Wizards F Jamison leaves with knee injury, did not return

Oct 8, 2008 - 3:44 AM DALLAS (Ticker) -- The Washington Wizards' season is off to a rough start.

Wizards forward Antawn Jamison left in the first quarter of Tuesday's 108-82 loss in the team's preseason opener against the Dallas Mavericks with a strained right knee and did not return.

While Mavericks All-Star forward Dirk Nowitzki was driving to the basket, Jamison's knee buckled while guarding him before falling to the ground in obvious pain.

"It was painful, but once I got some ice on it it felt better and there's no pain at all right now," Jamison said. "It feels a lot better now. It gave out on me. I didn't hear a pop so I knew there wasn't anything torn. It felt like someone tapped it with a hammer. I'll have an MRI (Wednesday) but it doesn't feel that bad. ... I'm surprised there's no pain.

"I've been through some tough ones and I don't think this is anything that will keep me out for too long. We'll see how it feels after flying and waking up tomorrow. I'll feel better after the MRI."

The 32-year-old averaged 21.4 points and 10.5 rebounds in 79 games last season for the Wizards.

Washington is already without three-time All-Star guard Gilbert Arenas, who is recovering from a third operation on his left knee.

"The injury (to Jamison) seemed to not be as serious as it looked," Washington coach Eddie Jordan said. "We'll evaluate him when we get back and get an MRI or something. ... He's walking around back there and in good spirits."

The Wizards open the regular season on November 1 against the Detroit Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills.