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Wizards F Jamison hurt in preseason loss to Mavericks

Oct 8, 2008 - 3:35 AM DALLAS (Ticker) -- The Washington Wizards' preseason opener was one to forget.

Dirk Nowitzki and Brandon Bass scored 17 points apiece as the Dallas Mavericks rolled to a 108-82 exhibition victory over the Wizards on Tuesday.

Washington's biggest loss, however, was its star forward Antawn Jamison, who left in the first quarter with a strained right knee and did not return. While Mavericks All-Star forward Dirk Nowitzki was driving to the basket, Jamison's knee buckled while guarding him before falling to the ground in obvious pain.

"It was painful, but once I got some ice on it it felt better and there's no pain at all right now," Jamison said. "It feels a lot better now. It gave out on me. I didn't hear a pop so I knew there wasn't anything torn. It felt like someone tapped it with a hammer. I'll have an MRI (Wednesday) but it doesn't feel that bad. ... I'm surprised there's no pain.

"I've been through some tough ones and I don't think this is anything that will keep me out for too long. We'll see how it feels after flying and waking up tomorrow. I'll feel better after the MRI."

The 32-year-old averaged 21.4 points and 10.5 rebounds in 79 games last season for the Wizards, who are already without center Brendan Haywood and three-time All-Star guard Gilbert Arenas, who is recovering from a third operation on his left knee.

"The injury (to Jamison) seemed to not be as serious as it looked," Washington coach Eddie Jordan said. "We'll evaluate him when we get back and get an MRI or something. ... He's walking around back there and in good spirits."

Andray Blatche poured in 18 points for the Wizards.

Josh Howard had 15 points, while Jason Kidd added six , five rebounds and seven assists for the Mavericks, who outscored their opposition, 28-12, in the second.

Prior the game, Dallas announced that Paul Westphal, who spent last season as an assistant coach with team, was named executive vice president of basketball operations.

Rick Carlisle, who took over as head coach after Avery Johnson was fired following a first-round exit in the playoffs last season, made his debut on the sideline with the Mavericks.