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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 Russell Westbrook, right, goes to the basket against Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) and center DeAndre Jordan (6) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) **FILE**

Wizards’ February will be telling whether team can turn season around

Starting with Tuesday's contest against the Portland Trail Blazers, the Wizards embark on a 16-game stretch across February -- and a jam-packed schedule that already has coach Scott Brooks longing for any extra rest that his team could squeeze in. The slate includes five back-to-backs, only 11 days in which Washington won't have a game scheduled and three games that were rescheduled because of the pandemic.

February 2, 2021
Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook (4) reacts with forward Davis Bertans (42) after scoring and basket and was fouled during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets, Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Russell Westbrook finally looking like himself

Russell Westbrook scored 41 points in Sunday's bonkers 149-146 win over the Nets, including draining the game-winning 3-pointer to cap off a wild 3.8-second swing for Washington to take the lead. The performance was the third-straight game in which Westbrook appeared to be fully healthy

February 1, 2021
In this Dec. 20, 2020, file photo, Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) passes the ball during the second quarter of the team's NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, Tenn. The Lions are trading Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for quarterback Jared Goff, two future first-round picks and a third-round pick, a person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Saturday night, Jan. 30, because the deal has not been completed. (AP Photo/Brett Carlsen, File) **FILE**

Washington’s offer for Matthew Stafford revealed

Reports emerged over the weekend that Washington made an offer to the Detroit Lions for quarterback Matthew Stafford, only for the team to accept a package from the Los Angeles Rams instead. Though Washington's offer was described as "substantial," details were sparse. Now, we know.

February 1, 2021
Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook (4) stands on the court next to Atlanta Hawks guard Rajon Rondo, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 29, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Russell Westbrook ejected after shoving Rajon Rondo as Wizards fall to Hawks

The grin across Rajon Rondo's face was almost as large as the Atlanta Hawks' lead. As Russell Westbrook was ejected from the Wizards' 116-100 loss to the Hawks, Rondo celebrated the moment by waving goodbye to the Wizards guard. Moments earlier, Rondo egged Westbrook on with a slight forearm to the chest on a boxout -- leading a furious Westbrook to shove the 34-year-old guard and earn his second technical.

January 29, 2021
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady reacts after winning the NFC championship NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers in Green Bay, Wis., Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021. The Buccaneers defeated the Packers 31-26 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)

Tom Brady’s better ending than Michael Jordan, Joe Montana in reach

Tom Brady was far from the first. When Brady agreed to leave the New England Patriots for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March, the quarterback joined a line of sure-fire Hall of Famers who spent decades in one town -- only to shock spectators by actually leaving.

January 27, 2021
Houston Rockets' John Wall applauds a call, next to Washington Wizards' Bradley Beal during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021, in Houston. (Carmen Mandato/Pool Photo via AP)

Bradley Beal takes responsibility for Wizards’ fourth-quarter struggles

As Bradley Beal sat on the bench in the final minutes of Tuesday's 107-88 loss to the Houston Rockets, the Wizards guard placed his thumbs on his forehead, forming a pyramid-like shape with his hands and shook his head. He muttered something to himself as he kept his eyes closed.

January 27, 2021
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady reacts after winning the NFC championship NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers in Green Bay, Wis., Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021. The Buccaneers defeated the Packers 31-26 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)

Tom Brady opens as rare underdog in Super Bowl

Tom Brady made the Super Bowl for the 10th time in his career with a 31-26 win Sunday over the Green Bay Packers. But for the first time since his first-ever championship appearance, he'll be an underdog.

January 25, 2021