http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/basketball/heat/ sfl-baron20apr20,0,2307913.story?coll=sfla-sports-heat Davis says he will play Game 2 despite strained ankle By Steve Gorten Staff Writer Posted April 20 2004 CORAL GABLES -- New Orleans point guard Baron Davis made it clear Monday that a sprained ankle won't keep him out of Wednesday's Game 2 or likely the rest of the first-round series against the Heat. "That's not an option -- my team needs me," Davis said. "No matter how bad it's hurt or sore, I will definitely play in Game 2." Davis watched Monday's workout at the University of Miami with his left foot propped on a chair. Beside him, reserve point guard Darrell Armstrong, also ailing from a sprained ankle, did the same. Coach Tim Floyd said Armstrong's injury is "really severe," and he's doubtful to play Wednesday. Davis is hoping to benefit from two days off. "It doesn't feel good," Davis said, though he stressed there's time for healing before Game 2. Davis missed 15 games with an ankle injury, which he aggravated in the first quarter of the Heat's 81-79 victory Sunday. He also was hurt in the first game of last season's series against Philadelphia, sustaining a bone bruise in his left knee that forced him to sit out Game 2. "It's extremely frustrating considering before [Game 1] I was hyped up, very mobile, and dunking again," Davis said. "And to come out the first game and twist your ankle and then every quarter do something bad to re-injure it, it's definitely frustrating." Davis' injury hurts New Orleans on both ends of the court, Floyd said. The Hornets rely heavily on Davis' penetration of his dribble. Defensively, he could be a liability without his mobility. The question is whether the Hornets can beat the Heat in this best-of-seven with their starting point guard less than full strength. "Yes," guard David Wesley said matter-of-factly. "Obviously our chances are better with a 100-percent Baron, but no, we'd never say that we couldn't," Floyd said. Steve Gorten can be reached at [email protected]. Copyright c 2004, South Florida Sun-Sentinel --

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