The Wizards started out Wednesday’s game against the Heat on the wrong end of a scoring run, falling early by as many as 17 points. But the Wizards closed in and took the lead in the second half (a small lead, but a lead nonetheless). In the end, it was too much Shaquille O’Neal, scoring 10 points in the fourth quarter to help put the game out of reach for Washington, who fell to Miami 83-92 at Verizon Center.

“During our pregame, we asked our team to compete at the highest level and to compete with all of their heart, and we did it,” said Coach Eddie Jordan. “We shared the basketball, we played the correct way, we competed, we were physical, we were active and it just wasn’t enough because we didn’t make shots.”

LISTEN: Head Coach Eddie Jordan

DeShawn Stevenson scored a team-high 19 points. Gilbert Arenas added 15 points, while Jarvis Hayes nearly had a double-double (10 points, nine rebounds). Roger Mason came off the bench and reached double-figures for the third straight game (11 points).

“We have to continue to believe in each other and our coaching staff,” said Antonio Daniels. “We will get it back together. It’s not the first time we’ve dealt with something like this. We will be okay. The last thing we need to do is start pointing fingers or getting down on each other. We need to stay optimistic and realize what we need to fix to get back on the winning side.”

Mike Hall, who was signed earlier in the day after the Wizards released James Lang, was inactive for the game. Starters Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison were both held out of the line-up. After the game Jordan indicated that one or both players could return this weekend, but was cautious about expectations.

“I told the team after the game, if the cavalry comes around the corner on Friday or Sunday, it is not guaranteed that we are going to get a win. Quite frankly, the guys are going to be rusty coming back. They are going to have to find their rhythm, but hopefully they will find it quickly.”

UPDATE: Antawn Jamison is inactive for tonight’s game. Caron Butler is active but it will be a game-time decision whether or not he plays.

By Shaun Fletcher, WashingtonWizards.com Blog Correspondent

Fresh off of a three game road trip, the Wizards come home tonight to face their division rivals Miami Heat. This game marks the second time these two teams have met this year. The Wizards ended a then-16-game losing streak against the Heat by winning the first meeting this season 106-95 at the Verizon Center back in December. The next time these teams face-off will be in Miami on March 11th and finally on April 11th.

The circumstances surrounding the last meeting, however, were somewhat different than tonight’s matchup. If you recall back in December, the Wizards caught a Heat team that was without several notable players, including Shaq, D-Wade, and Jason Williams. Also, the illustrious “Big 3” were hitting on all cylinders at the time. Oh, how the tables have turned, right? Wizards fans can still take comfort in knowing that Finals MVP Dwayne Wade will not be causing any headaches on the floor tonight as he is still out nursing a well-documented shoulder injury.

However, the Wizards will still need to find a way to slow down “The Diesel.” Shaquille O’Neal has been forced to shoulder much more of the offensive load since D-Wade went down with his injury. While his minutes have not significantly increased, his scoring and rebounding numbers have improved in the last three games. Also, Jason Kapono has been a solid perimeter shooter for the Heat this year and could pose a problem for the Wizards zone defensive packages. While the Heat have dropped three of their last four contests, they still are sporting a respectable 7-4 record in February (they started the month winning 6 of 7).

On the Wizards front, it is possible that Antawn Jamison (knee) could suit up for tonight’s game and Caron Butler continues to be day-to-day (back spasms). Both will be game time decisions as to whether they’ll play tonight. It was very encouraging to see Roger Mason, Jr. shoot so well and Jarvis Hayes post an impressive 21 point, 9 rebound game last night against the Nets. The Wizards will certainly need this type of continued effort and energy as a team tonight in order to halt this three game skid.

With the changes that each of these squads have endured recently, it would be somewhat misguided to mention records or other peripheral statistics. The bottom line is that this game includes two of the most dangerous teams in the Eastern Conference who will be ready to battle regardless of who’s in or out of their respective lineups. The million dollar question remains the same… who will step up and be the x-factor?

Ok, so what’s your take?

In a case of “Remember Me?”, the Wizards made the following announcement this afternoon:

Washington Wizards President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld announced today that the team has signed forward Mike Hall to a 10-day contract and waived center James Lang.

“Mike Hall is familiar with our system and he gives us additional depth at the forward position,” said Grunfeld.

Hall appeared in 29 games for the Tulsa 66ers in the NBDL this season, where he posted averages of 15.6 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, while shooting 49 percent from the field. Hall, who was originally signed as a free agent on September 13, 2006 by the Wizards, averaged 3.8 points and 3.4 rebounds in five preseason games with Washington. Hall is the 13th Gatorade Call-up of the year and will wear jersey number 42.

Thanks to Wizards PR for providing us all with a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes at All-Star Weekend.

Despite missing two starters on the final stop of a three game road-trip, the Wizards found themselves trailing by just one point after three periods Tuesday night in New Jersey. Washington was within five points with less than five minutes to go in the game but they couldn’t overcome the Nets hot shooting in the final minutes and fell 101-113.

Gilbert Arenas led the team with 26 points, but his off-shooting continued (7-25 FGA). But big contributions from Jarvis Hayes (season-high 21 points) and Roger Mason (career-high tying 18 points) helped keep the Wizards in the contest. Brendan Haywood also pitched in with a solid effort (11 points, five rebounds).

Washington went winless through their three game trip away from Verizon Center, but there is some rest for the weary. Not much rest, but at least it will come in their own beds, as the Wizards play five of their next six games at home. The rub is that their next four takes place over the next seven days.

“We have to keep plugging,” said Head Coach Eddie Jordan. “We’ll get home and we have a really good team coming in. Just being home doesn’t cure all the ills. We have to play better, and rebound better, and handle defense better.”

A cure could come in the help from the calvary - in this case Antawn Jamison, who could make a return to action tonight versus the Heat after missing the past 11 games with a sprained left knee. Caron Butler, who returned to Washington Tuesday afternoon and missed his second consecutive game (lower back spasms), is day to day.