A few tidbits that didn't make it into the paper because of deadline and space issues:

>The Wizards had their finest defensive night of the season, limiting the Jazz to 87 points -- the fewest of a Washington opponent this season -- while racking up 17 steals and 10 blocks. The Wizards forced Utah into 18 turnovers and cashed them in for 21 points. They also won the rebounding battle, 42-27. The Wizards also out-did the Jazz 22-16 on second-chance points.

>At one point the Eddie Jordan went with a pretty intriguing -- and big -- lineup of McGee at center, Blatche and Jamison at forwards and Caron and DeShawn at the guard position. Another time it was the first four and Nick Young in place of DeShawn. With McGee continuing to blossom, and Blatche turning in a solid effort (seven points, five rebounds, two assists), the Wizards were able to put out a long lineup that really gave Utah some problems.

>Although JaVale and Nick continue to impress, Eddie said he plans on keeping in their reserve roles and will continue to try to get as much as he can -- "even if it is for only five minutes" -- out of Antonio Daniels and Etan Thomas. He's a big fan of veteran reliability, and views both, "although they might be a little slower, and might not seem like they're doing much to the fans, or to you guys" as table-setters. Then he has Nick and JaVale to come in with those fireworks off the bench. Daniels finished with one point and two assists in 13 minutes and Thomas also had one point to go with two rebounds in 13 minutes. Nick, meanwhile, had 10 points in 21 minutes. And JaVale had a career night with 13 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks in 27 minutes.

• 
• Comment