Wiz Get Blown Out, Rebound v. Listless Nets

The Wizards ran into a white-hot buzz-saw Friday night and got to see just how well a talented team can play when they unselfish basketball. Six Suns scored in double-figures as Amare Stoudemire led the way with 27 points on a ridiculous 12-of-14 from the floor (granted most of his shots are dunks anyway) in a 122-107 blowout in the district. But the most impressive stat of the night was 42 thrown up in the Phoenix assist column. The Suns (16-6) made 50 shots and only eight of those didn't come off of a dish! That's ridiculous, you say! That's great team basketball.

Washington bounced back from their dismal effort with an impressive 104-89 win against a frustrated Jason Kidd and his New Jersey Nets. Amid much speculation about Kidd's increasing displeasure with the Nets front office over a new contract and his rumored desire to be traded to Cleveland, the 34-year-old point guard sat out New Jersey's game against the New York Knicks last week citing a migraine. He returned to face the Wiz and posted his fifth triple-double of the season (13 points, 10 boards and 13 assists) but it wasn't enough to overcome another stellar effort from Washington's big two and significant contributions from the rest of the team.

Caron Butler scored 28 points on 10-of-21 shooting, Antawn Jamison had 22 and 10 rebounds for his sixth straight double-double and four other Wizards scored in double figures. Washington shot just 41.3 percent from the field compared to New Jersey's 48.6 percent, but hit 34-of-36 free throws (94 percent). The Nets attempted only 16 free throws.

It was the third time this season that all five Wizards starters cracked double digits in scoring and Washington is 3-1 on its season-long five-game homestand.

Quotable

"During this homestand, really, we want to defend our home. We have a great opportunity here to win basketball games and we don't think there is a team we can't beat." -- Antonio Daniels
(except maybe the Suns...)

-- The Tar Heel