Wizards' strong run continues — emphatically

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Washington Wizards coach Eddie Jordan is quick to mention how easily a successful run can end. After all, many teams have had strong stretches this season only to fall flat shortly after.

But following yesterday's 102-84 whipping of the Dallas Mavericks, the Wizards' seventh victory in their last nine games, it was clear Jordan is taking satisfaction in his team's play.

"If you behave the right way and you do things the right way, numbers take care of themselves," Jordan said. "I think our behavior and our demeanor are in the right places at both ends, offensively and defensively. We're being nastier and grittier defensively, and our concentration level is up defensively.

"We believe that we know how to execute, and we're willing to share offensively."

In other words, the Wizards appear to be transforming, not just on a run. And after what they have done lately, can that really be disputed?

In 10 days, the Wizards (22-17) won an overtime road game against a possible playoff team (Atlanta), twice beat the team with the NBA's best record (Boston) and now have a victory against a recent NBA Finals team (Dallas).

Caron Butler had 25 points, nine rebounds and five steals, and Antawn Jamison added 23 points and eight rebounds as the Wizards cruised to a victory against the perennial Western Conference power.

Jordan said the Wizards played a complete game, and he was right. Washington never trailed after Butler put them ahead 8-6 on a 3-pointer just three minutes in.

Washington rebuffed every push Dallas made, controlling the game late and keeping the Mavericks, who had won eight of their last nine, from cutting into the double-digit lead for most of the fourth quarter.

The Wizards, who held their sixth opponent to fewer than 85 points, kept the Mavericks to 17 below their season average.