine the proposed move would compare business conditions, fan support and facilities in the two cities. Twenty-two of 29 NBA owners would have to vote in favor of the move.

In 1994, the NBA blocked a sale of the Minnesota Timberwolves that would have moved them to New Orleans. New Orleans has a smaller metropolitan population than Charlotte and a median household income of $38,800 a year, below the national average and Charlotte's median income of $51,000. New Orleans TV market, ranked 43rd nationally, would be the smallest in the NBA. Charlotte's TV market ranks 27th. Last summer, the NBA approved a move of the Vancouver Grizzlies to Memphis, the leagues first relocation in 15 years.

New Orleans lost the Jazz to Salt Lake City in 1979. Also on Wednesday, the NBA said it wants to keep the Orlando Magic franchise in central Florida. We love having a team in Orlando, NBA deputy commissioner Russ Granik said. It's been a great market for us and it's supported the Magic well. It's a little surprising that there's discussion about the team moving. I don't think that's in anybody's head right now. The Magic's owners announced Monday that the franchise is for sale, prompting speculation that any buyers would have to move the team to succeed.

Magic officials have said they are losing about $10 million annually because their home court, T.D. Waterhouse Centre, lacks moneymaking amenities such as luxury suites and club seating. There are no plans to build a new arena in Orlando.

[RMJH4]

Mid November Roundup

Wizards win streak ends as they go 1-3 through mid November.

November 19th, 2001 | by NBA.COM

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The Wizards streak of 8 wins finally ended against the Kings. Peja Stojakovic outgunned them with 29 points. Jordan wasn't able to contain Peja this time around. Anytime Jordan isn't at full health people can blitz him. He sat out the final quarter and the Wizards actually played better without him. Courtney Alexander stepped up at small forward to lead the team in scoring. Rip Hamilton shied away from the bright lights and had an awful 3-14 shooting night, including 1-7 from three.

When you added Chris Webbers 21 and Vlade's double-double, the Kings had far too much for the Wizards on the night. Hoping to bounce back quickly from a bad performance the Wizards headed down to South Beach to play the Heat. The warmer climate seemed to help Jordan's ankle as he bounced back to hit 20 points and lead his team to victory. His 7 rebounds, 3 steals and 3 assists really set the tone for workrate. Rip Hamilton also bounced back from his horrible shooting night to hit 17 points. Solid contributions on the night also came form Chris Mullin and Ewing who battled Mourning to score 8 points and grab 9 boards.

In a quick turnaround, the Heat and Wizards both boarded flights back up to DC. And it wasn't the only turnaround as the Heat toppled the Wizards this time. Courtney Alexander started in place of Jordan , and the Wizards fell into a 37-12 hole that they never climbed back out of. Christian Laettner fought the good fight with 14 points and 12 rebounds, but with Jordan, Ewing and Hamilton only scoring 12 each, the Wizards were always struggling. It was ex Wizard Rod Strickland that torched the Wizards for 18 points, Strickland was bought out from the Wizards at the end of last season, and he looked finished, how the Wizards could do with a scoring point guard this year.

Off to Canada next for the Wizards, and it would be another disappointing night. The Wizards lost the first three quarters, and this game was never really close. Laettner has stepped up the last few games and he led the team tonight again with 15 points. Tyronn Lue obviously motivated by seeing Strickland torch him two nights ago, broke out for 13 points of his own, equalling Jordans paltry total on the night. Vince Carter was dominant but shared the ball more tonight, hitting an efficient 20 points with 8 rebounds and 8 assists. Michael Stewart had a great night with 21 points, highlighting the Wizards lack of interior defense.

A mixed bag of results for the Wizards who head to Milwaukee to face a strong Bucks team. The Bucks have been inconsistent to start the year and are tied with the Knicks in 8th spot in the East. The East, believe it or not are now led by the Washington Wizards with a 10-6 record! The Pacers are hot on their heels with a 10-7 record, then the Hornets 9-6, and New Jersey Nets 9-7. The Wizards are right were they want to be standings wise, but they are wildly inconsistent every night, great or darn awful, what Wizards team will show up against the Bucks?

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[RMJH4]

Game 17 - Wizards @ Bucks

Hamilton and Jordan edge out Cassell and Allen to the get the win.

November 20th, 2001 | by NBA.COM

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Like we said a few games ago, when Jordan and Hamilton have it going the same night, the Wizards are very difficult to beat. Jordan finished with 24 points, 4 rebounds and 10 assists. More impressively this was acheived on a 75% field goal percentage, his best of the season. He didn't force anything, just letting the game unfold in front of him. Make the right play. This is the version of Jordan the Wizards need, take the open shots, and pass to a better shot if you are doubled.

On the receiving end of a lot of those assists was Rip Hamilton enroute to 22 points of his own. Hamilton had a great battle with Ray Allen (21 points). Allen was the driving force for the Bucks, and he shot 50% from the field, including from three. Sam Cassell hit 21 points aswell as the Wizards had to start Tyronn Lue tonight. Chris Whitney inured his right wrist in warm-ups and will undergo X-Rays this evening. This will put the Wizards guards under even more pressure to handle the ball.

Michael Redd the 2nd year pro was impressive tonight, and showed he could develop into a decent rotation player. The Bucks had an interesting player who has just been recently signed in Ron Harper, one of Jordan ex teammates. Harper was instrumental in winning championships with the Bulls. Harper was convinced to postpone his retirement for one more season after seemingly calling it quits with the Lakers last season. His 13 points and 5 rebounds tonight steadied the ship when Cassell sat.

Kwame Brown had one of his better nights tonight. Just one rebound shy of a double- double, his 14 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks were important in battling Joel Pryzbilla and Anthony Mason down low. Brown has been up and down scoring wise, but his rebounding and blocking numbers have been pretty good, he leads all rookies in block per game, and is 2nd in rebounds per game behind Pau Gasol. A defensive force is slowly emerging.

Christian Laettner had a tough night with Anthony Mason, Laettner was determined to show Jordan he signed the right man, as he too almost grabbed a double-double. But what really changed the game tonight was Jordan shutting down 'Big Dog' Glenn Robinson. Jordan kept him to 0 points, and he was forced to become a passer and rebounder. Jordan knew Allen and Cassell would get their points, but by stopping the third guy getting 20 was always going to be the key. Robinson will have to learn from this if the Bucks want to compete in the East this season.

The Wizards are certainly competing at the moment, but will Whitney's injury force them to make a move? With Lue being the only point guard on the roster something needs to change. Backup wing Hubert Davis can't handle the point.

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