Wizards coach Flip Saunders blasted his team's defense earlier this week and forward Caron Butler heard him loud and clear.

Saunders asserted that he probably could have outplayed his team given their effort against Oklahoma City on Tuesday night.

"I'm a man first," Butler said.

"I got pride. I take pride in everything I do, particularly in the court. To see that, just to see him, and we exchanged words. He told me that he expected more from me, in particular, some of the things he wanted. I just said, don't worry about it. I got the message. I'm pretty sure everybody else did too, but hone in on it and try to set the standard in practice."

Saunders singled out Butler after practice on Thursday and the forward seems to have accepted the fact that if the Wizards are going to improve defensively, the onus is on him.

"Some of the things that I need to get back to, not second guessing yourself out there at all," Butler said.

"Don't try to fit in, just be you out there. I think that's what?s been going on a majority of the time, just trying to fit in and do the right thing. Obviously, instead of just playing your game, just being free out there, not thinking too much. That's when I'm at my best, and I had a good practice today."