this teamhas gotten so bad, so shameless that when steve francis is one of the few showing heart than u know theres something wrong

WASHINGTON (AP) - Washington Wizards coach Eddie Jordan was concerned that his team would play down to the level of the woeful New York Knicks .

No worries there. Knicks coach Larry Brown said he's reached the point where he's ''begging guys to play,'' and Steve Francis was on the verge of tears.

A game against the worst team in the East turned out to be the ideal homecoming for the Wizards, who got 13 points and a season-high 13 assists from Gilbert Arenas in a 105-90 rout Tuesday night.

''New York is a team that is not playing well, and we didn't play down to their level,'' Jordan said. ''I thought we played very well, especially Gilbert, with how he got his teammates involved early. We played the right way.''

Arenas also matched his season high with six steals, and Washington had a season-high 16 steals. Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler scored 18 points apiece to lead six Wizards players in double figures.

The Knicks lost their ninth straight, matched a season high with 28 turnovers, and are looking more and more comfortable in the role of a team that simply can't wait for the season to end. They trailed by 11 after the first quarter and by 22 at halftime. The deficit reached 31 in the fourth quarter, and Jordan was able to sit all of his starters for the final 7:14 of the game.

''They came in with so much more energy, it was like the varsity against the JV,'' Brown said. ''You've got to keep trying. Somehow you've got to find five guys who care enough to compete. I hate to say that because you take away from (the Wizards players) and what they did, but you've got to hope you have enough pride to compete. I never in my life thought I'd be in a position where you're begging guys to play.''

Brown juggled his lineup again, starting a league-high 42nd different unit this season. Francis opened at point guard, with Nate Robinson coming off the bench. Stephon Marbury , Jalen Rose and Jerome James sat out with injuries or illness.

Brown said he's never been through a stretch this difficult as a coach, and Francis went even further.

''Besides my mom passing away when I was 18, this is top three, definitely, just because this is my livelihood,'' Francis said. ''Basketball is what I do. To be able to come out here and not being able to help this Knicks organization win is tough. I think a lot of the players don't realize that you only have one basketball career and it doesn't last as long as you think. The money might be there, but actually being out there on the court, that (stuff) doesn't last. And until people realize that and realize that you have to help each other and not be so selfish and worry about how many points you score, we're going to be stuck in the same position, same place.''

''It's like a funeral, man,'' Francis said, his eyes welling up. ''That's what it feels like.''

The victory, coupled with Milwaukee's loss to Miami, moved the fifth-place Wizards 1 1/2 games ahead of the Bucks in the Eastern Conference. It was Washington's first home game following a 3-3 West Coast road trip, and only three of the final nine are at the Verizon Center.

''The pregame speech was 'The top four teams have clinched. We're the next team in line,''' Jordan said.

Jackie Butler scored a career-high 22 points for the Knicks, who had 16 turnovers at halftime - including two offensive 3-second violations in the first quarter.

''Just when I thought we couldn't get any worse or go any lower, we find another way to do it,'' said Quentin Richardson , who returned after missing five games with a sprained thumb.

The laugher was a good setting for the return of Wizards center Brendan Haywood . Haywood lost his starting job to Etan Thomas during the road trip, then missed three games with back spasms while stewing over his benching. He came off the bench to score nine points.

''Right now it's not about me, it's about the team,'' Haywood said.

Good. That is the EXACT type of leader I want for this team. Someone who is so hurt by this losing it affects him like this.

Last night I saw Barry Bonds cry on his ESPN piece of $hit "Bonds on Bonds".

WTF is going on?

Marbury's a better player than Francis but Francis has the much better attitude. Marbury's the one we need to trade. For now, hold onto Francis.

Posted by fishmike:

hell.. I cried too

you know, it has gotten to the point that i don't care anymore. it is a shame but i don't. i used to go on espn and wait for the scores and read the box scores to see who did well. but i don't care and wish the season is over with. that is saying something since i consider myself a rabid fan. go mets!

Who are these guys who Brown and Richardson and Malik Rose say "aren't playing"? I live in Europe and don't see or hear the games, just read the papers afterwards. I would assume they're talking about Marbury, but he's literally not playing, since he's hurt. Who are these unnamed guys who are just going through the motions? Maybe Curry? He'll be real easy to trade. Anyway, any insights would be appreciated.

John Starks had half the talent of Marbury, but he had twice the desire. For that reason alone, I'll take a guy with heart who plays with passion over a more talented malcontent with a selfish agenda.

Posted by imissspree:

Who are these guys who Brown and Richardson and Malik Rose say "aren't playing"? I live in Europe and don't see or hear the games, just read the papers afterwards. I would assume they're talking about Marbury, but he's literally not playing, since he's hurt. Who are these unnamed guys who are just going through the motions? Maybe Curry? He'll be real easy to trade. Anyway, any insights would be appreciated.

some times it's just game to game. I didn't see last night's game but I hear Jackie just stopped on D several times. Possibly Q2 too. Nate reportedly didn't play with fire either.

Welcome to the site.

holfrsh do you knowe NY's record since Isiah acquired Steph

14-21 prior to the acquisition

25-22
33-49
19-54

thats your idea of getting it done - SAD

[Edited by - McK1 on 04-05-2006 11:52 AM]

Posted by McK1:

holfrsh do you knowe NY's record since Isiah acquired Steph

14-21 prior to the acquisition

25-22
33-49
19-54

thats your idea of getting it done - SAD

[Edited by - McK1 on 04-05-2006 11:52 AM]

but it's not him...just like in phoenix...or nj...or....

"i want to be judged by wins"...OK steph, then you're ass is guilty and you will be serving 25 consecutive life sentences.

[Edited by - djsunyc on 04-05-2006 11:56 AM]

Posted by McK1:

holfrsh do you knowe NY's record since Isiah acquired Steph

14-21 prior to the acquisition

25-22
33-49
19-54

thats your idea of getting it done - SAD

[Edited by - McK1 on 04-05-2006 11:52 AM]

Thats where you guys got it wrong...You are making it out to be about Steph...It's not...It has never been....The Knicks this year has not won a game without Steph...That stat means more to me tha anything else....

Another stat for you...Knicks under Larry 19-54...