Who says the Washington Wizards didn’t improve over the offseason? Last night DCist made our first trip down to the Verizon Center this season and noticed plenty of changes; fancy new press credentials (now with marketing slogans!), shiny, new flat screen monitors in press row in section 104, that snazzy $50 million scoreboard that puts a whole new spin on the Kiss-Cam and a new red carpet themed video set to Kanye West’s “Bigger, Faster, Stronger” that’s played during player introductions. One thing still needed improvement, though: Washington’s dismal 1-5 record.

It was last night’s visiting Indiana Pacers that got Washington’s ’07-’08 season off to the bad start. Indiana pulled out a 119-110 overtime victory that started the Wizards’ five game losing streak. The Pacers won their next two games before dropping the next four games, so they needed a W coming into Wednesday night’s matchup just as bad as Washington.

Unfortunately for them, it was not to be. Gilbert Arenas got into an early groove, scoring 20 points in the first half on the way to a final tally of 30 points, 11 assists and six rebounds, leading Washington to a 103-90 win. Indiana, meanwhile, came out flat, shooting 25% from the field and started the second quarter down 13. Caron Butler set the tone early, being active by jumping in passing lanes and getting to the rim on offense. Gil knocked down a few shots and from there it was on. Brendan Haywood continued his inspired play this season, tallying 16 points and 11 rebounds. Arenas credited Haywood for inspiring his teammates in the last few games. “Brendan’s been playing great basketball all year,” he said. “We’re just trying to rally around him. There’s nobody coming down his back. He’s feeling comfortable out there and he’s playing like he should be playing.”

Photo by Scott Ableman