Butler lifts Wizards

Caron Butler said he doesn't even know how he summoned the energy to torch the Pacers for 17 fourth-quarter points, including the Wizards' last 15 and a game-winner.

After going 1-for-6 from the field in the first quarter, and 2-for-4 in the second quarter, Butler went 2-for-4 in the third. Then he went 7-for-10 in the fourth quarter including 2-for-2 from 3-point range.

Ed Tapscott on Butler:

"At halftime we had a discussion and he told me he was feeling pretty good, so I told him that I would call him a play. He took a long jump shot and i said to him, how about we make a play. He told me that in the second half he was going to mix it up and he did. He drove the ball, and shot the ball, adn they could never get a gague on what he was doing. He got hot when we really needed it."

Danny Granger, who took Butler's All-Star spot, on Butler:

"Tonight Caron had a good game and hit some very tough shots. It happened to be one of those nights where he really had it going. Jarrett Jack was all over him but he still continued to hit tough shots. He ads another dynamic to the Wizards. He is very good off the dribble, he is able to create his own shot anytime he wants, and when he gets it going from the 3-point line, he is almost un-guardable. ... When he held the ball until the last five seconds, I knew he was going to take a jump shot because he didn't have enough time to get all the way to the basket. Therefore, i made sure i had a hand in his face, but he was still able to hit the shot falling down. It was a great shot."

On another note, I asked what the deal was with Andray Blatche dressing for the game, although just before the game Ed Tapscott had said the center wasn't yet healthy.

Turns out Blatche, who was on the court for pre-game warmups and was in full warmup gear, down to his trademark sweatband, didn't bring a suit tonight, and because he's not allowed to sit on the bench without a jacket, he just put on his uniform. Guess he couldn't go out there without the sweatband.