It was ironic that Washington Wizards star Gilbert Arenas was playing games of knock out — essentially a competitive free throw shooting contest — with fans at Tysons Corner Mall Saturday, April 18, in celebration of the grand opening of the newest Adidas store on the day the NBA playoffs were set to get underway.
It was almost three years ago, on May 6, 2006, when Arenas stepped to the free throw line in Game 6 of a first-round series between his Wizards and the Cleveland Cavaliers with the game on the line. Cavs phenom LeBron James decided some gamesmanship was in order for such a moment and reportedly whispered into Arena’s ear, "If you miss these, the game is over."
Arenas missed both of his shots from the charity stripe and then watched as Cleveland’s Damon Jones hit a game-winning shot to send the Cavs into the second round.
The scene this weekend was a bit different. There were no playoffs, no LeBron and no game winner for the still-recovering point guard, who has undergone three knee surgeries since that fateful moment at the charity stripe.
But Arenas was shooting free throws as hundreds of fans lined up to see if they could beat Agent Zero in a game of knockout on a makeshift halfcourt that was set up for the festivities.
For almost 30 minutes, the Wizards star took on all comers, and just one person, NOVA student Matt Geiser, 19, could claim victory. It was the first game Arenas took part in, but that fact didn’t matter to the lucky winner.
"I won it on a swish," said Geiser. "He was in my ear like, ‘It’s just you and me,’ trying to put some pressure on me, but I knew it was going in."
Afterwards, Arenas signed autographs and took pictures with happy mallgoers, many of whom were sporting some version of Arenas’ No. 0 jersey. He then went up to catch a glimpse of the newest addition to Tysons Corner Mall, with several dozen adoring fans in tow.
Later in the afternoon, Luciano Emilio, Chris Pontius and Rodney Wallace of D.C. United took part in a penalty kick competition and autograph session. The day also included plenty of music, a giant cake in the shape of an Adidas shoe and in-house shoe artists to add some spice to sneakers bought by customers.
But getting up close and personal with some of the area’s biggest sports stars is what had Vienna resident Sammy Morris, 10, most excited. He didn’t take on Arenas in the free throw contest, but was able to get a few words with his favorite Wizard while getting a poster autographed.
"I told him good luck and I hope he does good next year,"
said a smiling Morris.
