Wizards center Brendan Haywood is having a career-season.

He's averaging 10.9 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in 33.8 minutes per game.

All the numbers set or tie career marks.

"That's big because it helps me from a mental aspect," Haywood said of his consistent minutes. "If I go out there and I know I'm going to play 30 minutes, it gives you confidence, because you feel your coach has confidence in you. You don't have to go out there pressing."

"Not trying to speak negatively about anyone, but in previous years, I was playing like I had to make something happen. If it didn't happen in the first five minutes I felt like I had to do something or I might not play in the second half. That's a tough way to play. Now, it's a little bit different. I think [club] Flip [Saunders] has confidence in me and I benefit from it."

Haywood added that former Washington coach Eddie Jordan tried unsuccessfully to put him against former teammate Etan Thomas.

"Eddie tried to motivate us both by putting us against each other. I don't think it worked for either guy," Haywood said. "We ended up splitting minutes and fighting every day in practice. It was a bad strategy for the team and it was bad for both of us."