<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Wizards packed their bags and left Washington yesterday for a five-game Western Conference road trip that could determine the direction of their season. The trip opens with a game tonight against former Wizard Kwame Brown and the Los Angeles Lakers and continues with games at Portland, Seattle, Denver and Phoenix. When the Wizards return to MCI Center to face the Lakers on Dec. 26, they should know whether Tuesday's impressive 94-74 victory over the New Jersey Nets was a springboard to something better or merely a brief reprieve during an ugly stretch that has included losses in six of their last 10 games. "This trip is big, it really is," said forward Caron Butler, who was traded from the Lakers to the Wizards along with Chucky Atkins for Brown and Laron Profit last summer. "We're trying to get some consistency right now, and we have to find it on this trip. We have to do something before the new year starts and use that as momentum. It's a long season, but we have to feel that sense of urgency to get something done, and it begins with this trip." The Wizards (9-11) were particularly crushed by recent close losses to Milwaukee (105-102), Chicago (118-111) and Miami (104-101 in overtime) and enter tonight's game with fewer wins than seven Eastern Conference rivals. A respectable 17-13 record against Western Conference teams, their best mark since the 1997-98 season, was a major reason the Wizards won 45 games and qualified for the playoffs last season. The Wizards were 3-2 on a western trip last March and 2-0 in series against the Lakers, Memphis Grizzles, Utah Jazz, Seattle SuperSonics and Portland Trail Blazers. They could use a few sweeps this season if they are going to make up for ground lost during their recent skid. Washington beat Seattle and Portland at home but lost to Denver and is 3-3 against Western Conference teams this season. Guard Gilbert Arenas rested his aching back Tuesday night so that he would be ready for the trip. His fellow all-star teammate, Antawn Jamison, also understands what's at stake. "A couple of weeks ago we knew we were about to play a bunch of Eastern Conference teams and we knew that was important, but I think this is crucial," Jamison said. "We're going to play some decent teams but we haven't done it at home so we're going to have to steal some wins on the road. For us, this is a very important stretch. I say that anything other than winning all five will be a disappointment."</div> Source Big game tonight, this is a chance for Kwame Brown to get some sweet revenge against his former team. He's playing with more fire on offense the last few games, and you know he's anxious to have a big game tonight and more importantly a victory. I predict Kwame drops 20 points tonight. Post your predictions...
This game is really boring. The refs are blowing the whistle every other play, and there's no rhythm at all to this game. It's basically a free throw contest at this point, the Wizards have made 16, the Lakers 15, and the Wizards lead by 1. Combined the teams have already shot 35 free throws. The crazy part is this game isn't even physical. Watch for the Lakes to come out with a lot more energy in the 3rd quarter. In the last few games they've owned the 3rd quarter, so I expect them to take a commanding lead heading into the final period. Kwame Udate - 3 points / 6 rebounds He has about 3 airballs, and you can just see the anxiety he has playing against his former teammates everytime he gets the ball on offense.
This game was fabulous f or the Lakers after the first half. Dispite Brown's low scoring game, EVERYONE showed up. Blocks, steals, pts, rebounds, it was all beautiful. Oh yeah, Kobe rocks.
The 3rd quarter dominance continues for this team. Kobe Bryant was on fire after halftime and took over the game. Kwame Brown only managed 6 points, but he had some key rebounds in the game (9 total). Three straight wins for the Lakers. If the Lakers had beat the Clippers the first time around, we'd be in first right now. Pretty amazing accomplishment for this team over the last 6 games. Next up are the Rockets on Sunday. Kobe v. T-Mac is always a great matchup.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting YourNewChef:</div><div class="quote_post">I am going to the Dallas game on Tuesday :-D</div> Good stuff, have a great time there. If you get a chance bring a digital camera and hook us up with some pics. I thought it was hilarious Chucky got booed by the fans tonight.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">Good stuff, have a great time there. If you get a chance bring a digital camera and hook us up with some pics. I thought it was hilarious Chucky got booed by the fans tonight.</div> I'll make a remarkable attempt
