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Matthew Paras

mparas@washingtontimes.com

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

Articles by Matthew Paras

Houston Rockets center Christian Wood watches his 3-point basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Monday, March 21, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

Wizards’ 3-point defense falling apart after another meltdown

If the Wizards' low point of the season is still blowing a 35-point lead in the second half to the Los Angeles Clippers, then what happened Monday against the Houston Rockets can come in as a close second. Against a team with the league's worst record, the Wizards blew a 23-point first-half lead and lost by 18, 115-97.

March 22, 2022
Washington Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan talks to reporters at the team's media day before the 2018-19 NHL season at MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Virginia, on Friday, Sept. 14. (Photo by Adam Zielonka / The Washington Times)

MacLellan gives Capitals vote of confidence with deadline deals

Brian MacLellan was telling the truth. The Capitals general manager said earlier this month that he did not envision being aggressive at the trade deadline as in past years. And indeed, when the deadline came and went Monday, MacLellan failed to make a move comparable to last year's deal for Anthony Mantha or 2017's acquisition of Kevin Shattenkirk -- big swings aimed at pushing the Capitals over the top.

March 21, 2022
Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2022, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) **FILE**

Westbrook trade failed to produce clear winner between Wizards, Lakers

As Westbrook returns for his first game in the District since the trade last summer, the Wizards and the Lakers have practically the same record: The Wizards are 29-39 while the Lakers are 29-40 ahead of Saturday's matchup. That's far from what either side envisioned when they made the complicated swap that roped in a total of five teams.

March 17, 2022
Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz and head coach Ron Rivera during his introductory press conference at Inova Sports Performance Center in Ashburn, Va., March 17, 2022. (Photo by Brian Murphy, All-Pro Reels)

Why Rivera believes Wentz is Commanders’ solution at quarterback

Ron Rivera says he saw and heard enough about Carson Wentz in the days since the NFL scouting combine that he's willing to hand the veteran the starter's job in Washington this season -- even if he admitted Thursday that the acquisition of Wentz won't necessarily preclude Washington from drafting a rookie quarterback.

March 17, 2022
Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz speaks with reporters during his introductory press conference at Inova Sports Performance Center in Ashburn, Va., March 17, 2022. (Photo by Brian Murphy, All-Pro Reels)

Wentz feeling ‘wanted’ by Commanders after rough splits from Colts, Eagles

Dressed in a mustard yellow sports coat and a burgundy-colored shirt, Wentz's outfit was only a further reminder that the quarterback was in a new location for a new team -- starting the get-to-know-you process all over again. The Commanders are now Wentz's third team in the last three seasons after the former No. 2 overall pick flamed out in Philadelphia and Indianapolis.

March 17, 2022
Washington Commanders NFL football team new quarterback Carson Wentz gestures following a news conference where he was introduced in Ashburn, Va., Thursday, March 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Wentz to ‘embrace’ facing Eagles twice per year

Carson Wentz could only smile Thursday when asked for his thoughts on facing the Philadelphia Eagles twice per year. As an unintended effect of his trade to the Washington Commanders, the quarterback will now have to square off against his former team regularly.

March 17, 2022
Washington Football Team running back J.D. McKissic (41) celebrating his touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks with teammate guard Ereck Flowers (79) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) **FILE**

McKissic reverses course, re-signs with Commanders over Bills

The Washington Commanders made a couple of surprise cost-cutting moves Wednesday before pulling out the checkbook to re-sign, according to a team source, veteran running back J.D. McKissic to a two-year, $7 million contract -- basically, the same deal he had agreed to with the Buffalo Bills a day earlier.

March 16, 2022
FILE - Washington NFL football team defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis (98) looks on during pre-game warm-ups before an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021, in Landover, Md. The Washington Commanders are releasing defensive lineman Matt Ioannidis, a surprising move made to create salary cap in the aftermath of acquiring quarterback Carson Wentz. Agent Alan Herman confirmed Ioannidis' release to The Associated Press on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams, File)

Ioannidis, Flowers cut in surprising moves for Commanders

The Washington Commanders plan to release guard Ereck Flowers and defensive lineman Matt Ioannidis on Wednesday, a source with knowledge of the situation said. The moves will save roughly $17 million in salary-cap space, but suddenly has holes to fill on units that were touted as the team's strength.

March 16, 2022
Washington Football Team cornerback Bobby McCain (20) reacts after returning an interception for a touchdown against the New York Giants during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

Commanders to re-sign Bobby McCain on two-year deal

The Washington Commanders have finally made a notable move. The Commanders still haven't signed an outside free agent, but they are bringing back starting safety Bobby McCain, a source with knowledge of the situation said

March 15, 2022
Washington Football Team running back J.D. McKissic (41) break away from Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Bryan Mone (90) to score a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

McKissic to sign with Bills on two-year deal

Former Washington Commanders running back J.D. McKissic plans to sign a two-year, $7 million deal with the Buffalo Bills, according to multiple reports -- creating a new hole at the position for the Burgundy and Gold.

March 15, 2022