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Written by Wizards Media Relations
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Sunday, 28 January 2007 |
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WIZARDS HEAD COACH EDDIE JORDAN On tomorrow’s game vs. Phoenix:“You can sense the excitement, and we’re looking forward to the challenge -- that’s what we’re gearing up for. We have to manage the game, not allow them to get runs, and not make a lot of mistakes on our end. I want to see improvement from what we did the other night.” On Steve Nash:“I enjoy watching them play. Nash is so calm – he reads the game just like a veteran quarterback. He goes so fast and the games looks so slow to him that he can pick you apart. He is a joy to watch, no doubt.” On the Suns’ depth:“They have a solid 7-man rotation. Those seven guys are getting minutes, touches and opportunities, and there’s a chemistry they’ve built-in rather rapidly. They have guys that can make shots; that’s always key.” WIZARDS FORWARD CARON BUTLER On the Phoenix Suns:“We have a tough opponent tomorrow in the Phoenix Suns. They are playing great basketball. We beat them in Phoenix last time, so I know they have that in the back of their minds. We have to get a lot of rest tonight and continue to watch film on them. They get up and down the court, create pick and roll situations, and have one of the best point guards in the league. Gilbert always says we are the Phoenix Suns of the East. It’s the Phoenix Suns of the East vs. the Suns of the West…it’s going to be a good match up. We’re at home where we play our best basketball, but they are one of the best teams in the league.” On the Wizards:“Everybody’s confidence is at an all time high. All the fans are coming out to support us, like they have been doing all season. Our guys are playing real good basketball, and we have to continue that. We are happy about our accomplishments, but we need to look towards the next challenge ahead and face it. We have to continue to work hard, like we did today at practice.” On Steve Nash:“He’s unbelievable. He is a joy to watch, but tomorrow it’s all business. He doesn’t telegraph anything. He looks you off at all times, and you don’t really know where the pass is going. Those guys get out in transition, get the pick and roll set, and everyone plays off of him. He is a great player and he is fun to watch.” On being an elite team:“We have felt like an elite team since training camp, but we had to go out there and prove it. Everybody else will believe in the team because we go out on the court and do what we are supposed to do. We just have to continue to play hard and stick to what we do. We need to get out in transition, cross the floor, protect the paint, and rebound the ball, and I think we’ll be fine. Right now we are playing good basketball, and I think that is what we thrive on.” WIZARDS GUARD GILBERT ARENAS On facing the Phoenix Suns:"It is going to be a very exciting game. They are on a great winning streak and have been playing some great basketball. We have won 10 in a row at home, so it should be exciting. It is going to be a great battle between the East versus West." WIZARDS FORWARD ANTAWN JAMISON On the team’s progress:“The one thing that I like about what we’re doing now is that every time we’re out there on the court, we’re improving and we are becoming a better basketball team. That really says a lot about guys no really being in this situation before, so I think we’re doing a great job as far as handling that and just staying focused.” On Caron Butler:“He’s finally getting the credit he deserves. He has been, like I said before, the most consistent player on this team and he has been playing well since he has been here. I am just happy that people around the NBA are finally recognizing his talents. He is a big piece of this puzzle. He is a major reason why we are successful.” WIZARDS GUARD ANTONIO DANIELSOn Caron Butler:“He is an All-Star. He is playing like an All-Star and I will continue to say that until, hopefully, he makes the All-Star team.” On Steve Nash: “He’s definitely a great talent. He is a 2-time MVP and pushing towards a third. He is the engine that makes their team go, so if we want to be successful against Phoenix -- shutting them down as much as we possibly can -- it starts with him.” |
