Cleveland Cavaliers fans tabbed yet another Washington Wizards villain after Darius Songaila was called for a foul for tangling with LeBron James and then a technical foul for what was perceived as an intentional strike of James’ jaw.
The play happened with 3:20 left in the first quarter of the Wizards’ victory Wednesday when Songaila and James wrestled for a loose ball. Immediately after the call was made, Songaila said he didn’t intentionally hit James. He maintained yesterday he had no ill intentions.
We got tangled up, and my arm got caught inside of his, and when he tried to free himself it was an accident, Songaila said. He lifted my arm, and it hit him right in the face. It was caused by him. It wasn’t anything intentional.
Wizards coach Eddie Jordan, who also argued the call on the court, said yesterday he reviewed the tape and it appeared obvious Songaila didn’t intentionally hurt James.
I stand my ground, he said. I thought he got tangled with LeBron, and LeBron tried to get untangled, and in his method of trying to get untangled, Darius’ arm flew at his chin, and LeBron’s a tremendous actor. We’ve seen some of his commercials.
Turnovers eliminated
After struggling to hold on to the ball in the first half, the Wizards cured their ills in the second half of Game 5.
After committing 13 turnovers in the first half, the Wizards committed only one in the second half.
I thought Caron [Butler] made some great decision-making plays and Antonio [Daniels] made some great decision-making plays, Jordan said. I don’t really know what the difference was. We just took better care of the ball, and we executed better.
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