As expected, Caron Butler didn't play tonight in Denver and the Wizards aren't sure when or if he will return to the court during this four-game road stretch. But it gets worse for the Wizards. Point guard Antonio Daniels, who has made 33 starts in place of the injured Gilbert Arenas, left tonight's game after just six minutes, suffering from tendinitis in his right knee. Daniels was forced to miss 12 games earlier this season after straining ligaments in the same knee.
Meanwhile, Melo is putting on a clinic. He came out with guns blazing, scoring 20 points in the first quarter -- a season high allowed by the Wizards -- and had 29 at halftime. That's also the most the Wizards have allowed in a half. Anthony made eight of his first nine shots and by halftime had missed only twice more in 15 attempts. Denver held a 46-25 lead with 6:35 left in the first half, but the Wizards mustered a semi-rally and trimmed the lead to 56-47 at halftime.
