The Wizards used a 23-4 run to open the third quarter to tie the score at 65 after trailing by 17 at halftime. From there, it was a back and forth contest highlighted by Antawn Jamison’s hot shooting (17 in the 3rd, career playoff high 38 points). But Sasha Pavlovic hit a three with 25 seconds left in the game to push the Cavs lead to six and seal Game 3 as the Wizards fell 92-98.

Antonio Daniels/Jarvis Hayes

“This is the playoffs, we were down 0-2 coming back to our home court, and it was not the frustration from being down but from how we got down — not communicating, not getting back,” said Jamison. “They had a couple of easy fast break opportunities, we should learn from our mistakes and I do not think we had the fire and the energy that represents this organization and this team.

“We should be giving a better effort then what was given in the first half. We could not afford to let opportunities get away in the second half, and I put it on myself to play with energy and hopefully inspire my teammates.”

The Wizards now enter a do-die-situation as they enter Game 4 on Monday at Verizon Center (7:00 pm). Tickets for the game can be purchased online, at any Ticketmaster outlet, at the Verizon Center Box Office, or by calling 202-397-SEAT.

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Game 3: Wizards-Cavs. You know the drill…

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As with any regular season home game, the scene about 3.5 hours til tip-off at Verizon Center is one of preparation. But there’s always something special about the Playoffs. That sense of electricity and excitement is definitely in the air.

I had a chance to take a look at some of the pre-game video and the one that will air before the anthem/line-ups (not sure when) is great. The song our great game-operations/TV department selected for the clip fit the mood surrounding the team; sort of a do-or-die gladiator-ish music.

Neither team has arrived yet, but Antonio Daniels, who’s always the first one here, should be shooting around any minute.

Make sure to check back after 4:00 for Gil’s media session.

Make sure to stop by Around the Net while you’re having your bowl of cereal this morning. And for those of you thinking of stopping by a certain DC area nightspot in the hopes of bumping in to some of your favorite NBA players, I’d think about catching a movie instead….