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Matthew Paras

mparas@washingtontimes.com

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

Articles by Matthew Paras

Tommy Fleetwood, right, of England, watches as Cameron Champ lines up a putt on the 10th green during the final round of the Workday Championship golf tournament Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021, in Bradenton, Fla. Both are wearing clothing honoring Tiger Woods. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Tony Finau, golfers wear red for Tiger Woods after accident

At the final round of WGC-Workday Championship on Sunday, several golfers showed up wearing the red shirt, black pants outfit as a tribute to Tiger Woods following the 45-year-old's car accident last week. Tony Finau even rocked a Nike hat backward, a look Woods often had when arriving to the course.

February 28, 2021
Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) goes to the basket against Washington Wizards guard Garrison Mathews (24) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Garrison Mathews keeps surprising for Wizards

Garrison Mathews went undrafted in 2019, though the workout helped convince the Wizards to offer him a two-way contract last season. A year later, Mathews is back with Washington on another two-way -- but this time, the 24-year-old has earned a spot in the starting lineup.

February 28, 2021
Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook, right, is stripped of the ball by Los Angeles Clippers guard Luke Kennard during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Wizards set for grind of second-half schedule

When the Washington Wizards were put on a nearly three-week pause because of a coronavirus outbreak, one of the most prominent questions was how the postponed games would affect the team's schedule for the rest of the year.

February 24, 2021
FILE - In this Dec. 21, 2019, file photo, North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance (5) scores a rushing touchdown during the first half of an FCS playoff NCAA college football game against Montana State in Fargo, N.D. All but a few teams in the Football Championship Subdivision shut down in the fall because of the COVID-19 pandemic and will play a spring season culminating with the NCAA playoffs in April and May. (AP Photo/Bruce Crummy, File)

Trey Lance, Mac Jones top quarterback prospects for Washington’s range

With this year's combine canceled because of the pandemic, the buzz around the draft -- still two months away -- isn't as intense as usual. But for those desperate for information on this year's class, there's no shortage of sources. That's especially true when it comes to the five quarterbacks expected to go within the first 20 or so picks.

February 24, 2021
Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook dribbles during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers Monday, Feb. 22, 2021, in Los Angeles. The Wizards won 127-124 in overtime. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Wizards’ practice provided clarity prior to win streak

Before the Wizards' five-game winning streak got started, when they were stuck near the bottom of the league's worst teams, the Wizards held a practice in which each player laid out expectations and defined their own role. Forward Rui Hachiura, for instance, notably told teammates he was capable of guarding every position and could be aggressive on offense.

February 23, 2021
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James shoots as Miami Heat guard Kendrick Nunn, right, defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

LeBron James’ MVP case could strengthen without Anthony Davis

The Los Angeles Lakers star is once again a top candidate to be named the MVP as the 36-year-old, months after winning his fourth championship, is putting together another remarkable season. Oddsmakers peg James as the favorite in a competitive race, with Philadelphia's Joel Embiid and Denver's Nikola Jokic not far behind.

February 21, 2021