Road Loss: Mavs Fall to Wizards at MCI Center

Apparently, the home invasion didn't work, as the Wizards continued their good play without Gilbert Arenas taking the win 110-98. Handing the Mavs their first loss at home and third loss in a row. This is their first 3-game losing streak since last year.

Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison gave the Mavs the blues all night long. Caron scored 35 points and Jamison chipped in with 27 points. The Wizards outshot the Mavs in every quarter, including an incredible 60% and 58% in the 2nd and 4th quarters, respectively.

I have to say, defensively this was the best game for the Wizards, as they played great team defense and were all over the boards tonight. The were all over the court tonight. The floor wasn't usually spaced on the break as it is when Arenas is on the floor. But Antonio Daniels did a great job controlling the point and finding Butler and Jamison for open 3's and wide-open dunks in the paint. The Wizards have won 7 out of their last 9 games and move up to 7-7 overall.

This was a very unexpected loss for the Mavericks. As they usually dominate Eastern Conference teams every year. The Mavs shot 39% from the floor, missing shots they normally hit, especially from the outside. They didn't get back on defense on the fast break as the Wizards were dunking all over them in the paint.

Dirk Nowitzki started on fire in the 1st quarter, but fizzled as the game went on as he finished with 31 points and 8 rebounds. Josh Howard finished with 17 points and couldn't really get his rhythm because he stayed in foul trouble.

The Mavs led after the 1st quarter 28-26 and outrebounded the Wizards 43-32. They even made all 28 shots at the free throw line. But the Mavs D remains a big question, as it really collasped tonight against Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison.

The Mavs fall to 9-5 on the season.

They face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, who are coming off a win against the New Orleans Hornets 103-94.