In the News

Clippers' Griffin, Paul both game-time decisions
The stubborn Memphis Grizzlies aren't the only obstacles in the Los Angeles Clippers' path to closing out a rare playoff series victory. Blake Griffin and Chris Paul are banged-up heading into Game 6, and Caron Butler continues to play with a broken left

Banged-up Clippers get 2nd chance to finish Griz (Yahoo! Sports)

LOS ANGELES (AP) The stubborn Memphis Grizzlies aren't the only obstacles in the Los Angeles Clippers' path to closing out a rare playoff series victory. Blake Griffin and Chris Paul are banged-up heading into Game 6, and Caron Butler continues to play with a broken left hand.

Clippers' Butler (hand) starts Game 3 vs. Griz
Despite suffering a fractured left hand that was supposed to sideline him for 4-6 weeks, Los Angeles Clippers forward Caron Butler started Saturday's Game 4 against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Clippers' Butler (hand) starts Game 4 vs. Griz
Despite suffering a fractured left hand that was supposed to sideline him for 4-6 weeks, Los Angeles Clippers forward Caron Butler started Saturday's Game 4 against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Butler to start for Clips despite broken left hand (Yahoo! Sports)
LOS ANGELES (AP) Caron Butler is in the starting lineup for the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 3 despite breaking his left hand in the opener of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Clips' Butler starts despite broken hand
Caron Butler is in the starting lineup for the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 3 despite breaking his left hand in the opener of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Clippers' Butler eyes playing with hurt hand
Caron Butler is preparing as if he's going to play in Game 4.

Clippers' Simmons to start for Butler (hand)
Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro says Bobby Simmons will start in place of injured forward Caron Butler in Game 2 against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Simmons to start with Butler out with broken hand (Yahoo! Sports)
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro says Bobby Simmons will start in place of injured forward Caron Butler in Game 2 against the Memphis Grizzlies.

F Caron Butler out with broken left hand (Yahoo! Sports)

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) Clippers forward Caron Butler broke his left hand Sunday in Game 1 of Los Angeles' series against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Clippers' Butler suffers broken hand in Game 1
Clippers forward Caron Butler fractured his left hand during Game 1 of his team's first-round playoff series against the Grizzlies.



Clippers' Butler sidelined with broken hand (Yahoo! Sports)

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) Los Angeles Clippers forward Caron Butler is likely out for the rest of the playoffs after breaking his left hand in Game 1 against Memphis.

Butler fractures hand in Clippers' win
Forward Caron Butler fractured his left hand during the Los Angeles Clippers' incredible 99-98 win Sunday in Game 1 at Memphis, and his status for the remainder of the first-round playoff series is uncertain, the team said.

Griffin boosts Clippers over Love-less Wolves
Blake Griffin had 19 points and 13 rebounds and Caron Butler scored 17 points to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a 95-82 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night.

Griffin double-double leads Clippers
Blake Griffin had 19 points and 13 rebounds and Caron Butler scored 17 points to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a 95-82 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night.

Griffin, Clippers overwhelm Love-less Wolves (Yahoo! Sports)

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Blake Griffin had 19 points and 13 rebounds and Caron Butler scored 17 points to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a 95-82 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night.

Clippers blast Kings for 8th win in 9 games (Yahoo! Sports)

Blake Griffin had 27 points and 14 rebounds, Randy Foye scored 25 points while hitting seven 3-pointers, and the surging Los Angeles Clippers moved within a half-game of the Pacific Division lead with a 109-94 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night. Chris Paul had 19 points and 15 assists in the Clippers' eighth win in nine games overall and their second in three days over the...

Lakers 113, Clippers 108 (Yahoo! Sports)

Andrew Bynum scored 36 points, Kobe Bryant added 31 and the first-place Los Angeles Lakers outlasted the Clippers 113-108 on Wednesday night, widening their Pacific Division lead to 21/2 games over the second-place Clippers and snapping their rival's winning streak at six games. By taking two out of three against their Staples Center co-tenants, the Lakers also earned the head-to-head...

Clippers beat Blazers 98-97 for 4th straight win (Yahoo! Sports)

Chris Paul made a driving layup with 5 seconds to go, lifting the Los Angeles Clippers over the Portland Trail Blazers 98-97 on Friday night as they tied their season high with their fourth straight victory. Paul, Blake Griffin and Randy Foye led six Clippers in double figures with 20 points each. Caron Butler and DeAndre Jordan had 12 each, and Nick Young added 10.

Paul, Williams put Clippers past Parker-less Spurs (Yahoo! Sports)

Chris Paul had 36 points and 11 assists, Mo Williams scored a season-high 33 off the bench, and the Los Angeles Clippers snapped out of their recent funk to beat the San Antonio Spurs 120-108 on Friday night. It was the Clippers' first victory in San Antonio in a decade, and a 3-point barrage led by Williams is what finally snapped their 17-game skid here.

Paul has 28 as Clippers top Rockets 105-103 in OT (Yahoo! Sports)

Chris Paul had 28 points and 10 assists, Blake Griffin added 14 points and 11 rebounds and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Houston Rockets 105-103 in overtime Sunday night. Randy Foye had 15 points and Caron Butler and Mo Williams had 14 apiece for the Clippers, who beat Houston for only the eighth time in the last 33 meetings.

Foye key in 4th as Clippers push past Wizards
Blake Griffin had 23 points and 15 rebounds, Caron Butler added 21 points, and Randy Foye scored all 10 of his points in the fourth quarter, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a 102-84 victory over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.

Foye's big 4th quarter lifts Clippers (AP)

Blake Griffin had 23 points and 15 rebounds, Caron Butler added 21 points and Randy Foye scored all 10 of his points in the fourth quarter against his former team, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a 102-84 victory over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night. Five players scored in double digits for the Clippers, who increased their lead in the Pacific Division to two games over the idle...

Clippers end Thunder's 4-game win streak (AP)

Chris Paul had 26 points and 14 assists, Blake Griffin added 22 points and a monstrous dunk, and the Los Angeles Clippers beat Oklahoma City 112-100 Monday night, snapping the Thunder's four-game winning streak in a matchup of division leaders. Caron Butler also had 22 points, Chauncey Billups scored 13, Mo Williams 12 and DeAndre Jordan had 11 with 11 rebounds as the Pacific-leading Clippers...

Bryant's 12 in 4th rally Lakers by Clips (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 12 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter, Pau Gasol had 23 points and 10 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers rallied from a fourth-quarter deficit for a 96-91 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night in another testy edition of their cross-hallway rivalry. Andrew Bynum scored 19 points to help the Lakers snapped their three-game skid with their first win of the...

Clippers' Paul, Butler questionable vs. Raptors
Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul and forward Caron Butler went through practice Saturday and are listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Toronto Raptors.

Clippers overcome Kobe's 42, beat Lakers (AP)

Chris Paul scored 33 points, Blake Griffin had 22 points and 14 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Clippers led all the way in beating the Lakers 102-94 on Saturday night despite 42 points by Kobe Bryant. Chauncey Billups added 19 points, former Laker Caron Butler had 13 points and DeAndre Jordan had 10 rebounds in the Clippers' second win in four days over one of the NBA's elite teams.

Clips hand Heat second straight OT loss (AP)

Chris Paul had 27 points and 11 assists and the Los Angeles Clippers rallied to beat Miami 95-89 in overtime Wednesday night, dealing the Heat a second straight extra-time loss. Blake Griffin had 20 points and 12 rebounds, Caron Butler added 20 points, and Chauncey Billups had 12 for the Clippers, 9-2 against Miami at home since 2001-02.

Blazers stay perfect at home, beat Clips (AP)

Gerald Wallace scored 20 points, making a key 3-pointer with two minutes left, and the Portland Trail Blazers avenged a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on New Year's Day with a 105-97 victory on Tuesday night. LaMarcus Aldridge added 18 points and seven rebounds for the Blazers, who have not lost in six games at home this season.

Griffin helps Clippers hold off Bucks (AP)

Blake Griffin had 22 points and 14 rebounds, Caron Butler scored 20 points against the team he suffered a season-ending injury against last January, and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the severely undermanned Milwaukee Bucks 92-86 on Saturday night. Chauncey Billups added 19 points for the Clippers in a chippy game that resulted in a combined 54 fouls, including a flagrant 1 against Milwaukee's...

Griffin's double-double helps Clippers by Bucks
Blake Griffin had 22 points and 14 rebounds, Caron Butler scored 20 points against the team he suffered a season-ending injury against last January, and the Clippers beat the severely undermanned Bucks 92-86 on Saturday night.



Clips end 2-game skid, send Blazers to first loss
Blake Griffin had his second straight double-double, Caron Butler scored 19 points and the Clippers opened the new year with a 93-88 victory over the Trail Blazers on Sunday night to snap a two-game skid.



Clippers hold on as Blazers lose first (AP)

Blake Griffin had his second straight double-double, Caron Butler scored 19 points and the Los Angeles Clippers opened the new year with a 93-88 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night to snap a two-game skid. Griffin had 20 points and 10 rebounds to go with 17 points by Chris Paul and 13 by reserve Mo Williams in sending the Blazers to their first loss of the season.

Griffin, Clippers hand Blazers first loss
Blake Griffin had his second straight double-double, Caron Butler scored 19 points and the Los Angeles Clippers opened the new year with a 93-88 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night to snap a two-game skid.

Cuban: Mavericks' strategy molded by new CBA
Dallas Mavericks fans watched free-agent center Tyson Chandler walk out the door Thursday. Forward Caron Butler followed and guards J.J. Barea and DeShawn Stevenson are likely next.

Clippers open camp, complete Butler signing
Blake Griffin and the rest of the Los Angeles Clippers returned to their Playa Vista training facility together for the first time since April and greeted the newest member of the team, free agent Caron Butler, who is back in familiar territory.

Report: Butler, Clippers agree to deal
Caron Butler became the third free agent small forward to agree to a contract Thursday, coming to terms on a three-year, $24 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Butler accepts 3-year, $24M deal from Clippers
Caron Bulter has agreed to a three-year deal with the Clippers.

Butler visits Spurs amid report Jefferson is out
Caron Bulter met with the Spurs amid a report that San Antonio will cut Richard Jefferson.

Agent: Butler to meet with Clips again Tuesday
Free agent small forward Caron Butler's meeting with the the Clippers went so well Monday night, the two sides decided to talk again on Tuesday morning, according to Butler's agent.



Barea on return to Mavs: It's not looking good
Free-agent point guard J.J. Barea said he believes he will be following Tyson Chandler and Caron Butler out of Dallas.

Williams' pitch to Butler: Clips are going to win
For the second day in a row free-agent small forward Caron Butler met with the Clippers as he spent Tuesday morning and afternoon at the team's training facility, talking to coaches and front office officials.



Source: Butler to meet with at least four teams
Caron Butler begins a busy week Monday with at least four visits lined up to teams interested in signing the Mavericks' free-agent forward.

Butler meets with Bulls during free-agent tour
In their search to find an upgrade at shooting guard, the Chicago Bulls met with free agent Caron Butler on Monday.

Source: Butler to meet with at least four teams
Caron Butler begins a busy week Monday with at least four visits lined up to teams interested in signing the Mavericks' free-agent forward.

Bulls interested in Caron Butler (AP)
Derrick Rose wasn't sure this day would come. With a new collective bargaining agreement tentatively in place, the Chicago Bulls and the rest of the teams opened their doors to players on Thursday in anticipation of practices starting on Dec. 9. Rose, the league's reigning MVP, thought "for a minute toward the end" the season might get cancelled.

Butler drawing interest but not from Mavs yet
Unrestricted free agent Caron Butler has received early interest from six teams, but the Dallas Mavericks are not yet one of them, a source said Wednesday.

Dallas Mavericks' Caron Butler mulling return to Miami Heat
Dallas Mavericks' Caron Butler mulling return to Miami Heat.

Agent: Mavericks seek long-term deal for Butler
The Dallas Mavericks' intentions are to sign unrestricted free agent Caron Butler to a long-term contract, agent Raymond Brothers said Wednesday.

Mavs aim to keep Chandler, Barea, Butler (AP)
Jason Terry has figured out a simple way for the Dallas Mavericks to bring back their entire roster to defend their NBA title. Terry says he and Dirk Nowitzki should march into team president Donnie Nelson's office and lobby him to immediately re-sign Tyson Chandler, Caron Butler, J.J. Barea and the rest of the free agents-to-be.

Butler wants to re-join Mavs in finals (AP)

A few dribbles from the NBA finals logo, Caron Butler turns and shoots. The ball swishes through the net and his Dallas Mavericks teammates smile. Alas, this is only a practice. Once the Mavericks play the Miami Heat for real, Butler will be in a suit at the end of the bench, watching, waiting and wondering whether he'll be able to join the fun.

Inspired Mavs dedicate title run to injured Butler
Injured Caron Butler has been an inspiration to Mavs, who have dedicated title fun to him.

Butler 'unlikely' for NBA Finals
Don't expect Caron Butler to make a dramatic return to the Dallas Mavericks just in time to face the Miami Heat in the NBA finals.

Mavs' Butler return unlikely, but not ruled out
The Dallas Mavericks do not anticipate that Caron Butler will be able to play in the NBA Finals, although that remains a possibility.

Mavs' Butler impresses in rehab; no return date
Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said Caron Butler is making progress, but he wouldn't say if he will make it back for the West finals.

Mavs prez: 'Next to impossible' Butler will return
Caron Butler's return to the Mavericks most likely will have to wait until next season.

2011 NBA playoffs: Dallas Mavericks' Caron Butler optimistic he can return for playoff series against Los Angeles Lakers
Mavericks' Caron Butler optimistic he can return for playoff series against Lakers.

Dallas Mavericks F Caron Butler cleared for contact, practice
Dallas Mavericks small forward Caron Butler has been cleared for contact and will begin practicing next week.

Dallas Mavericks' Caron Butler "extremely unlikely" to play in first round of playoffs
Caron Butler, who ruptured the patellar tendon in his right knee a little more than three months ago, is "extremely unlikely" to play for the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the NBA playoffs, coach Rick Carlisle said Wednesday.

Dallas Mavericks' Caron Butler has 'no pain' in knee after surgery
Mavericks' Caron Butler worked out at the arena on Tuesday and was excited to find he was pain-free in his surgically repaired knee.

Dallas Mavericks' Caron Butler still targeting playoff return
Dallas Mavericks forward Caron Butler, who suffered what was believed to be a season-ending knee injury on Jan. 1, said his rehab is going well and his goal is still to return to action in time for the NBA playoffs.

Mavericks add sharpshooter Stojakovic (AP)
The Dallas Mavericks have added sharpshooter Peja Stojakovic. Stojakovic was waived Thursday by Toronto. He's played only eight games this season with the Raptors and New Orleans Hornets because of knee problems. Dallas is hoping Stojakovic -- who has averaged 17.2 points per game over his career -- can replace some of the scoring punch lost when Caron Butler went down with a season-ending...

Dallas Mavericks forward Caron Butler: I'll be back in four months
DALLAS -- Dallas Mavericks forward Caron Butler, who suffered a ruptured patellar tendon and was deemed out for the season, said Tuesday he'll be ready to play in four months.

Mavs sign F Pavlovic to 10-day contract (AP)
The Dallas Mavericks have signed Montenegrin forward Sasha Pavlovic to a 10-day contract. The deal Monday comes after All-Star forward Dirk Nowitzki has missed seven consecutive games with a right knee injury. The Mavericks are also without Caron Butler, who is likely done for the season because of a torn tendon in his right knee.

Source: Dallas Mavericks' Caron Butler has surgery on right knee
Mavericks forward Caron Butler had surgery on Tuesday, a source said, but the severity was not immediately known.

Mark Cuban calls Phil Jackson 'Jeanie Buss' boy-toy'
Mark Cuban apparently didn't appreciate Lakers coach Phil Jackson offering his opinion about the impact of Caron Butler's season-ending knee injury.



Mavs' Butler has season-ending surgery
Mavericks forward Caron Butler has undergone surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right knee and will likely miss the rest of the season.

Carlisle: Afraid it's 'potentially serious'
Caron Butler could be out at least a couple of months because of a knee injury, a tough blow for the already ailing Dallas Mavericks.

Carlisle: Afraid it's 'potentially serious'
Dallas forward Caron Butler left the Mavericks' game against Milwaukee in the first quarter Saturday night after injuring his right knee.

Marion returns to help Mavs defeat Cavs (AP)

Shawn Marion scored 22 points and DeShawn Stevenson added 21, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 104-95 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night. The Mavericks, playing without starting forwards Dirk Nowitzki and Caron Butler, used a balanced attack to break a three-game losing streak. Jason Terry scored 18 points, Tyson Chandler added 14 points and 14 rebounds, and Jason Kidd had 10 points...

Carlisle, Mavericks fear worst
When Caron Butler went down — clutching his right knee before he even landed — the situation did not look good.

Source: Dallas Mavericks' Caron Butler could be out for the season with torn patellar tendon
Caron Butler could miss the rest of the season because of a knee injury, a source said, a tough blow for the already ailing Dallas Mavericks.

Bucks defeat injury-riddled Mavericks (AP)

Earl Boykins returned after a one-game suspension to score a season-high 26 points and the Milwaukee Bucks beat the injury-depleted Dallas Mavericks 99-87 on Saturday night. Missing Dirk Nowitzki for the third consecutive game because of a sprained right knee and Shawn Marion with a thigh injury, the Mavericks suffered another blow when Caron Butler injured his right knee with 2:47 left in the...

Dallas Mavericks' Caron Butler exits Milwaukee Bucks game with knee injury
Dallas forward Caron Butler left the Mavericks' game against Milwaukee in the first quarter Saturday night after injuring his right knee.



Mavs beat Magic, complete Florida sweep (AP)

All the uncertainty around Orlando couldn't have worked out better for the Dallas Mavericks. Not that they've had a problem with anybody lately. Caron Butler scored 20 points, Dirk Nowitzki had 17 and the streaking Mavericks became the latest team to topple the reconstructed Magic in a 105-99 victory Tuesday night.

Howard's 23 boards can't help Magic top Mavs
Caron Butler scored 20 points, Dirk Nowitzki had 17 and the Dallas Mavericks became the latest team to topple the reconstructed Orlando Magic in a 105-99 victory Tuesday night.

Mavs stay hot on road, take down Magic
Caron Butler scored 20 points, Dirk Nowitzki had 17 and the Dallas Mavericks became the latest team to topple the reconstructed Orlando Magic in a 105-99 victory Tuesday night.

Mavs stave off Blazers despite Aldridge's 35
Caron Butler matched his season high with 23 points, Dirk Nowitzki scored 12 of his 21 in the fourth quarter and the Dallas Mavericks got back on track with a 103-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night.

Mavs extend win streak to 12, top Jazz (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki had 31 points and 15 rebounds, and the Dallas Mavericks extended their winning streak to 12 games with a 103-97 victory over the Utah Jazz on Saturday night. The Mavericks rallied after wasting a 25-point first-half lead. DeShawn Stevenson added a season-high 17 points, going 5 of 7 from 3-point range, and Caron Butler had 16 points for Dallas.

Mavs win 10th straight, French subs help (AP)

Third-string center Ian Mahinmi had 12 points and a career-high 10 rebounds and fourth-stringer Alexis Ajinca provided quality minutes to help the Dallas Mavericks beat the Golden State Warriors 105-100 Tuesday night for their 10th straight victory. Dirk Nowitzki scored 25 points, Jason Terry had 20 and Caron Butler 19 -- but that's expected.

Dirk, Mavs pull away from Jazz, win 8th straight
Dirk Nowitzki scored 26 points on 12-of-18 shooting, Caron Butler added 16 points and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Utah Jazz 93-81 on Friday night to extend their winning streak to eight games.

Mavs win eighth straight, cool off Jazz (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki scored 26 points on 12 of 18 shooting, Caron Butler added 16 points and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Utah Jazz 93-81 Friday night to extend their winning streak to eight games. Dallas improved to 15-4 and ended a five-game losing streak in Utah. The Mavericks also snapped Utah's seven-game winning streak, outscoring the Jazz (15-6) by a 13-2 margin to start the fourth quarter.

Mavs earn win on road to extend streak
Dirk Nowitzki scored 26 points on 12 of 18 shooting, Caron Butler added 16 points and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Utah Jazz 93-81 Friday night to extend their winning streak to eight games.

Mavs beat Rockets for sixth straight win (AP)

Caron Butler scored 13 of his 19 points during a decisive third-quarter run, Dirk Nowitzki had 20 points and 10 rebounds, and the Dallas Mavericks stretched their winning streak to six games with a 101-91 victory over the Houston Rockets on Monday night. Shawn Marion added 14 points and 10 rebounds, and J.J Barea scored 11 for Dallas.

Heat fall short as Mavericks win fifth in a row
Caron Butler scored seven of his 23 points in a key run for Dallas to start the second half and the Mavericks went on to win their fifth straight game, 106-95 over the struggling Miami Heat on Saturday night.

Heat have no answers for gritty Mavs
Caron Butler scored seven of his 23 points in Dallas' key run to start the second half and the Mavericks went on to their fifth straight win, 106-95 over the struggling Miami Heat on Saturday night.

Nowitzki has 42 and 12, Mavs top Pistons (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki had a season-high 42 points with 12 rebounds, carrying the Dallas Mavericks to an 88-84 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night. Jason Terry added 16 points and Caron Butler contributed 11 points and eight rebounds to help the Mavericks to their fifth straight win over the Pistons.

Mavs F Butler back after missing 3 games (AP)
Mavericks forward Caron Butler has returned to Dallas' starting lineup after missing three games with back spasms. Butler injured his back during the Mavericks' 89-87 victory over Boston on Nov. 8. Before that, he'd been averaging 14.7 points and five rebounds. The Mavericks were at New Orleans on Wednesday night.

Dallas Mavericks' Caron Butler says he will return to lineup against New Orleans Hornets
Dallas Mavericks small forward Caron Butler confirmed that he will return to the lineup Wednesday against the New Orleans Hornets.

Dallas Mavericks' Caron Butler to sit out; Dirk Nowitzki to play vs. Philadelphia 76ers
DALLAS -- Caron Butler will miss a second consecutive game with back spasms, but the Dallas Mavericks will have star Dirk Nowitzki in the lineup for Friday night's home game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Dallas Mavericks forward Caron Butler won't play Wednesday against Memphis Grizzlies because of back spasms
Mavericks forward Caron Butler will miss Wednesday's game against Memphis because of back spasms

Nowitzki's 35 help Mavs hold off Nuggets (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki scored a season-high 35 points and Caron Butler hit a pivotal 3-pointer late in the game, helping the Dallas Mavericks hold off a Denver Nuggets squad missing center Nene 102-101 on Wednesday night. Butler hit a 3-pointer from the corner with 2 minutes remaining to give the Mavericks a 102-99 lead.

Mavs ride Dirk's 35 pts. past Nene-less Nuggets
Dirk Nowitzki scored a season-high 35 points and Caron Butler hit a pivotal 3-pointer late in the game, helping the Mavericks hold off a Nuggets squad missing center Nene 102-101.

Butler leads balanced attack in Mavericks' win
Caron Butler scored 17 points and Shawn Marion had 10 of his 12 points in the fourth quarter, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 99-83 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday.

Mavs win road opener, drop Clips to 0-3 (AP)

Jason Kidd ended the first half with a 65-foot shot-put heave from inside the 3-point arc at the opposite end, Caron Butler scored 17 points and Shawn Marion had 10 of his 12 points in the fourth quarter, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 99-83 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. Dirk Nowitzki added 16 points and seven rebounds for the defending Southwest Division champions in their...

Mavericks improve to 13-0 versus Bobcats (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki had 28 points and 13 rebounds, Jason Kidd added 12 points and 18 assists, and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Charlotte Bobcats 101-86 on Wednesday night in the opener for both teams. Jason Terry added 22 points and Caron Butler scored 13 for Dallas. Tyrus Thomas' 22 points and Gerald Wallace's 16 paced the Bobcats, who've never beaten the Mavericks in 13 meetings.

Nowitzki's 30 and 10 propel Mavs to win (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki was in regular-season form with 30 points and 10 rebounds, Caron Butler scored 14 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter, and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Chicago Bulls 88-83 on Thursday night. Butler's 22-footer with 5:22 left gave Dallas (1-1) the lead for good at 76-75. He scored his team's next seven, capped by a 3-pointer with 3:14 to play that extended the...

Caron Butler expresses desire to stay with Dallas Mavericks
Guard Caron Butler expressed his desire to remain with the Dallas Mavericks on his blog and said the team doesn't need to make any splashy moves to contend for a title next season.

Mavs survive as Butler, Haywood handle Spurs
Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood gave the Dallas Mavericks the energy, toughness and scoring they needed -- in other words, everything the Mavs expected when they traded for them a few months ago.

Butler's 35 help Mavericks force Game 6 (AP)
Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood gave the Dallas Mavericks the energy, toughness and scoring they needed -- in other words, everything the Mavs expected when they traded for them a few months ago. Butler scored a career playoff-best 35 points and had 11 rebounds, and Haywood provided a strong inside presence at both ends in his first start of this postseason, keeping the Mavericks alive by leading...

Ex-Wizards lead Mavericks vs. Spurs (AP)
Two months ago, Brendan Haywood, Caron Butler and DeShawn Stevenson were enduring a season gone horribly wrong in Washington. Then Dallas rescued them in a trade at the All-Star break. The Mavericks went from winning 62 percent of their games before the deal to winning 77 percent after. Dallas also claimed the second seed in the Western Conference.

Mavs F Butler sidelined with hip strain (AP)
Forward Caron Butler is sitting out of the Dallas Mavericks' game against the Los Angeles Clippers with a strained right hip. Butler didn't dress for Monday night's game, while fellow forward Shawn Marion returned to the Mavericks' lineup after missing three games with a strained oblique muscle.

Mavs run home streak over Grizzlies to 9 (AP)
Caron Butler scored 23 points, Dirk Nowitzki added 22 points and nine rebounds, and the Dallas Mavericks stopped a two-game skid with a 110-84 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night. Jason Terry contributed 16 points, J.J. Barea had 14, and Jason Kidd had 12 points and 10 assists for Dallas, which is battling Utah, Denver, Phoenix and Oklahoma City for the No.

Dallas Mavericks' Caron Butler fined for bad language toward fans
Mavericks guard Caron Butler has been fined $25,000 by the NBA for directing inappropriate language toward fans.



Mavs G Butler fined $25,000 for language (AP)
Dallas Mavericks guard Caron Butler has been fined $25,000 by the NBA for directing inappropriate language toward fans. Stu Jackson, the league's executive vice president of operations, made the announcement in a news release Saturday. The incident occurred with 9.9 seconds remaining in the second period of the Mavericks' 101-89 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday at the Rose...

Mavs bounce back, beat Bulls 113-106 (AP)
Caron Butler scored 27 points, Dirk Nowitzki had 26, and J.J. Barea scored 10 straight when things tightened up in the fourth quarter, helping the Dallas Mavericks beat the Chicago Bulls 113-106 on Wednesday night. Dallas had three days off since ending a 13-game winning streak with a 34-point loss to New York.

Mavs tie season's longest win streak with 13th
Jason Kidd had 20 points and nine assists, Caron Butler added 16 points and the Mavericks recovered from a lethargic start to match the NBA's longest winning streak this season with their 13th straight victory, 96-87 over the Nets.

Mavericks extend win streak to 13 (AP)

Jason Kidd had 20 points and nine assists, Caron Butler added 16 points, and the Dallas Mavericks recovered from a lethargic start to match the NBA's longest winning streak this season with their 13th straight victory, 96-87 over the New Jersey Nets on Wednesday night. Rookie Roddy Beaubois' 16 points and Shawn Marion's 14 points and 13 rebounds helped the Mavericks equal...

Marion leads Mavs to 12th straight win (AP)

Shawn Marion had a season-high 29 points and 14 rebounds and the Dallas Mavericks stretched the league's longest active winning streak to 12 straight games with a 125-112 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night. Dirk Nowitzki scored 24 points and Caron Butler had 23 for Dallas, which has flourished since acquiring Butler and Brendan Haywood from the Washington Wizards at the...

Mavs hold off Bulls, win 11th straight (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki insists he has never played on such a talented team, not even when the Dallas Mavericks reached the NBA finals four years ago. One problem. "The league's also better," Nowitzki said. So he's not making any championship guarantees no matter how good the Mavericks are looking at the moment.

Dirk leads Mavs to seventh straight win (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki scored 36 points, Caron Butler had 19 in his return to the Dallas lineup and the Mavericks held on for a 108-100 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Sunday night to extend their NBA-high winning streak to seven games. The Hornets had cut what had been a 25-point deficit to 101-97 after Darren Collison's 3-pointer with 2:44 left capped the rookie's stretch of eight...

Nowitzki's 36 help Mavs to seventh straight win
Dirk Nowitzki scored 36 points, Caron Butler had 19 in his return to the Dallas lineup and the Mavericks held on for a 108-100 victory.

Mavericks' Butler returns vs. Hornets (AP)
Caron Butler is back in the Dallas Mavericks lineup. Butler had missed the past two games after a bad reaction to medication before returning to the starting lineup Sunday night against the New Orleans Hornets, who were again without All-Star guard Chris Paul. Paul missed his 14th game because of a left knee injury and could miss another week to three weeks.

Dallas Maverick Caron Butler says he'll try to return against the New Orleans Hornets
Mavs swingman Caron Butler says he's going to try to return to action against the Hornets.

Dallas Mavericks' Caron Butler remains a game-time decision for game against New Orleans Hornets
Mavericks' Caron Butler remains a game-time decision for Hornets.

Mavs' Butler misses second straight game (AP)
Dallas Mavericks forward Caron Butler has missed his second straight game because of a negative reaction to medication. Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said in a late afternoon meeting with reporters that Butler's status would be a game-time decision. DeShawn Stevenson, acquired along with Butler and Brendan Haywood in a Feb.

Caron Butler is game-time decision for Dallas Mavericks
Mavericks' Caron Butler will be a game-time decision for Friday's game vs. Atlanta.

NBA orders Dallas Mavericks' Caron Butler to stop chewing straws
NBA executive vice president Stu Jackson told Caron Butler that he is no longer allowed to chew on straws during games.

Dirk, Terry get streaking Mavs by Lakers (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki scored 31 points, Jason Terry added 30 and the short-handed Dallas Mavericks won their fifth straight game, beating the Los Angeles Lakers 101-96 on Wednesday night. Dallas' Caron Butler, a key part of a seven-player trade with Washington on Feb. 13, missed the game because of a negative reaction he had to medication.

Mavericks F Butler sidelined vs. Lakers (AP)
Mavericks forward Caron Butler did not play in Dallas' game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night after having a negative reaction to medication. The team said Butler did not participate in Wednesday's shootaround and his status is day-to-day. Butler, Brendan Haywood and DeShawn Stevenson were acquired from Washington as part of a seven-player deal on Feb.

Allergic reaction benches Dallas Mavericks guard Caron Butler against Los Angeles Lakers
An allergic reaction benched Mavericks guard Caron Butler against the Lakers.

Dallas Mavericks' Caron Butler: Kobe Bryant made me a better player
Mavericks' Caron Butler credits Lakers' Kobe Bryant with helping make him a better player.

Mavs ride Haywood to fourth straight win (AP)

Brendan Haywood tied a career high with 20 rebounds and the Dallas Mavericks improved to 4-0 with him as their starting center in a 91-82 victory against the Indiana Pacers on Monday night. Haywood, who came over from Washington in a Feb. 13 trade, scored 13 points and added three blocks to anchor a defense that was struggling.

Blatche's 25 and 11 get Wizards by Bulls (AP)

Andray Blatche scored 25 points and had 11 rebounds to lead the Washington Wizards to a 101-95 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Monday night. Blatche, averaging 25 points in the four games since the trades of Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler, helped Washington to its first three-game home winning streak since April 4-12, 2008.

Nowitzki, defense lead Mavs past Magic (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki scored 23 points and the Dallas Mavericks rode a surprisingly strong defensive effort to beat the Orlando Magic 95-85 on Friday night. Caron Butler and Jason Terry had 16 points apiece and Brendan Haywood added 15 points and nine rebounds as the Mavs won for the second time in three games since acquiring Butler and Haywood from Washington.

Kidd leads Mavs over Suns
Caron Butler spent the past few days trying to get accustomed to his new Dallas Mavericks teammates.

Dirk, Butler lift Mavs over Amare, Suns (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki scored 28 points, and Dallas newcomer Caron Butler started a key third-quarter run in the Mavericks' 107-97 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night. Amare Stoudemire, who has been mentioned in trade rumors in recent days, had 30 points and 14 rebounds for the Suns, who had their five-game road winning streak snapped.

Thunder spoil debuts for Butler, Haywood
Caron Butler was hitting shots, Brendan Haywood was making a difference inside and the new-look Dallas Mavericks were rolling along.

Thunder top new-look Mavs, streak hits 7 (AP)

Kevin Durant had 25 points and 14 rebounds, rookie reserve James Harden added 17 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the new-look Dallas Mavericks 99-86 Tuesday night to stretch their winning streak to seven games. Caron Butler scored 13 points and helped Dallas build an early 12-point lead after coming over in a weekend trade from Washington, but he finished 4 for 16 from the field and...

Grunfeld ducks Jamison trade questions (AP)
After the Washington Wizards traded Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood and DeShawn Stevenson to the Dallas Mavericks, it was natural to speculate that Antawn Jamison would be next to go. With Gilbert Arenas suspended for the rest of the season and Butler dealt, Jamison, who's been with Washington since 2004, is the only one of what was once the Wizards' Big Three remaining.

Dallas Mavs' newcomers kept from practicing Monday
Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood and guard DeShawn Stevenson weren't able to join their new teammates in practice on Monday.

After trade, Mavs look very different (AP)
The Dallas Mavericks look drastically different after the All-Star weekend in their back yard. While still leading the Southwest Division, the Mavericks lost five of seven games before the break -- a slump that showed the necessity for change. They got two-time All-Star guard Caron Butler, 7-foot center Brendan Haywood and guard DeShawn Stevenson in a seven-player deal with Washington over the...

Jason Terry returning to sixth-man role for Dallas Mavericks, who will start newly acquired Caron Butler
Jason Terry is returning to the sixth-man role for Mavericks, who will start newly acquired Caron Butler.

Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards complete seven-player deal
The Washington Wizards and Dallas Mavericks have completed a seven-player trade that launches Washington's long-anticipated rebuilding project in earnest and sends Wizards mainstays Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood to the Mavericks.

Mavs get Butler, Haywood from Wizards (AP)
The Mavericks have traded forward Josh Howard and Drew Gooden to the Washington Wizards in a seven-play deal that sends Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood to the Mavericks. Howard was in his seventh season with Dallas, a span filled with promise and disappointment since being the 29th overall pick in 2003.

Dallas Mavericks-Washington Wizards trade talks expanding to include Brendan Haywood, sources say
Talks between the Mavericks and Wizards have taken a fresh twist now that the teams have discussed the prospect of packaging center Brendan Haywood to Dallas in the same deal with Wizards forward Caron Butler, sources said.

Dallas Mavericks-Washington Wizards trade talks expanding to include Brendan Haywood, sources say
Talks between the Mavericks and Wizards have taken a fresh twist now that the teams have discussed the prospect of packaging center Brendan Haywood to Dallas in the same deal with Wizards forward Caron Butler, sources said.

Butler, Wizards rally from 21 down, nip Magic
Caron Butler made a 19-foot jumper with 0.5 seconds remaining, capping the Wizards' comeback from a 21-point deficit in a 92-91 victory over the Magic.

Butler's jumper caps Wizards' big rally (AP)

Caron Butler made a 19-foot jumper with 0.5 seconds remaining, capping the Washington Wizards' comeback from a 21-point deficit in a 92-91 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday night. Washington went down by 21 in the first quarter, went ahead by nine in the fourth, lost the lead again and then came back to cap a wild, wacky win.

Bruised left knee holds out Wizards forward Caron Butler
Caron Butler missed the Washington Wizards' game against the Knicks on Wednesday night because of a bruised left knee.

Celtics pull away in 4th, snap skid at 3 (AP)

Kevin Garnett's 19 points led six Celtics in double figures, and Boston limited Washington to 2-for-18 shooting in the fourth quarter en route to a 99-88 victory over the Wizards on Monday night. Boston ended a three-game losing streak and prevented Washington from compiling its first three-game winning streak since April 2008.

Marion's late block secures Mavericks' victory
Shawn Marion blocked Caron Butler's jump shot with 1.9 seconds to play, and the Dallas Mavericks opened the second half of their season Wednesday night by avenging a loss from opening night.

Marion's late block gets Mavs by Wizards (AP)

Shawn Marion blocked Caron Butler's jump shot with 1.9 seconds to play, and the Dallas Mavericks opened the second half of their season Wednesday night by avenging a loss from opening night, beating the Washington Wizards 94-93. Dallas extended its streak of victories in one-point games to nine, tied for second longest in NBA history.

Jamison's 21 second-half points lift Wizards
Antawn Jamison scored 21 of his 28 points after halftime, Caron Butler made two big baskets down the stretch and the Washington Wizards put together a rare winning streak Monday with a 97-92 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.

Jamison, Butler lift Wizards by Blazers (AP)

Antawn Jamison scored 21 of his 28 points after halftime, Caron Butler made two big baskets down the stretch and the Washington Wizards put together a rare winning streak Monday with a 97-92 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Jamison was 3 for 10 from the field at halftime, but he shot 7 of 11 in the second half in a game that was close throughout.

Wizards finish tumultuous week with win (AP)

The Washington Wizards managed to end one of the most dismal, exhausting weeks in franchise history with a victory, giving coach Flip Saunders his 600th career win by beating the Sacramento Kings 93-86 on Saturday night. Caron Butler scored 19 points to lead five players in double figures for the Wizards, who on the previous day had their biggest star plead guilty to a felony gun charge and on the...

Pistons beat Wizards to end 13-game skid (AP)

The Detroit Pistons finally found a team in worse shape than they are and ended a 13-game losing streak by beating the Washington Wizards 99-90 behind Charlie Villanueva's 23 points and nine rebounds Tuesday night. Richard Hamilton and Rodney Stuckey each scored 19 for the Pistons, who hadn't enjoyed a victory in a month: They beat Golden State on Dec.

Spurs top Wizards for fifth straight win (AP)

Tim Duncan scored 23 points and reserve Roger Mason Jr. added a season-high 20 to lead the San Antonio Spurs to their fifth straight victory on Saturday night, 97-86 over the Washington Wizards, who remained enveloped in a gun controversy surrounding Gilbert Arenas. Tony Parker had 12 points for the Spurs, whose winning streak matches a season high.

Arenas scores 45 as Wizards snap skid (AP)

Gilbert Arenas had season-highs with 45 points and 13 assists and the Washington Wizards ended a six-game losing streak, beating the Golden State Warriors 118-109 Friday night. Caron Butler added a season-high 28 points and 10 rebounds for the Wizards. Brendan Haywood scored 15 points to go with 12 rebounds and Antawn Jamison had 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Jamison, Arenas lead Wizards past Raptors (AP)

Antawn Jamison had 30 points and 12 rebounds, Gilbert Arenas had 22 points and nine assists and the Washington Wizards beat the Toronto Raptors 106-102 on Tuesday night. Caron Butler scored 19 points, and Brendan Haywood had 15 points and nine rebounds for the Wizards, who have won three of four. Chris Bosh had 22 points and 14 rebounds, Andrea Bargnani had 20 points and 11 rebounds and Jose...

Jamison helps Wizards hold off Sixers (AP)

Antawn Jamison had 32 points and 14 rebounds to lead Washington past the Philadelphia 76ers 108-107 on Tuesday night, hours after the death of Wizards owner Abe Pollin. Nick Young added 20 points for the Wizards as they snapped a two-game skid despite playing without Caron Butler, who sat out with a sore right ankle.

Washington Wizards forward Caron Butler out vs. Sixers with sore ankle
Caron Butler is being kept out of the Washington Wizards' game against the Philadelphia 76ers because of a sore right ankle.

Washington Wizards' Caron Butler sits out; could return Tuesday
Washington Wizards coach Flip Saunders expects forward Caron Butler to return Tuesday night against Cleveland.

Marion has 26 in Mavericks debut (AP)

Gilbert Arenas waited a while to put up a shot Friday night. Once he finally began hoisting jumpers and driving through the lane with abandon, he didn't miss. Taking another step in his comeback, Gilbert Arenas had 12 points on 6-for-6 shooting -- all in the third quarter -- and nine assists in the Washington Wizards' 123-115 exhibition loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

Wizards plan return trip to China (AP)
Thirty years after the Washington Wizards became the first NBA team to visit China, veterans of the team plan a return trip to the basketball-crazed country next month. Hall of Fame center Wes Unseld, a star of the 1979 team then known as the Bullets, will be joined on the visit Sept. 5-15 by current Wizards players Caron Butler and Randy Foye, the team announced in a statement.

Magic hold off Butler, Wizards 89-80 (AP)

Hedo Turkoglu scored 22 points and the Orlando Magic held off a late scoring burst by Caron Butler in an 89-80 victory over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday. Butler had 29 points, all in the second half, but the recently energized Wizards (7-26) failed in their bid to win for the fourth time in six games.

Wizards F Butler sits out of battle of NBA's worst
Washington Wizards forward Caron Butler missed Saturday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a left ankle injury.

Injured Butler misses Wizards' game (AP)
Washington Wizards forward Caron Butler missed Saturday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a left ankle injury. It's the first game that Butler will miss this season. He's leading the team in scoring at 21 points. Wizards interim coach Ed Tapscott said that Butler, who missed 24 games with a variety of injuries last season, tweaked his ankle in Thursday's loss in Cleveland.

Late surge improves Cavs to 15-0 at home (AP)

Being home for the holidays was almost a downer for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Trailing by eight to woeful Washington, the Cavaliers scored 11 straight points in the final 1:33 to preserve their perfect home record with a 93-89 win Thursday night. Mo Williams scored 24 points, and LeBron James and Delonte West had 18 apiece for the Cavs, who at 15-0 are the NBA's lone unbeaten team at home.

Wizards fall to franchise-worst 4-22 (AP)

Emeka Okafor had 29 points and 18 rebounds, and the Charlotte Bobcats pulled away in the fourth quarter for an 80-72 victory over Washington on Tuesday night, sending the reeling Wizards to their worst start in franchise history. Caron Butler's 31 points weren't enough for the woeful Wizards, who dropped to 4-22, the worst record after 26 games in the team's 48-year history.

Bryant lifts Lakers by Wizards 106-104 (AP)

On a poor shooting night, Kobe Bryant came through when the Los Angeles Lakers needed him the most. And then he nearly blew it about 10 seconds later. Bryant banked in a running 12-foot jumper over Caron Butler with 25 seconds left Friday night, then went 1-for-2 on foul shots 10 seconds later, but the best-in-the-West Lakers eked out a 106-104 victory over the worst-in-the-East Washington Wizards.

Wizards earn first road win, beat Nets (AP)
Caron Butler had 22 points and 10 assists, and DeShawn Stevenson added 21 to lead the Washington Wizards to an easy 108-88 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Tuesday night. The victory was the first road win of the season for the Wizards (3-12) and their first win over an Eastern Conference opponent after 11 straight losses.

Horford's late 3-point play lifts Hawks (AP)

Al Horford's three-point play with 12.4 seconds remaining broke a tie in the Atlanta Hawks' 102-98 victory over the Washington Wizards on Saturday night. Washington's Caron Butler hit a 3-pointer with 1:10 to play to tie it at 98 after Atlanta had a 17-point lead early in the third quarter. Darius Songaila's turnover with 31.8 seconds left gave the ball to Atlanta.

Magic extend road win streak to 6 (AP)

Dwight Howard had 26 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks, and Hedo Turkoglu added 20 points and a season-high 10 rebounds to help the Orlando Magic beat the Washington Wizards 105-90 on Thursday night. Orlando has won eight of its last nine games and six in a row on the road. Caron Butler scored 19 of his 25 points in the first half for Washington, and Antawn Jamison had 17 points and 12 rebounds.

Richardson, Knicks drop Wizards to 1-10 (AP)

Two games in two nights, and only seven players available to run up and down the floor in Mike D'Antoni's system. That was enough for Quentin Richardson and the rest of the gutty New York Knicks. Richardson had 34 points and 12 rebounds in one of his best games since coming to New York, and the short-handed Knicks held on to beat the Washington Wizards 122-117 on Saturday night.

Williams' late 3 lifts Hawks by Wizards (AP)

Injuries to Josh Smith and Al Horford left Marvin Williams as the only healthy starter on Atlanta's front line. Williams moved from small forward to power forward and showed he can play big when needed. Williams hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 26 seconds left and matched his career high with 14 rebounds, and the Hawks overcame Caron Butler's 32-point effort to beat the Washington Wizards 91-87 on...

Wizards earn first win, beat Jazz 95-87 (AP)

This was, remember, Game 6 of 82, an early step in a long journey. Yet there was Caron Butler, near center court, animatedly pulling off his jersey and waving it at the final horn, celebrating a victory as though it truly meant a lot to him. Moments earlier, as Butler and fellow All-Star Antawn Jamison were combining for 20 fourth-quarter points, there were their Washington Wizards teammates, up...

Carter gets Nets by Arenas-less Wizards (AP)
Vince Carter scored 21 points to lead his rebuilding New Jersey Nets to a 95-85 season-opening victory Wednesday night over a Washington Wizards team missing Gilbert Arenas. Carter -- whose teammates elected him the Nets' captain, coach Lawrence Frank announced before the game -- made a 16-foot fadeaway jumper over Caron Butler to put the visitors ahead 90-82 with a minute left and effectively...

Mike Kahn's top 50 players
Like others in Mike Kahn's player rankings from 21-30, Caron Butler might rise into the top 20 if he can only avoid injuries.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/425763688" height="1" width="1"/

Wizards could have same look next season (AP)
There is no use speculating whether Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison will return to the Washington Wizards next season. If the attitudes expressed Sunday are any indication, their futures with the team are a foregone conclusion. "I think it will be the case," forward Caron Butler said. "I'm almost positive that it will be the case, that Gil and Antawn will be back in a Wizards uniform next year."...

Wizards must decide on Arenas, Jamison (AP)
The Washington Wizards sang a familiar tune in the aftermath of a third consecutive first-round series loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The words were almost cut-and-paste from a year ago. "Who knows what happens if we have a healthy team?" point guard Antonio Daniels said. "If we was whole, who knows what would have happened?" All-Star forward Caron Butler said.

James helps Cavs finish off Wizards in 6 (AP)

LeBron James was everywhere and did a little bit of everything. And, just as he seems to do every spring, he led the Cleveland Cavaliers past the Washington Wizards in the first round of the playoffs. James compiled 27 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists for his third career playoff triple-double, all the while helping slow Caron Butler at the defensive end, and the Cavaliers beat the Wizards 105-88...

Wizards tone down talk, focus on Cavs (AP)
Shhhhh! That, essentially, was what Washington Wizards co-captains Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison told teammates. Be quiet off the court, and play better on it against LeBron James' Cleveland Cavaliers. Tellingly, neither DeShawn Stevenson nor Brendan Haywood met with the media horde after the Wizards' brief practice and video session Thursday.

Butler does it all for Wizards in Game 5 win
With Gilbert Arenas on the shelf and Antawn Jamison shooting blanks, Caron Butler won Game 5 for the Wizards, Mike Kahn says.

James' missed layup keeps Wizards alive (AP)

Caron Butler saved Washington's season. Butler made a layup with 3.9 seconds left and the Wizards held their breath as LeBron James missed a potential series-ending layup at the horn, giving Washington an 88-87 victory Wednesday night and adding at least one more game to this overheated NBA playoff series.

Wizards win Game 5, stay alive
In a contentious series, the Wizards will live to battle the Cavaliers again, thanks to Caron Butler's game-winning shot in Game 5.

Wizards rip Cavs to trim deficit to 2-1 (AP)

LeBron James went up for the shot and had the ball stripped cleanly by Caron Butler, who went the length of the court for a dunk that gave the Washington Wizards a 29-point lead. That's right. No contact on the play. Even James couldn't call it "Hack-a-Bron." James was beaten on the play and he knew it, much the same way his Cleveland Cavaliers beaten soundly by the Washington Wizards, 108-72 on...

James' 30 help Cavs rip Wizards 116-86 (AP)

Maybe Gilbert Arenas was talking about some other Cavaliers. The Cleveland team he and the Washington Wizards faced Monday night doesn't look so beatable. LeBron James scored 30 points, Zydrunas Ilgauskas added 16, and the Cavaliers played their best game in months, blowing out Arenas and Co. 116-86 to take a 2-0 lead in an opening-round playoff series oozing with bad blood.

Wizards close to full strength vs. Cavaliers
The Washington Wizards, who lost 225 man-games due to injuries this season, had a full contingent on the floor Thursday for their first practice in preparation for the opening-round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Those taking part included Caron Butler, who sat out the final three games of the regular season with a bruised right knee, DeShawn Stevenson, who has been bothered by a sore back, and Gilbert Arenas, who has been coming off the bench since returning from knee surgery.

Wizards' Butler remains sidelined, out vs. Pacers
Indiana Pacers center Jeff Foster missed Monday's night must-win game against the Washington Wizards, who played without Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler.

Pacers C Foster misses crucial game (AP)
Indiana Pacers center Jeff Foster missed Monday's night must-win game against the Washington Wizards, who played without Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler. Foster bruised his right knee in Saturday's 107-103 loss to Charlotte. Pacers coach Jim O'Brien said he expects Foster to be available for Wednesday's regular season finale against New York.

Haywood's 25 power short-handed Wizards (AP)

Brendan Haywood never felt better, even though his knees were wrapped in ice and a towel draped from his head. The same goes for Caron Butler. He was so confident he issued a warning to anyone the Washington Wizards meet in the playoffs. "They're not talking about us, and that's a good thing," Butler said.

Butler leads Wizards to playoff spot (AP)

Caron Butler scored 29 points and the Washington Wizards beat the Miami Heat 109-95 on Friday night to clinch a playoff spot for the fourth straight season. It's the first time the team has qualified for the playoffs in four consecutive seasons since it made five straight appearances from 1983-88. The woeful Heat set a franchise record with 19 3-pointers and still couldn't beat the Wizards, who...

Wizards' Butler, Daniels are ready; Arenas still out
Caron Butler and Antonio Daniels took part in the Washington Wizards' morning shootaround and were expected to start Wednesday night's game against the Milwaukee Bucks, while Gilbert Arenas sat out despite being cleared to play. Butler (strained left hamstring) and Daniels (sprained left wrist) missed Monday's 129-87 loss at Utah. Both were hurt the previous night in a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, although Daniels' wrist has been bothering him for weeks.

Wiz's Butler, Jazz's Kirilenko, Brewer all sit out
Caron Butler, Andrei Kirilenko and Ronnie Brewer all missed the Wizards-Jazz game on Monday.

Kirilenko, Brewer out for Jazz (AP)
Andrei Kirilenko and Ronnie Brewer both missed the Utah Jazz's game against Washington on Monday because of injuries, while the Wizards' Caron Butler sat out with a strained hamstring. Kirilenko (calf) missed his second straight game with muscle spasms in his right calf. While the Jazz were also without Brewer (groin), they did get center Mehmet Okur back from a stomach virus.

Portland loses Roy with groin injury
Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy left Portland's game against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night after straining his right groin at the end of the first quarter. Roy was attempting to block a long 3-pointer by Caron Butler and came down awkwardly. The All-Star crumpled to the floor, but then got up and limped off the court. Roy, Portland's scoring leader with 19.5 points per game, tried to return at 8:13 in the second quarter but left the court after less than 2 minutes and didn't return.

Butler, Jamison lead Wizards over Heat (AP)

Caron Butler scored 25 points and Antawn Jamison added 22 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Washington Wizards to a 103-86 victory over the Miami Heat on Friday night. Butler eclipsed the 20-point mark for the first time in five games since returning from a strained hip flexor that kept him out of the previous 16 games.

In the Paint: The Wiz returns
Caron Butler is back. Gilbert Arenas will soon follow. Marques Johnson says the Wizards may be dangerous in the playoffs.

Butler returns, lifts Wizards over Cavs (AP)

Caron Butler unleashed a month's worth of pent-up energy on his 28th birthday, returning to the Washington Wizards lineup after a 16-game injury absence to score 19 points in a 101-99 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night. Butler, whose hip injury sent the Wizards into a February slump, scored the game's opening basket, survived some rough contact and made six of his first eight...

Wizards' Butler, Cavs' Wallace return to lineup
All-Star forward Caron Butler returned to the Washington Wizards' starting lineup Thursday night after missing the previous 16 games with a hip injury.

Butler returns for Wizards; Wallace returns for Cavs
All-Star forward Caron Butler returned to the Washington Wizards' starting lineup Thursday night after missing the previous 16 games with a hip injury. "We're happy, excited," coach Eddie Jordan said before tipoff against the Cleveland Cavaliers. "He's had two good practices, and we'll see how it goes." Butler, who turned 28 Thursday, was originally diagnosed with a strained hip flexor, but an MRI discovered a small labral tear of the left hip joint.

Wizards expect Butler to return to lineup Thursday
All-Star forward Caron Butler appears set to celebrate his birthday with a return to the lineup Thursday for the Washington Wizards.

Butler expected back for Wiz on Thursday
All-Star forward Caron Butler appears set to celebrate his birthday with a return to the lineup Thursday for the Washington Wizards. "Caron is going to be probable, so we add a little 'Tough Juice' to the lineup," said coach Eddie Jordan, referring to Butler's nickname. "And we'll see how it goes." Butler has missed 16 straight games and 19 of the last 21 because of a hip injury.

Wiz F Butler practices for first time since Feb. 5
All-Star forward Caron Butler returned to practice Monday for the Washington Wizards, giving the struggling team hope that it can finally put its best lineup on the court in the final weeks of the season. Butler's return came six days after three-time All-Star point guard Gilbert Arenas took part in a full-contact practice for the first time since November.

Butler practices with Wizards for 1st time in month
All-Star forward Caron Butler returned to practice Monday for the Washington Wizards, giving the struggling team hope that it can finally put its best lineup on the court in the final weeks of the season.

Jamison helps Wizards beat Raptors in OT (AP)

Antawn Jamison had 25 points and 16 rebounds to lead the Washington Wizards to a 110-106 overtime victory over the Toronto Raptors on Friday night. Roger Mason added 18 points for the Wizards, who had six players score in double figures. Washington has won five of seven despite missing Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler.

Butler plans to be back at Wizards' practice soon
Washington Wizards forward Caron Butler plans to be back at practice next week, but there is still no timetable for when he might be able to return to games after being sidelined by a hip injury.

Butler plans to practice next week
Washington Wizards forward Caron Butler plans to be back at practice next week, but there is still no timetable for when he might be able to return to games after being sidelined by a hip injury. "I am trying to get back out there," the two-time All-Star said Thursday. "I am going to wait until next week to start participating in practices, and I am going to play it by ear. My body is going to determine whether I am able to play or not.

Magic dominate Wizards in 30-point win (AP)

The Orlando Magic made an emphatic statement in a possible playoff preview, dominating from the start in Wednesday night's 122-92 victory over the Washington Wizards. The Magic never trailed, took a quick 10-2 lead and hardly looked back and they won their third straight game and sixth in their past seven.

Week 19 Fantasy Stockwatch
Our Jamey Eisenberg addresses the situation with Andrew Bynum, Elton Brand, Caron Butler and others in his latest Fantasy Stockwatch.

Wizards complete sweep of Hornets 101-84 (AP)

The Washington Wizards can indeed adjust to life without Caron Butler, and they have a sweep of the New Orleans Hornets to prove it. After spending a month thinking their All-Star forward would return any day, the Wizards have decided to go ahead and win without him. Sunday's 101-84 victory was their fourth win in five games and their second over the Hornets in a week.

Rest and rehab, but no surgery for Butler
Washington Wizards All-Star forward Caron Butler has a prescription of rest and rehab - with no plans for surgery - to deal with the latest twist in his return from a hip injury. An MRI exam this week found that Butler has a small labral tear of the left hip joint. The injury, which has sidelined him for nearly a month, had originally been diagnosed as a strained hip flexor.

Butler has labral tear in hip; return uncertain
A re-examination of Washington Wizards All-Star forward Caron Butler's hip revealed a small labral tear of the left joint, further complicating his return from injury. Butler has missed the past 10 games with what was originally diagnosed as a strained hip flexor. He did not accompany the team on the road trip that ends Friday night at Chicago. The Wizards did not give a timetable for Butler's return.

Butler has tear in hip, return to Wizards uncertain
A re-examination of Washington Wizards All-Star forward Caron Butler's hip revealed a small labral tear of the left joint, further complicating his return from injury.

Wizards' Butler has labral tear in hip, return uncertain
A re-examination of Washington Wizards All-Star forward Caron Butler's hip revealed a small labral tear of the left joint, further complicating his return from injury. Butler has missed the past 10 games with what was originally diagnosed as a strained hip flexor. He did not accompany the team on the road trip that ends Friday night at Chicago. The Wizards did not give a timetable for Butler's return.

Wizards' Butler has tear in hip, return uncertain
A re-examination of Caron Butler's hip revealed a small labral tear of the left joint. Butler will be reexamined next week won't return anytime soon.

Wizards slumping without Arenas, Butler (AP)

Forget for a moment all the points, rebounds, steals and assists that Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler would provide if they were on the floor. The Washington Wizards also need their fire. Those who are healthy enough to play had the audacity to think they could just show up and beat another struggling team, the New York Knicks, in the first game after the All-Star break.

Butler, Thomas both have setbacks for Wizards
Bad news from the medical front keeps piling on for the Washington Wizards, who reported setbacks for both All-Star forward Caron Butler and center Etan Thomas on Tuesday. Butler missed his sixth consecutive game Tuesday night after another flare-up of his strained left hip flexor during the morning shootaround.

Butler, Thomas suffer setbacks for injury-filled Wiz
Bad news from the medical front keeps piling on for the Washington Wizards, who reported setbacks for both All-Star forward Caron Butler and center Etan Thomas on Tuesday.

Wizards' Butler, Thomas have setbacks (AP)
Bad news from the medical front keeps piling on for the Washington Wizards, who reported setbacks for both All-Star forward Caron Butler and center Etan Thomas on Tuesday. Butler missed his sixth consecutive game Tuesday night after another flare-up of his strained left hip flexor during the morning shootaround.

Ray Allen replaces injured Butler in All-Star game
Ray Allen was added to the Eastern Conference All-Star roster by commissioner David Stern on Wednesday, replacing injured Washington forward Caron Butler. Allen's eighth All-Star selection means the NBA-leading Boston Celtics will again have two players in Sunday's game in New Orleans. Kevin Garnett was the top vote-getter in fan balloting, but had to pull out because of an abdominal strain. Celtics forward Paul Pierce is going as a reserve. The East will be coached by Boston's Doc Rivers.

Celts' Allen replaces Butler on East All-Star team
Ray Allen was added to the Eastern Conference All-Star roster by commissioner David Stern on Wednesday, replacing injured Washington forward Caron Butler.

Hip flexor forces Wizards' Butler out against Spurs
Wizards forward Caron Butler was out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Spurs with a strained hip flexor.

Butler back in Wizards' lineup Sunday (AP)
Caron Butler returned to the Washington Wizards' lineup Sunday against the Los Angeles Lakers after missing three games with a strained left hip flexor. Butler, picked as an All-Star reserve last week, started and made his second field-goal attempt. "We haven't seen him in any contact practice yet, so we'll see how he is and where he is on the floor," Wizards coach Eddie Jordan said before the...

Wizards' Butler misses third game with hip injury
Washington Wizards forward Caron Butler sat out his third straight game Friday night against the Utah Jazz because of a hip injury.

Wizards F Butler sits out again (AP)
Washington Wizards forward Caron Butler sat out his third straight game Friday night against the Utah Jazz because of a hip injury. "He's out tonight," Wizards coach Eddie Jordan said before the game. "Hopefully he'll be ready to go on Sunday." Jordan said Butler is undergoing rehab for his strained left hip flexor.

Fill-in Blatche lifts Wizards by Raptors (AP)

Andray Blatche did a fine job filling in for an injured Caron Butler, and he got plenty of help from Antawn Jamison and others. Blatche had 19 points and eight rebounds in only his second start of the season, and Jamison finished with 24 points and 20 rebounds Tuesday night, leading the Washington Wizards to a 108-104 overtime victory over the Toronto Raptors.

Wizards' Butler to miss at least one game
Washington Wizards forward Caron Butler missed Tuesday night's game against the Toronto Raptors with a strained left hip flexor. Butler also was expected to miss Washington's next game, at Toronto on Wednesday. He was hurt when he fell to the floor during an overtime loss against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. Wizards coach Eddie Jordan said Andray Blatche would start in Butler's place Tuesday. Butler is enjoying a career-best season, averaging highs of 21.9 points, 4.3 assists and 2.

Hip flexor injury sidelines Wiz's Butler vs. Raptors
Washington Wizards forward Caron Butler missed Tuesday night's game against the Toronto Raptors with a strained left hip flexor.

Wizards' Butler to miss 1 game, maybe 2 (AP)
Washington Wizards forward Caron Butler missed Tuesday night's game against the Toronto Raptors with a strained left hip flexor. Butler also was expected to miss Washington's next game, at Toronto on Wednesday. He was hurt when he fell to the floor during an overtime loss against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday.

Short-handed Bucks beat Wizards in OT (AP)

Mo Williams scored 25 points, including two key 3-pointers, and Charlie Bell added 22 as the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks beat the Washington Wizards 105-102 in overtime Sunday. The Bucks overcame a career-high 40 points from the Wizards' Caron Butler to earn their third victory in the last 10 games and avenge a 24-point home loss to the Wizards on Jan.

Wizards complete season sweep of Mavs (AP)

Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison gave the Washington Wizards their first season sweep of the Dallas Mavericks since 1996-97. Butler had 25 points and nine rebounds, Jamison added 23 points and eight rebounds, and Washington overcame Josh Howard's 32 points to beat Dallas 102-84 Monday, the Mavericks' biggest loss of the season.

Wizards end Knicks' winning streak at 3 (AP)

That sudden surge by the New York Knicks? Over, emphatically. Antawn Jamison scored 32 points and Caron Butler added 22 while stretching his made free-throw streak to an NBA season-high 54 Friday night, leading the Washington Wizards to a 111-98 victory over New York, which had won its previous three games.

Celtics suffer first back-to-back losses (AP)

After a successful sweep of the league-leading Boston Celtics, the Washington Wizards are starting to think big even without a healthy Gilbert Arenas. Caron Butler scored 21 and Washington beat Boston 88-83 on Monday night for the Wizards' second victory over the Celtics in three days. "Our eyes are on winning a championship," Butler said.

Hawks' bad day continues with OT loss (AP)

The Atlanta Hawks lost a doubleheader Friday. Commissioner David Stern took away a win in the afternoon, then Atlanta fell to Washington in the evening. Antawn Jamison scored 22 points and Caron Butler added 21 to lead the Wizards to a 102-98 victory over the hard-luck Hawks. Josh Smith scored 35 points for Atlanta, but it wasn't enough to overcome the team's 12-of-22 showing at the foul line.

Rockets win again without McGrady, 92-84 (AP)

Still unsure when they'll get Tracy McGrady back, the Houston Rockets are doing just fine without him right now. Luther Head's season-high 24 points and Rafer Alston's double-double Tuesday night led Houston past the Washington Wizards 92-84, the Rockets' third consecutive victory. Alston finished with 15 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds, and Yao Ming scored 21 points for Houston, which is 5-2...

Butler, Jamison lead Wizards past Sonics (AP)

Caron Butler scored 33 points and Antawn Jamison added 21 points and 12 rebounds, leading the Washington Wizards to a 108-86 win over the Seattle SuperSonics on Sunday. It was Butler's third game of 30 or more points, and the second consecutive game the Wizards won by more than 20 -- the first time that's happened since December 2004.

Pistons extend winning streak to 10 (AP)

With Richard Hamilton leading the way, the Detroit Pistons are not only winning night in and night out, they're winning easily. Hamilton's 20 points made him the 10th-leading scorer in franchise history, and he added nine assists and seven rebounds to help Detroit earn its 10th consecutive victory by beating the Washington Wizards 106-93 Wednesday night.

Jefferson, Carter lead Nets over Wizards (AP)

Richard Jefferson had 26 points, Vince Carter added 24 and Jason Kidd just missed his 95th triple-double, leading the New Jersey Nets to a 109-106 victory over the Washington Wizards on Friday night. Kidd finished with 20 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds as New Jersey earned only its fourth win in the last 14 home games.

Butler returns, helps Wizards end skid (AP)

Caron Butler returned from two sore ankles to score 25 points and the Washington Wizards rode big games from four players to beat the Charlotte Bobcats 108-104 on Wednesday night to snap a three-game losing streak. Antawn Jamison added 26 points and 14 rebounds, Roger Mason scored a career-high 24 points and Brendan Haywood had 20 points and nine rebounds for the Wizards, who gave coach Eddie...

Wizards end 8-game road skid vs. Heat (AP)

DeShawn Stevenson scored a season-high 26 points and the Washington Wizards added to Miami's misery at home, beating the Heat 104-91 on Thursday night. Caron Butler finished with 19 points and nine rebounds, Antawn Jamison had 16 points and 16 rebounds and Brendan Haywood added 12 points for Washington, which had lost each of its last eight trips to Miami and had dropped 15 of 16 overall to the...

Wizards beat Wolves to move above .500 (AP)
The Washington Wizards are down to nine healthy players, so it's a good thing six scored in double figures Tuesday night. Antawn Jamison led the way with 22 points and 13 rebounds, Caron Butler added 20 points and 10 rebounds, and Washington overcame a career-high 36 points from Craig Smith to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 102-88.

Butler's 28 help Wizards top Nets 104-89 (AP)

Caron Butler scored 20 of his 28 points in the second half, leading the Washington Wizards to a 104-89 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Sunday night. Butler gave Washington control of the game for good early in the final quarter, singlehandedly outscoring the Nets 10-1 over a 3-minute span. Butler's run gave Washington a 92-77 lead with about 6 1/2 minutes remaining.

Butler, Jamison power Wizards to victory (AP)

Caron Butler scored 29 points, Antawn Jamison had 28, and the Washington Wizards beat the Toronto Raptors 101-97 Saturday night in a game in which each team was missing its best player. Butler went 10-for-18 from the field and added seven assists. Jamison was 11-for-18 and had 14 rebounds for the Wizards, who broke a two-game losing streak by shooting 56 percent.

Dalembert helps 76ers beat Wizards 85-84 (AP)

Samuel Dalembert had 19 points and 11 rebounds and Andre Miller scored 18 points to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to an 85-84 victory over the Washington Wizards on Friday night. Willie Green and Reggie Evans added 13 points each for the Sixers (5-10), who snapped a two-game losing streak at home and a four-game skid against the Wizards.

Parker lifts Spurs past Wizards 109-94 (AP)

Tony Parker had 29 points and 11 assists to help the San Antonio Spurs beat the Washington Wizards 109-94 on Wednesday night. Manu Ginobili added 19 points and Tim Duncan had 16 for the Spurs. Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison, who have stepped up for the Wizards since guard Gilbert Arenas went out last week for three months following knee surgery, combined to go just 9-of-24 from the field for 28...

Butler leads Wizards past Mavs 110-98 (AP)

Caron Butler scored 35 points and Antawn Jamison added 27 to help the Washington Wizards hand the Dallas Mavericks their first home loss of the season and third straight overall, 110-98 on Monday night. Dallas, which started the season 6-0 at home, got 31 points, eight rebounds and six assists from Dirk Nowitzki, but the reigning league MVP didn't get enough help from his teammates.

Davis' triple-double lifts Warriors (AP)

In a rare instance of double triple-doubles, Baron Davis and the Golden State Warriors got the better of Caron Butler and the Washington Wizards. Davis had 33 points, 15 assists and 11 rebounds, Stephen Jackson scored 28 points, and Golden State beat Washington 123-115 on Friday night, ending the Wizards' six-game winning streak.

Butler's 39 help Wizards win in overtime (AP)

Caron Butler helped make up for the loss of leading scorer Gilbert Arenas at least for a night, scoring 39 points to lead the Washington Wizards over the Charlotte Bobcats 114-111 in overtime Wednesday. With the Wizards receiving the jolting news that their star will be out for about three months after Arenas underwent knee surgery earlier in the day, Butler scored seven points in overtime,...

Jamison drops 30 as Wizards win again
Antawn Jamison had 30 points to lead the short-handed Washington Wizards over the Portland Trail Blazers 109-91 on Saturday night. About an hour before the start of the game, the Wizards said that Gilbert Arenas, who had surgery on his left knee in April, would miss the game with soreness in his knee. Jamison, who entered the night averaging 17.8 points, third on the team behind Caron Butler and Arenas, picked up for his injured teammate. Jamison's shooting wasn't spectacular.

Butler, Wizards defeat Wolves 105-89 (AP)

If the Washington Wizards continue to show the type of explosiveness they did on Friday night, their horrible start to the season will soon be forgotten. Caron Butler scored a season-high 29 points, Gilbert Arenas added 27, and the Wizards beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 105-89 for their third consecutive victory.

Jamison, Haywood lead charge for Wizards
The Washington Wizards avoided the first 0-6 start in franchise history, beating the Atlanta Hawks 101-90 Sunday behind Caron Butler's 24 points. All five Washington starters scored in double figures for the first time this season. Antawn Jamison had 23 points and 15 rebounds, and Brendan Haywood also posted a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds.

Wizards avoid first 0-6 start, top Hawks (AP)

The Washington Wizards avoided the first 0-6 start in franchise history, beating the Atlanta Hawks 101-90 Sunday behind Caron Butler's 24 points. All five Washington starters scored in double figures for the first time this season. Antawn Jamison had 23 points and 15 rebounds, and Brendan Haywood also posted a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds.

Caron Butler, G/F - WAS
SF Butler goes with a field goal Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

Wizards win fifth straight, Arenas sits (AP)
WASHINGTON (AP)-- Caron Butler's return was just what Washington needed after a dismal road trip. Butler scored 21 points in his first game back from a knee injury and DeShawn Stevenson added a season-high 28 points to help the Wizards hold off the Philadelphia 76ers 111-108 on Wednesday night. Butler provided Washington with a spark following a 1-4 road trip that saw the team fall out of first...