<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">SACRAMENTO, March 29 -- There were moments during the long bus rides or while he pulled on a strange-looking minor league uniform in some out-of-the-way place that Billy Thomas wondered whether he would ever realize his NBA dream. And even when thoughts of the NBA did enter his mind, the journeyman guard certainly didn't allow himself to envision what happened Tuesday night: He came off the bench and helped the Wizards overcome the absence of Gilbert Arenas by connecting on 5 of 10 shots, making some huge defensive plays and tying a career high with 14 points in Washington's 97-84 victory over Sacramento. "This was special, no question," said Thomas, who signed the first of two 10-day contracts on Feb. 24 and was picked up for the remainder of the season on March 17. "From the day I stepped back into the minor leagues, I dreamed of getting back up here. It took a little longer than I expected or I wanted, but I'm a firm believer that God has his own plan for us. I was patient enough and was fortunate to get this opportunity."</div> Source
