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Matthew Paras

mparas@washingtontimes.com

Matthew Paras was a digital sports writer for the Washington Times.

Articles by Matthew Paras

Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) reaches for the ball in front of Detroit Pistons forward Tony Snell (17) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Wizards’ defense, effort leads to win over Pistons

With just under nine minutes to play, Moritz Wagner yelled out to no one in particular. The Wizards center had just made multiple defensive stops, including a block on Pistons center Andre Drummond. The whistle blew and Drummond was called for a foul.

November 4, 2019
President Donald Trump embraces Washington Nationals catcher Kurt Suzuki, right, as Suzuki speaks during an event to honor the 2019 World Series champion Nationals baseball team at the White House, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in Washington. Standing alongside Trump is first lady Melania Trump. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Nationals draw huge crowd at White House

As the Washington Nationals were introduced, players and coaches trickled out to the balcony and steps overlooking the South Lawn. The military band below played a rendition of "Baby Shark," the team's unofficial anthem. The thousands looking on cheered.

November 4, 2019
President Donald Trump stands with Washington Nationals catcher Kurt Suzuki, during an event to honor the 2019 World Series champion Washington Nationals on the balcony of the White House, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in Washington, as First Lady Melania Trump, left, and Washington Nationals coach Dave Martinez, second from right and general manager Mike Rizzo, far right, look on. Suzuki is wearing a Make America Great Again hat. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Trump, Nationals celebrate at White House

First baseman Ryan Zimmerman presented President Trump with a Nationals jersey with the "No.45" on the back, and catcher Kurt Suzuki donned a "Make America Great Again" cap.

November 4, 2019
Washington Nationals pitcher and World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg, celebrates the World Series baseball championship during a rally following a parade to celebrate the team's World Series baseball championship over Houston Astros, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Washington. Nationals right fielder Gerardo Parra is right and pitcher Anibal Sanchez, left.  (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)  **FILE**

Stephen Strasburg’s opt out sets up busy offseason for Nationals

Beyond trying to re-sign Stephen Strasburg, Washington will negotiate with star third baseman Anthony Rendon and attempt to bring back first baseman Ryan Zimmerman. The Nationals declined an $18 million option for Zimmerman on Saturday, but both sides are interested in working out a new contract at a lower rate. They could also potentially need another catcher to pair with Kurt Suzuki as the team declined Yan Gomes $7 million option.

November 3, 2019
Washington Nationals head coach Dave Martinez accompanied by his players, speaks to the crowd during a rally following a parade to celebrate the team's World Series baseball championship over Houston Astros, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Muriel Bowser starts ‘back-to-back’ chant at Nationals parade

D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser took the stage Saturday and congratulated the Washington Nationals on winning their first-ever World Series. But she didn't wait long into her speech to start a chant that caused the thousands watching along Constitution Avenue to join in.

November 2, 2019
Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez, left, waves a flag and Ryan Zimmerman, right, hoists the World Series trophy as the baseball team arrives at Dulles Airport, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019, in Chantilly, Va. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals return to jubilant city

The Nationals' return to Washington on Thursday capped a delirious day of high-fives, hugs and impromptu "Baby Shark" jams in a sports town known more for failure than success that is suddenly, improbably, amazingly celebrating a third national championship in just two years.

October 31, 2019
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles the ball against Washington Wizards guard Troy Brown Jr. (6) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Wizards lose heartbreaker to Rockets

The Wizards engaged in an up-and-down track meet Wednesday against the Houston Rockets, but they fell in a 159-158 loss at Capital One Arena. Despite scoring 158 points -- their most since 1990 -- the Wizards couldn't stop Houston Rockets star James Harden, who had a game-high 59 points.

October 30, 2019
Washington Redskins' Derrius Guice runs during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)

Derrius Guice on track to return against New York Jets

Redskins running back Derrius Guice returned to practice Monday for the first time since suffering a knee injury last month. Interim coach Bill Callahan said the 22-year-old is expected to return in Week 11 against the New York Jets, the first game Guice is eligible to be activated from injured reserve.

October 29, 2019
Washington Wizards' John Wall poses for a portrait during an NBA basketball media day, Monday, Sept. 30, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) ** FILE **

John Wall, Isaiah Thomas go all out for Halloween

John Wall and Bradley Beal dressed up as different versions of the Joker at a recent Halloween party, while Isaiah Thomas, in a nod to his height, showed up as an Oompa Loompa.

October 29, 2019
In this April 19, 2019, file photo, an athlete stands near an NCAA logo during a softball game in Beaumont, Texas. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher) ** FILE **

NCAA board approves athlete compensation for image, likeness

The NCAA took a major step Tuesday toward allowing college athletes to profit from the use of their names, images and likenesses -- a move that dramatically alters the landscape of amateur sports and ushers in an era of big-dollar endorsement deals for top stars.

October 29, 2019