Toronto sheds light on how Washington can beat Miami

November 17, 7:45 PMWashington Wizards ExaminerGeorge Panagakos

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Chris Bosh (left) went 13-for-15 from the free throw line
Sunday, in the Raptors 107-96 victory over the Heat.
Washington as a team went 10-for-18 last Friday.
(AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Frank Gunn)

Despite losing to the Toronto Raptors yesterday, Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat has put up at least 19 points per game this season, with a four-game 30+ per game stretch earlier in the season.  The Washington Wizards broke that streak when the Heat played Washington last Friday, but Wade did not play out the full game, either.

However, points don't crown champions, and the Heat, now with another even .500 record of 5-5, went 2-2 in those four big Wade games, which means even if the Wizards can't contain Wade (what team can this season?), they will still have a chance at victory.

Last Friday, the Wizards main problem wasn't points per se, but second-chance points.  Out-rebounded and out muscled inside, Washington will need to look to be more aggressive in the paint tomorrow when they face the Heat for a second straight time.  They will need to pack the paint to stop penetration on defense, but also mind the three, as the Heat delivered in the second half on three point shooting.  On the other end of the court, Washington will need to do some penetration of their own, after stepping to the free throw line only 18 times in their last game.

The Wizards will indeed face a tough challenge in Wade and the Heat, but can they pull off a win?  Yes, they can.  All they need to do is look at the Raptors, in their latest victory.  Control rebounds, take it to the paint for free throw opportunities, and most importantly, hold down the fort in the fourth quarter.  As Gilbert Arenas notes, the Wizards haven't had the luxury of amazing starts to the season, but their will to win has been there, and has led to playoff appearance after playoff appearance.

Arenas also had this statement to make about his return:
 

I get anxious being on the sideline when they're (The Wizards) struggling. I started playing Nick Young one-on-one (I beat him 9-1, he was so embarrassed) but the trainer said he's not going to let me go any earlier than mid-December to January.

 

You know Young, perhaps the best pure shooter off the Wizards bench, isn't going to go easy on Arenas just because he is still recooping.  Good news from Mr. Hibachi.

Other Wizards in the News
Etan Thomas helped local kids read as part of the Wizards Care program.  I wonder if any of them will become famous poets, or have dishes placed on their broad arms and plastered onto the walls of the Metro when they grow up.  Thomas has returned this season after missing out all of last year due to heart surgery, and has been the first and last name for the Wizards defensive initiatives.  Have a question for Etan?  Shoot him a message by clicking here, or use the address <WizardsPromotions@washsports.com> and be sure to put "mailbag" in the subject line and to include your name in the email.

Caron Butler is blogging away, most recently about Washington's first and only win this season.  I better link the man up.  Butler started the season strong, scoring over 21 points per game, but couldn't find his mark last Friday.  "Tough Juice" will look to take more shots tomorrow to try and break from his poor performance, and hopefully give the Wiz their second win of the season.