5067006 ACR 20-199, “Washington Wizards 2013-2014 Season Celebration Recognition Resolution of 2014”

A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION

20-199 

IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

 

May 28, 2014

 

 

To recognize and honor the Washington Wizards on their winning season, trip to the National Basketball Association (“NBA”) playoffs, and advancing to the second round of the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2005.   

 

WHEREAS, in 1997, under the ownership of the legendary Abe Pollin, the Washington Bullets officially became the Washington Wizards;

 

WHEREAS, in 1997, the Washington Wizards moved to the then MCI Center, now the Verizon Center, in downtown Washington, D.C.;

 

WHEREAS, in 2010, Ted Leonsis completed a deal to purchase a majority share of the Washington Wizards and Verizon Center from the Pollin family;

 

WHEREAS, on January 30, 2014, Washington Wizards point guard John Wall was selected as an East reserve for the 2014 NBA All-Star Game, his first All-Star selection;

 

WHEREAS, on February 15, 2014, John Wall was voted the dunker of the night in the 2014 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, the first win by a Washington Wizard in a NBA Slam Dunk contest;

 

WHEREAS, on April 2, 2014, the Washington Wizards defeated the Boston Celtics by a score of 118-92 to clinch the team's first playoff berth since the 2007-08 season;

 

WHEREAS, the Washington Wizards finished the 2013-2014 regular NBA season with a 44-38 record, the first winning season since 2007-2008;

 

WHEREAS, on April 29, 2014, the Washington Wizards defeated the Chicago Bulls by a score of 75-69, thus winning the postseason series between the 2 teams, 4-1, and advancing to the second round of the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2005;

 

WHEREAS, on May 5, 2014, the Washington Wizards defeated the Indiana Pacers by a score of 102-96 to win their first second-round game since 1982;

 

WHEREAS, on May 15, 2014, despite an inspiring and valiant effort, the Washington Wizards lost to the Indiana Pacers, thus ending their season but providing hope for a rich basketball future in the District;

 

            WHEREAS, the Washington Wizards are truly winners in every meaningful way; and

 

            WHEREAS, the excitement stirred, the overwhelming fan support and commitment will carry on, and the Wizards will continue to grow individually and as a team.

 

            RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “Washington Wizards 2013-2014 Season Celebration Recognition Resolution of 2014”.

 

Sec. 2.  The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes and honors the Washington Wizards and their contribution to sports and to the District of Columbia.

 

Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.