WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- The Washington Wizards look to get off
to their best start since 1978 when they host the Miami Heat in
their home opener.
With road victories against the Charlotte Bobcats and the
Memphis Grizzlies, the Wizards have opened the year 2-0 for the
first time since 1994. The last time Washington began a
campaign 3-0 was 26 years ago, when the Bullets won their first
four contests as the defending NBA champs.
Antawn Jamison has scored 58 points in two games for Washington
this season, including a 24-point performance in Thursday's
103-96 win in Charlotte to deny the Bobcats a victory in their
NBA debut.
Five players reached double-figures against Charlotte, including
Gilbert Arenas, who had 19 after missing the Memphis game
because of a league-mandated suspension.
Miami, which has yet to trail in a game this season, is off to a
2-0 start for the fourth time in franchise history with
victories against the New Jersey Nets and the Cleveland
Cavaliers.
After beginning last season 0-7, a victory by the Heat would
give them their first 3-0 start since Pat Riley's first year as
coach in 1995.
Dwyane Wade scored 28 points in Thursday's home opener in
helping the Heat defeat Cleveland, 92-86, as Miami chalked up
its 13th consecutive home victory to tie a franchise record.
Shaquille O'Neal added 17 points and nine rebounds.
Miami swept all four meetings with the Wizards last season and
holds a 44-22 edge in the series, including a 19-14 mark on the
road. The two teams meet again Tuesday in Miami.
Brendan Haywood will sit out this contest for Washington to
complete his three-game suspension for his part in a brawl
during a preseason contest against the Chicago Bulls.




