Al Thornton didn’t really know how to handle it, since it caught him “completely” off guard. During the Wizards’ win on Wednesday over the Indiana Pacers, Thornton had received a DNP-Coach’s Decision for the first time since he joined the Wizards near the trade deadline.

He didn’t get an explanation from assistant Randy Wittman, who was filling in for Flip Saunders, nor did he ask for one. The previous game in Houston, Thornton was shut out in just eight minutes played, snapping his string of six consecutive games of playing at least 26 minutes and scoring in double figures.

“I guess they are doing what’s right for the team,” Thornton said, explaining the DNP-CD. “That was the first time it happened like that, that I can recall.”

“It’s tough. Extremely tough,” Thornton said. “But I’m not going to get frustrated by it. Just got to keep a level head and try to stay positive and when the time comes, just be ready.”