Thu 22 Nov 2007
Shorthanded Wizards outlast Bobcats in OT 114-111
Posted by Stephen Rhodes under Main
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?The Washington Wizards certainly had things going against them going into tonight’s game against the Charlotte Bobcats - they were without point guard Gilbert Arenas, who will be out for at least three months with a?cartilage tear in his left knee.? As a result, they only had 9 healthy players in uniform.? But they wouldn’t allow that to deter them as Washington F Caron Butler scored 7 points in overtime to allow the Wizards to slip past the Bobcats 114-111 at Charlotte.
The game was close, as one would expect; however, Charlotte rallied from a 7-point deficit to get to within 79-78 entering the 4th quarter.? Charlotte would rally again,? with point guard Raymond Felton’s 2 free throws with 22.5 seconds left in regulation tying the score.? In overtime, the Wizards’ Butler scored 7 points, including 2 free throws with 15.5 seconds left which gave Washington a 3-point lead.?
After Bobcats swingman Gerald Wallace missed badly a 3-point attempt, Wizards G DeShawn Stevenson missed 2 free throws with 2 seconds left, giving Charlotte one last chance.? But Charlotte G Matt Carroll hit the side of the backboard with his 3-point attempt, giving Washington the victory.? Washington was led by Butler with 39 points; F Antawn Jamison had another strong night, scoring 27 points and 12 rebounds.? G Antonio Daniels added 14 points, while center Andray Blatche provided another strong effort with 12 points, 13 boards and 5 blocked shots.?
Charlotte’s high scorer was the aforementioned Felton with ?27 points and 12 assists, while Wallace added 25 and F Emeka Okafor had a strong effort, scoring 20 with 14 rebounds and 3 blocked shots.? Washington (6-5), winners of 6 straight, hope to make it 7 in a row when they return home to host the Golden State Warriors on Friday.? Charlotte (6-5) flies south to take on the Orlando Magic, also on Friday.
