Briefing: Nine isn't fine when you're losing

Washington Wizards lose ninth straight as Andray Blatche becomes latest player to fall - Michael Lee, Washington Post

The beleaguered Wizards (21-45) have now lost nine games in a row for the first time since Jan. 4-19, 2001, when the team set the since-matched mark for fewest wins in an 82-game season with 19. They will have two days to rest and recover before playing Portland on Friday, but the availability of Blatche remains uncertain. "Just tweaked it real bad. It's a little swollen, real sore," Blatche said after scoring a team-high 23 points with eight rebounds. "I should be all right in time for Friday's game. I'll see if I can go."

Going through the motions... (Nuggets/Wizards recap) - Andrew Feinstein, Denver Stiffs

Former Nugget Earl Boykins received a nice applause when he came into the game and then he proceeded to play like, well, Earl Boykins.  Meaning, Boykins routinely over-dribbled until the Wizards' shot clock wound down forcing himself to take the last-second shot.  Boykins remains as one of the NBA's all-time enigmas.  On the one hand, he's a fascinating, inspirational story.  On the other, he's a total ball hog and you'll never win with Boykins on your team.

Nuggets' win over Washington needs a wake-up call's help - Anthony Cotton, Denver Post

Earlier this season, Denver might have found a way to lose a game like this. In fact, last month, in the teams' first meeting of the season, it did lose a game like this. But not this time, the Wizards slinking out of town with their ninth consecutive loss — their longest losing streak in nine years. "You know, this game was just as big as a game against Boston, or a game against the Lakers," Chauncey Billups said. "It doesn't matter how pretty it was or who it was against, you just want to get the win, and we did that."

Better Effort Does Not Produce A Better Result - Dave Johnson, CSN Washington

Alonzo Gee, an undrafted rookie from Alabama who is on a ten-day contract, stepped in and not only defended Anthony well but scored 13 points with 10 rebounds and 2 steals. "He is playing well. He is a guy who can play in this league I like the things he does," said Saunders. "We are going to resign him to another ten-day contract. He is athletic and he defends."  

Now that's Gee - Michael Lee, Wizards Insider

In just four appearances this season, Gee is averaging 6.3 points and 2.8 rebounds and shooting 64.3 percent from the floor in just under 10 minutes a game. His player efficiency rating is 28.39. Now, Gee is getting his numbers in garbage time, when the result has already been determined, so the statistics are tad off. But to put that PER number in some perspective, LeBron James is the only player in the NBA above 28. "It's a great feeling. I always dreamed of playing in the NBA and I'm going to do whatever it takes to stay," said Gee, a native of Riviera Beach, Fla. "I think it's a great opportunity, we got a young team and we're building."

Gee Wiz - LooseCannon13, Wizards Extreme

Over the last 3 games, Gee has received some decent playing time and has been able to show us why exactly he was called up from the Austin Torros. This guy averaged 21 pts, 6.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.5 steals in 36 games in the D League. On Saturday against the Magic, Gee came in and played 12 high energy minutes and had 7 points and 5 rebounds. On Monday vs. the Jazz, he made an impact in his 15 minutes of playing time. Gee had 10 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal while flying around the court and attacking the boards on both ends. And tonight vs. the Nuggets, Gee received his most extensive playing time as a pro yet, and he did not let down. Alonzo played in 26 minutes and seemed to be in on every rebound, extremely active on defense, and played within the offense. He recorded his first NBA double double with 13 points, 10 rebounds and added in 2 steals.