One of the most heavily-criticized Wizards players thus far this season has been Andray Blatche. The talented, yet enigmatic power forward admitted he isn't in great physical condition after suffering a foot injury this summer, and it's shown with this play. But in tonight's game against the Knicks, Blatche has emphatically answered his doubters.
Blatche hit his first seven shots of the quarter and already has 16 points, as the Wizards lead the Knicks 27-26 after one quarter. He hit two wide open jumpers to start the game, drew a foul on a drive to the hoop, hit another jumper and then drove by Amare Stoudemire for a layup. The Knicks have hung close with a balanced effort, led by Raymond Felton with seven points.
Gilbert Arenas checked into the game at the 2:52 mark, playing in his first game since January 2 of last year. Arenas missed his first shot -- a three-pointer, but got one free throw to go down at the 32-second mark.
John Wall and JaVale McGee both departed the quarter early because each picked up two fouls.