As has been the case the past month, the Wizards fought valiantly til the final buzzer, but the Cavs hit big shots in the final two minutes of the fourth period to complete their playoff sweep as Washington fell to Cleveland 90-97 Monday night at Verizon Center.

VIDEO: Postgame Comments

Veteran players Antawn Jamison (31 points),Antonio Daniels (13 points, 12 assists) and Darius Songaila (16 points, 12 in the 4th) led the Wizards.

As always, Coach Eddie Jordan was gracious even in defeat: “First of all, I want to compliment the Cavaliers. I have not talked about how well their coaching staff got their team playing the right way and at a very high level. Their players are terrific, they play basketball unselfishly, they were physical and they had a lot of good intentions out there to help each other. LeBron (James) is a major star, as we all know, and he has gotten better at making his teammates better.”

As elimination became a reality, the Wizards were left to ponder “what if”. But despite an earlier than hoped for summer, players did not hang their heads and were proud of what they accomplished, even if their victories were only moral.

“We did not make excuses, and a lot of people counted us out but guys kept their heads high and played hard,” said Jamison, who echoed sentiments that teammates and observers agreed on. “It shows the character of this team and just how important it is for us to be out there doing what we love to do.

“For myself, I just was not ready to go home. These are the opportunities you really cherish and try and make good memories from. My teammates did a good job. We did not care who we played, and we went out there and played hard. We had a lot of high expectations for this season, and we came up short, but through it all, with all of the injuries, guys did a great job of just putting it behind them and playing good basketball.”

To wrap up, check out a quick pre-game clip of NBA Commissioner David Stern, who made a stop in Washington to catch the game and had this to say about the Wizards. I think his thoughts echo those of Wizards fans around the world.

Thanks to everyone who visited and participated for a great season.

Starting Line-Up Intros

Game Time.

You know what to do. LET’S GO WIZARDS!!!!

The Wizards went through practice Sunday in preparation for Monday’s Game Four to be held at Verizon Center (7:00 PM, Tickets Available).

Guards Antonio Daniels (left ankle) and DeShawn Stevenson (bruised left hip) both participated in practice.

“It is fine, a little sore. I will be ready to go tomorrow,” said Daniels. “We have to lay it on the line regardless. It is playoff time and there is not any other approach you can have. You have to go out there, lay it on the line and see what happens. You play with all your heart. You play with all your soul. You play together. You stay positive and you leave it out there on the floor.”

Antawn Jamison, who just plain went nuts to open the second half of yesterday’s game, likes his team’s chances, saying: “Our confidence level is still up. We are still holding our heads up. We are out there competing and having fun. We are playing hard. It has been like this for the last couple of weeks. We have been so close, but we have not been able to get over the hump. We always feel we can win.”

On the other end of the court, the Cavaliers understand the Wizards position. Veteran guard Eric Snow told the Plain-Dealer that “[The Wizards are] going to fight for their playoff lives and we have to match their intensity, come out and play hard and finish the job.”

Tip-off is hours away. Stay tuned…