Sure, you were probably mesmerized by Dirk Nowitzki's hair for a few minutes last night, but after a while you diverted your attention back to the man who always seems to garner the most attention: Gilbert Arenas. Here's some opinions on what different people saw out of Agent Zero last night.
Game Hub | Boxscore
Arenas: A Tale of Two Quarters; Wiz Lose To Mavs 123-115 - Truth About It
But the defense, which gave up 103 points after three quarters and 123 total for the game, well … the professionals are getting the toilet jack from the truck. This is going to take awhile.
Arenas continues encouraging recovery, scores 12 points in win - Associated Press
He threw an alley-oop pass for Andray Blatche (17 points) on Washington's first possession. He made a 21-foot jumper on his first field-goal attempt, 1:46 into the quarter. He assisted on DeShawn Stevenson's 3-pointer. He drove past Kidd for a layup. He passed to Jamison for a 3. And later, when Arenas barreled through the lane and made a layup while getting fouled and bumped to the floor, he got right up. The spectators roared.
New Look, Same Explosive Gilbert Arenas - Tim Povtak, NBA FanHouse
Arenas missed 149 games combined in the last two seasons because of multiple left knee problems, but during a brief third quarter stretch Friday against the Dallas Mavericks, he looked as potent as he ever did. Yes, he was rusty -- as expected. He committed five turnovers, mostly from trying to pass too much, but he also dominated the third quarter when he hit all six of his shots from an assortment of angles, bringing alive an otherwise bored home crowd.
Haywood leaves the building limping - Craig Stouffer, Washington Examiner
Haywood missed 76 games last year with a wrist injury, and the sight of him tumbling to the ground left other Wizards players somewhat shaken. "When Brendan went down, I ain't gonna lie. I was scared," said Andray Blatche. "Aw man, I was like, not again."
Mavericks 123, Wizards 115 - Michael Lee, Washington Post
At the time Haywood left, the Wizards led 20-19. So that means the Mavericks scored 104 points in just under 44 minutes the rest of the game. "He protects the basket. No question that's going to have an affect on you defensively," Saunders said of Haywood. "We were playing pretty well when he was in there."
Mavericks (0-1) at Wizards (1-0) - Michael Lee, Wizards Insider
Saunders said he plans on using Mike James tonight after James got a DNP-CD on Tuesday. "Can't play all 15 of them," he said.
Note: James did play last night and had 2 points, 3 assists and 2 turnovers in 9 minutes of play.
Wizards Fall In Preseason Home Opener - Andrew Rosen, WasshingtonWizards.com
As they did on Tuesday, the Wizards second unit tried to bring the team back in the fourth, starting the quarter on a 13-3 run to cut the deficit to 106-99. The charge was led by a defensive change where the Wizards went to a match-up zone. The comeback bid fell short, though as Dallas was able to come through with several key shots down the stretch to hold on for the eight-point win. “It is a learning process," said Andray Blatche. "We are all starting to get the flow and learn the feel of it in the preseason games. We are learning how to play together and get a feel for each other. Everything is starting to come into place.”
Mavs vs. Wizards pre-season game thread - Mavs Moneyball
Best comment: "Aw, the Stewie guy actually isn't with the Wizards anymore"
Dallas Mavericks 123, Washington Wizards 118 - pantslessyoda1 (in the comments)
I had high hopes for [Randy Foye] coming into this season, basically hoping that he’d be our Delonte West, but he’s just looked bad out there. He’s tough and I respect that, but he seems unable to create good shots for himself and he gets tunnel vision once he puts the ball on the floor.
Top Tweets
Twitter / Wizards Extreme
Agent Zero Shot Attempts in first quarter. I hope this is similar to vanilla preseason football game planning
Twitter / The BF gang
JaVale McGee just pulled a Dream Shake move and hit it. Erick Dampier just pulled the same move and got fouled. Anything you can do...
Twitter / Truth_About_It
10:16 Mark it down: Gil takes & makes 1st shot (Mavs gave him room) Next time down the court, he drives hard and assist to DeShawn for 3.
Twitter / Michael Lee
If you're keeping score at home, kids: Arenas has 17 points and 19 assists this preseason. I think he gets 20 points before 30 assists. You?
Twitter / Truth_About_It
Haywood getting offensive rebound then fouled by Gooden then crumbling 2 floor holding his ankle sends moans & cuss words through crowd.
Twitter / Mike Jones
so THAT's the aggressiveness Flip was looking for out of Zero. 10 points on 5-for-5 shooting.
Twitter / Michael Lee
This game is a dud, but who is going to win the Mike Miller vs. Dirk Nowitzki long hair-off?
Twitter / Mike Jones
@MrMichaelLee Dirk, because his blonde is natural.