Slam Dunk Central

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Caron Butler had a game high 27 points, as the Washington Wizards handed the Cleveland Cavaliers their fifth consecutive loss 105-86 Wednesday. Cleveland has not won a game since defeating the Boston Celtics November 27.? The following night they lost superstar LeBron James in the second quarter as he was fouled on a play by Detroit Pistons center Nazr Mohammed. James sprained the index finger on his left hand and has not played since. There is a possibility he may miss the rest of this week as well.

Cleveland was able to keep it close in the first quarter, as they trailed 22-21, but the Wizards broke it open in the second quarter. Washington went on a 21-4 jaunt, and led Cleveland at the half 53-34. The Wizards led by as much as 28 points during the third quarter. After the game Cleveland coach Mike Brown challenged his players to look into the mirror, and ask themselves did they give a complete effort for 48 minutes. Needless to say Coach Brown certainly did not believe that was the case.

Butler?besides scoring 27 points, had 7 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 assists, 1 blocked shot. Antawn Jamison scored 17 points, a game high 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocked shots, Brendan Haywood also scored 17, 10 boards, and 5 blocked shots. Nick Young the rookie guard out of USC scored 14 points off the bench, while Antonio Daniels had 10 points and a game high 9 assists. The Wizards out rebounded the Cavaliers by a 45-29 margin.

Cleveland had 3 players who led the team in scoring with 13 points apiece. Daniel Gibson scored 13 , and more importantly had a team high 8 assists. Missing not only LBJ, but Larry Hughes, Donyell Marshall, Cedric Simmons,?Cleveland needs a leader on the floor. If they have any chance of remaining competitive until the cavalry returns, Gibson?has to distribute the ball. Shannon Brown, and Drew?Gooden each had 13 for the Cavaliers,?Gooden with only 6 rebounds. His rebounding numbers have taken a tumble?in the last few games, wonder if that beard is weighing him down? Zydrunas Ilgauskas had a double-double with 12 points, and 10 boards, while Ira Newble scored 11 off the bench. Washington who is now?6-4 since losing Gilbert Arenas to knee surgery has a record of 9-9 after the win while Cleveland falls to 9-11.

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