Washington dominates New York to avenge their embarrassing season opening loss... but they lose Laettner for at least a month.

Latrell Sprewell looks for the kill.

by Fred Schiebel, Head Writer
 
WASHINGTON -- It was their easiest win of the season, yet also their toughest.

The Wizards made amends for their awful showing in the season opener in Madison Square Garden, demolishing the New York Knicks 94-69 at the MCI Center Friday night. Again making his time on the court ever the more valuable, Michael Jordan scored 24 points in 28 minutes, although his limited playing time was more due to it being unnecessary he stay on the court, instead of an attempt to conserve his elderly legs.

"I feel great," he said. "I definitely could've gone longer, no problem. My knee gets better and better with every game."

It was unfortunately not all good news for Washington. Eight minutes into the contest starting forward Christian Laettner broke his left leg going for a rebound. He is expected to be out for at least a month, probably more.

"That hurt and shocked us a little," Jordan said. "Luckily the guys didn't take that as a signal to just pack it in. We kept coming and capitulated our will on them until they wore down."

Wore down, indeed. The Knicks were competitive for about a quarter, only trailing 26-24 after the first period despite shooting 39 percent from the field. Latrell Sprewell had eleven points in the first twelve minutes, doing everything he could to keep his team afloat. They were out of it by halftime, shooting a mere 17 percent to find themselves down 61-38, as Jordan and backup point guard Tyronn Lue combined for 22 points all by themselves in the second period.

It was the Knicks' third straight loss. They are 1-3 under Chaney since Jeff Van Gundy's resignation, and they were obviously weary after arriving early in the morning after a game in Detroit the previous night.

"We need rest," Chaney said. "I didn't get to bed till about 9:30. It was tough. I'm sure our players are hurting right now because we weren't on our game. I was watching our shooters shoot, and they weren't even coming close. We were a step slow and we had no rhythm. There were just too many signs of fatigue."

Added Collins: "In fairness to the Knicks, this was a scheduling loss."

Allan Houston scored 21 points to lead the Knicks, but made only nine of 34 shots. Jordan guarded him for a good portion of the game.

"He's one of the best shooters in the league," he said. "I knew if I was able to limit him we would have a much better chance, so I did everything I could to disrupt his rhythm."

The Knicks finished with a meager field goal percentage mark of only 30 percent. Lue hit eight of ten shots for 21 points; he also had five steals. Richard Hamilton had fourteen points in limited minutes. Marcus Camby had 18 rebouncs for New York, including nine offensive boards all by himself.

It wasn't a problem tonight, but Washington will probably feel the loss of Laettner on many others.

"The road ahead of us just got tougher," Collins said. "We're not really sure how much, but there's defnitely a hole. Hopefully we resond to the challenge and fill it up."

Hopefully they won't end up lying in it.