Wizards off mark on final chance

By | Saturday, February 23, 2008

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CLEVELAND — Finally, the Wizards had a team right where they wanted them.

The Cleveland Cavaliers were down to eight players because of their multi-team trade on Thursday, and the Wizards were in prime position to snap out of their slump.

But DeShawn Stevenson's drive and one-handed shot in the final seconds was way off as the Wizards lost 90-89 to the Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena last night.

It was the Wizards' second straight loss and their 10th in 11 games. Just like the Cavaliers, the Wizards were without players but because of injuries.

A full roster or not, coach Eddie Jordan said any loss is frustrating.

"They have a great player," Jordan said of LeBron James. "He's a monster. He creates so much for everyone else. But it's disappointing to lose against anybody."

Brendan Haywood didn't want to use the injuries as an excuse for the loss.

"No one cares," Haywood said. "We've got to fight through it, and we've got to go get a win tomorrow."

The Wizards had a chance for one last night, if they would have played a little defense and a little smarter, especially down the stretch.

The Wizards trailed by one at halftime, but they came close to leading when Antonio Daniels dunked seemingly at the buzzer, as he crashed to the court.

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