My column last week in the DCist got delayed due to my account, so it was posted this morning for you to kindly read. It’s all about how the “Our Time” motto worked out for the Virginia Commonwealth Rams, but not so much for the Washington Wizards. And as evident by the posters above from the crowd seen on television at VCU’s big win over Kansas yesterday, it was clearly a theme that resonated from when Rams coach Shaka Smart outlined it for his team at the beginning of their season. So a big congrats goes to VCU … go check out my DCist column … and the below screen shot captures how the ticket that I purchased in Las Vegas last July (while I was out there for the NBA Summer League) for the Kansas Jayhawks to win the NCAA national title feels.

Wizards-Warriors.

So the Wizards lost again on the road last night to the Golden State Warriors, 114-104, dropping them to 17-55 on the season and 1-35 on the road. The young, depleted Washington squad did not pay enough attention to shooters (Dorrell Wright went 5-11 from three-point land and Monta Ellis went 4-6) and were out-lasted by minor mistakes and a Warriors team with many more offensive weapons. Ten of the Warriors’ 11 3-point makes were assisted upon (Golden State missed 13 threes), while Washington went 4-16 from deep with all of those long buckets coming via assists.

John Wall, who finished with 18 points on 5-16 shooting with 12 assists and three turnovers, contributed 0.95 points per possession used. Jordan Crawford, who finished with 11 points on 5-21 shooting with seven assists, three turnovers and five rebounds, produced just 0.53 PC/PU. On the other side, Ellis, 37 points on 14-24 shooting with 13 assists and two turnovers in 48 minutes of action, had a PC/PU of 1.34 and Wright, 19 points on 6-14 from the field, had a PC/PU of 1.22.

JaVale McGee had an excellent game with a career-high 28 points (thanks to 9-12 from the field and 10-11 from the free-throw line) to go with 18 rebounds and five blocked shots. He really used his length to his advantage against Golden State, often securing defensive boards with two hands and long arms. But until some of the Wizards’ young guns get more horses to ride with, there will be a lot of games like this where they try valiantly, but fall short in the end.

NOTE:
PC = Points Contributed: Pts + Ast*2/3 – AstFGM*2/3
PU = Possessions Used: FGA + TO + Ast*1/3 – AstFGM*1/3 + FTA*0.44
Stats from HoopData.com

Links.

After a poor game versus Denver, Nick Young had a decent start versus the Warriors, but got injured again.
[Wizards Insider]

Love the faces of Yi Jianlian and David Lee in his poster of a JaVale McGee dunk.
[TwitPic via @WashWizards]

Ted Leonsis vs. The Washington Post with fair commentary from Jamie Mottram.
[Mr. Irrelevant]

And a good response from Dan Steinberg, who was a target of Leonsis discussed in the above link.
[DC Sports Bog]

Omar Samhan talks about playing in Lithuania and Arvydas Sabonis.
[SLAM Online]

Other reads from Truth About It:

• March 17, 2011 -- ShareBullets: Dunking Pictures & Monster Pixels
• December 5, 2011 -- ShareBullets: John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins Think About The Future
• September 22, 2011 -- ShareBullets: Andray Blatche Wants To Be Beefy

Randy Wittman seems to be a guy who likes to color within the lines. And sure there is an occasional twitch, a little jerk that sends his coaching marker beyond expectations – take for example his colorful exchange with JaVale McGee, which left both men red in the face.

But slip-ups like that, at the very least, let you know that the guy is human.

“Trust me, I don’t want to be standing here talking with you guys,” he said with a smirk before Wednesday night’s game versus the Golden State Warriors, filling in for Flip Saunders, who was with his ailing mother who recently passed away. Even with his disarming smile, you could tell that there was a fire in Wittman’s words, a communication of purpose. Such passion is expected from a man who has lived and breathed basketball since the ’70s, I imagine.

“The effort has to be better, obviously,” said Wittman during his pregame presser. “It can’t fluctuate. […] To win in this league and be a winner in this league you can’t have fluctuations in your effort, energy, and desire playing. Chicago kind of took that out of us … they kind of took the will to win away from us and that can’t happen.”

He went on to say that effort — effort! – must be a point of emphasis for the team over the rest of the waning season.

The Wizards competed early in a high-scoring first quarter in which the two teams combined for 65 points. Nick Young was hot, putting his Iverson-inspired cornrows to work for 11 points; Andray Blatche took advantage of his size, adding ten points of his own; and John Wall was assertive early, earning a couple of trips to the free throw line.

And then the second quarter happened. The Warriors showcased their superiority by beating the Wizards at their own game. They gassed the home team in transition and beat them up inside with a heavy dose of pick-and-roll, building an 11-point halftime lead. The third quarter was more of the same from both teams and, at one point, the Warriors led by 20 points.

The fourth quarter was a breath of fresh air, a kiss of life.  The comeback featured a combination of Trevor Booker, Blatche, Young, Wall, Mo Evans, and Jordan Crawford. JaVale McGee, Josh Howard, Rashard Lewis, Kevin Seraphin and Yi Jianlian didn’t even set foot on the court. The result? The Warriors didn’t score a single point in the paint or in transition and managed just one second chance point. Meanwhile, the Wizards rallied with 14 points in the paint, seven on the break and seven second chance points — they even forced six turnovers.

It was a near-complete turnaround; Washington outscored Golden State 28-15 in the final period, but fell short of the finish line again. The Wizards last words told tall tales of undaunted courage, while the Warriors shook their heads and kept moving forward, spurred by a sense of purpose and control over the action.

The Wizards’ clutch-time combination was not the most marketable, nor the most skilled. However (as a whole), they possessed one trait that you can’t teach: effort.

During his postgame press conference, Wittman mentioned that the Wizards loss to the Warriors was a microcosm of the entire season. Then he dropped a shot of napalm:

“We can’t afford to dig ourselves a hole. When you do, you don’t give up in the process. ‘Give up’ is maybe not the right word, it just kind of deflates. We just kind of walk up and down the floor feeling sorry for ourselves.”

No, no. “Give up” is exactly the right word(s). There! A coach finally came out and said it.

Cue all the old sports adages about winning. You know, about never quitting, or the difference between the size and the fight of hypothetical dogs. They would apply. Perfectly.

Perhaps I’m painting with a broad brush here. But today’s Wizards are a circus-sized canvas of taint.

It’s a recurring theme and a living nightmare for John Wall, who has never lost this many games in his life. Remember his postgame remarks after the Wizards rolled over versus the 76ers back on February 23?

“Nobody has heart. It’s frustrating to see that certain guys don’t have the effort to want to be out there, like they don’t care. That’s the toughest thing for me. No matter if I’m having a bad game or good game, I may show my frustration on my face, but I’m going to compete. That’s one thing I did my whole life, and that’s compete.”

Yeesh. What about that other rookie, Trevor Booker?

Booker had the rare opportunity to play the entire fourth quarter against Golden State, after seeing just over six-and-a-half minutes over the course of the game. He exploded, racking up eight rebounds, one steal and one block. Not only that, but his effort made Nick Young’s fourth quarter heroics (14 points) possible. “Cook Book” finished the game with seven points and 11 rebounds in less than 19 minutes. Maybe Wall and Booker give it their all because they’re young and don’t know any better. I’d like to think it’s due to something deeper and more pure — they simply give a damn … every time. They refuse to lose daily battles, even if the war has long been over.

Wittman’s fourth quarter rotation was different, but it worked. So what gives? Why do I have that gnawing feeling that we’ll go right back to the status quo when Saunders grabs the reins again? Let’s see a five-man line of John Wall, Nick Young, (a healthy) Rashard Lewis, Trevor Booker, and Andray Blatche. Crazy? Maybe. But sane hasn’t exactly worked out this season.

Let McGee ride the pine a bit; when he starts he’s almost guaranteed to pick up two quick fouls. Bring Howard off the bench too. That way, he can get away with taking as many mid-range jumpers as he fancies. If they object, hand them a kids’ menu and a box of crayons and tell them to stop crying.

Mo Evans has been in D.C. for a little over a week, but he had it right before the game. I asked him what he can bring to the team, even outside of Saunders’ system.

“Just playing hard. Period,” he said. “Effort. You don’t always have to know a system to give maximum effort. Defensively: getting back in transition … or trying to outplay someone, deny them the ball, cutting hard, and running the floor.”

Look, let’s accept that basketball is a fine art. The Wizards shouldn’t be looking to emulate Michelangelo, though. Picasso would be great — it doesn’t have to look pretty, but there is no denying the impressive intensity behind the abstract work. For some Wizards players, finger painting would suffice … at least they would be getting their hands dirty. During this rebuild, the players don’t have to be perfect — or anywhere close to it — but simply showing up with dry brushes should no longer be acceptable.

John Wall said what?

–

John Converse Townsend is a writer, a runner, and a brother. John was raised among wolves in Mexico and India, but today finds comfort living in Third World America. He made chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast this morning. Follow John on Twitter @JohnCTownsend

Other reads from Truth About It:

• April 9, 2011 -- Ballsiest Wizards Offense Searching For A Defense
• January 30, 2012 -- DC Council Game 20: Wizards 102 at Bobcats 99: ‘W’ is for Wittman
• January 28, 2012 -- DC Council Game 19: Wizards 76 at Rockets 103: Remember Us? We Didn’t Get Fired.

Golden State Warriors rookie Ekpe Udoh got off of the team bus on Wednesday night in Washington expecting to play against the agile Wizards frontcourt.  The scouting report his coaches gave him stressed the athleticism and versatility of  JaVale McGee, Andray Blatche and Rashard Lewis. Udoh knew that type of game would work in his favor. What Udoh did not expect: to hear Golden State coach Keith Smart tell him that he’d get his first NBA start.

“Man, coach just walked by me and whispered something, but I really didn’t hear him at first,” Udoh said after the 106-102 Warriors win with a big smile on his face. “Then he told me that I would be starting and I was just surprised, but I did my best to calm down and just be ready.”

After the game, Smart explained his rationale for starting Udoh over Andris Biedrins:

To his credit, Biedrins was a good sport about the benching, and instead of blaming the coach or even Udoh, his thoughts were very introspective:

“It wasn’t a problem for me because I’m not feeling myself.  I’m trying to find out why, because physically and everything else, I feel so great. I don’t have any problems. But mentally, I just can’t get that thing right. That’s why me and coach talked, and we’ll just try to find some other way to get me back on the track. If that’s coming off the bench, so be it.”

Udoh may have had the chance to start for Biedrins much earlier in the season, were it not for the wrist injury he suffered last July — right before training camp was scheduled to begin.  Since returning from the injury on December 10, Udoh has averaged 3.1 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in just under 15 minutes per game.  He had his best game of the year on February 10 when he tallied 16 points and seven rebounds in a blowout loss to the Phoenix Suns.

Udoh’s first start was just what you’d expect out of a rookie. In 30 minutes of play he had six points, three blocked shots, four personal fouls and a surprisingly low two rebounds. His lone highlight came with 7:35 left in the third quarter. Andray Blatche turned and tried to shoot a short jumper, Udoh blocked it right into JaVale McGee’s hands. McGee then tried his hand at scoring on Udoh. No such luck, another block for the rook. After the game, Udoh was critical of his own performance:

“I was nervous out there, so when you take that into account, I thought I played pretty well.  Obviously, I have to rebound  a lot better on both ends of the floor, and I have to finish my opportunities around the basket. Plus, in the fourth quarter when we got a big lead, I think all of us got a little relaxed and we let them back in the game, so I have to work on that too.”

When I asked Udoh who was the toughest Wizard to guard, he barely let me get the question out before answering:

“[Trevor] Booker man, it was Booker. He was everywhere.  They were sluggish for three quarters, and he came in there and gave them energy. He was finishing plays, he was just a beast out there man. I’m not sure why he didn’t play more, but I’m glad he didn’t. He was everywhere.”

Mr. Udoh, you, me, and several Wizards bloggers are all wondering why Mr. Booker (seven points and 11 rebounds in 18 minutes) doesn’t play a bit more.

[Rashad Mobley is from the Washington, D.C. area and has been covering the Washington Wizards with credentials for three years.  To learn more about him click here. To follow him on Twitter: @Rashad20.]

Other reads from Truth About It:

• June 3, 2011 -- Anybody But JaVale McGee
• March 4, 2011 -- Losing With Flying Colors: Wizards Splattered Like A Jackson Pollock
• July 14, 2010 -- Wizards Summer League Game 1: A Photo Review

It’s safe to say the Wizards have been inconsistent this year. They lost at home to the Phoenix Suns by 18 points back on January 21, then bounced back the next night to pull out arguably one of the best wins of the season against the Boston Celtics (thanks to some missed shots that Celtic vets don’t miss often — but hey it was a win nonetheless). I’ll also remind you that the Wizards actually boasted a winning record at home (13-10 leading up to February), while nearing an unbelievably embarrassing feat of setting an NBA-record 30 straight losses to begin a season away from the friendly confines of the Verizon Center, going 0-25 before their first win against the Cleveland Cavaliers — who had just ended a 26-game overall losing streak of their own.

I know, that’s a lot to take in, but those inconsistencies throughout the season were on display Wednesday night against the Golden State Warriors, and it set up quite an interesting matchup against the seventh-highest scoring team in the NBA this season.

Barely three minutes into the game, the 13-4 Washington advantage showing on the jumbotron must have been shocking even to the five Wizards players walking toward the bench following a timeout. Here’s why: Flip Saunders (or Randy Wittman in the case of Wednesday night’s game) wasn’t the pissed off coach calling the timeout following a big run.

Things then went back to normal when those players stepped back on the court. The Wizards allowed Golden State to make what was supposed to be an uphill battle of coming back from nine point deficit much too easy. They turned the tide to lead 18-16 from the time Stephen Curry hit a 3-pointer 12 seconds after the timeout to the point when Curry finished the run by hitting the free throw to complete a 3-point play barely two and a half minutes later. A 13-4 run in just over three minutes to start a game is nice — very nice after knowing that the Wizards were the team that completed the feat. But a 14-3 run (scored by only two players, Curry and Dorell Wright) in two and a half minutes? Well, I’d say that more than counters the run from the Wizards. Those three Wizard points, by the way, all came from the free throw line.

So what went into that drought? Let’s take a closer look.

Josh Howard missed one of two free-throws after Curry’s three following the timeout. He then missed a long jumper and fouled Wright four seconds later to put him on the free throw line (where he made both). Sandwiched between Howard’s mistakes was John Wall fouling Curry, which led to a deep 3-pointer from Wright on the reset.

Once Golden State cut Washington’s lead to two after this 8-1 run, the Wizards figured they’d keep screwing up. Maybe they wanted to test Wittman’s patience. Maybe they figured they had already done all the hard work by getting the lead and the rest of the game was meant to look at Nick Young’s fresh new hair-style on top of his head. Or maybe, Andray Blatche wanted to take a jumper without looking up for a teammate to pass to. Probably all of the above, but the third option is the only one we know for sure.

During the two-man show put on by the Warriors, skinny little Monta Ellis was grabbed two rebounds, equalling the total accumulation that all five Wizards players were able to snag during that time — a Washington lineup featuring the 7’1″ JaVale McGee and nearly 7-foot Blatche. Something about that doesn’t sound right.

9-0 Warriors 2nd Quarter Run

The first run from the Warriors was held in check because of the Wizards’ game-opening run. The second Golden State run just about put the Wizards away for good. The Warriors broke away from a deadlocked score of 42 to give Mike Bibby more satisfaction with his decision to leave.

From the 7:13 to 4:37 marks of the second quarter, the Wizards threw up just three shots in nearly three minutes, taken by Young and Blatche, who we all know love to shoot. Washington also pulled down just one rebound. Those kinds of stats are not going to win games.

But more importantly, where was the defense? The Warriors proved why the Wizards are stuck in the NBA’s cellar by attacking the rim with an easy short jumper, a dunk and two free throws. They also let Vladimir Radmanovic hit one of his two open 3-pointers on the night. The run ultimately gave the Warriors a nine point cushion at 51-42 that was held at halftime, 62-53, and ultimately made the difference in the 106-102 Golden State win despite a furious Washington comeback attempt.

Clearly, the Wizards need to focus on defense — both down in the paint and up at the top of the key. Or maybe it’s consistency that really needs to be sharpened. Actually, there are a laundry list of issues. But no more talking like in years past — just doing.

Other reads from Truth About It:

• May 5, 2011 -- Spread ‘Em For John Wall
• March 28, 2011 -- ShareBullets: ‘Our Time’: Great For VCU, Not So Much For Wizards
• March 4, 2011 -- Losing With Flying Colors: Wizards Splattered Like A Jackson Pollock

{Stephen Curry}

{Anthony Morrow}

{Corey Maggette}

{Cedric Jackson and Curry}

{Nick Young}

{Chris Hunter}

{Cartier Martin}

{Devean George, JaVale McGee, Anthony Morrow}

{Anthony Tolliver}

{Mike Miller and James Singleton}

{Hunter, Andray Blatche, Reggie Williams}

{Young, Morrow}

{Miller, Maggette}

{Curry}

{Slide Show}

Other reads from Truth About It:

• April 6, 2010 -- Pre-Game Photos: Washington Wizards Game 77 vs. The Golden State Warriors
• March 4, 2011 -- Droughts and Runs: A Wizards Game of Inconsistency
• November 5, 2010 -- What Washington Wizards Wear

Last night, Washington National and San Francisco native, Nyjer Morgan, attended the Wizards game to put on for his Golden State Warriors.

Known in gentlemanly circles as “Tony Plush,” the center fielder showed up at the Verizon Center dressed in a warrior outfit and sat adjacent to a similarly dressed bro, who some have speculated to be the exact physical appearance opposite of Mr. Plush. Both rooted for the enemy.

The presence of Morgan was first noted on the Nationals blog, The Nationals Enquirer, which has a screen-grab of Plush throwing up a numero uno. Site photographer Adam Douglas was also able to get a couple shots of the baseball player.

Unfortunately for Morgan, his Warriors, all seven of them, didn’t provide too many highlights … but one of the few is this Reggie Williams block party …

Williams also had a monster dunk on JaVale McGee, but that didn’t seem to make the game highlight clip from NBA.com …

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7gfko_yOrA

{Wizards-Warriors Game Links}

[Craig Stouffer - Washington Examiner]

Okay, before the same I said it seemed like Golden State’s season hasn’t been as bad as Washington’s. Upon reconsideration, that may apply only off the court because the Warriors barely have enough players to actually field at team on the court.

How bad are things? C.J. Watson, who has a rib injury, had to dress tonight for the Warriors to give them the minimum of eight players.

[Michael Lee - Wizards Insider]

If the last two games have proven anything, it’s that the opponent really does matter. The Wizards (24-53) have already doubled their win total from the month of March, and it has as much to do with playing the New Jersey Nets and Golden State Warriors as it does their inspired play of late. Washington has swept the season series against just three teams this season – Philadelphia (3-0), New Jersey (4-0) and Golden State (2-0), which became the only Western Conference opponent to lose both games to the Wizards.

In the last meeting in Oakland, you’ll recall that Gilbert Arenas went off for a season-high 45 points with 13 assists and Caron Butler also had his best game at that point, with 28 points, 10 rebounds and a season-high five steals. Golden State continues to be the gift that keeps on giving, as their depleted roster — they had just seven healthy players on Tuesday night — restored the confidence of several Wizards by allowing them to have their own personal highlight reels.

[Brian Jackson - CSN Washington]

Shaun Livingston started his 13th consecutive game for the Wizards and he’s getting better by the day.  Coming in there was no question that he had the ability to run a team.  At 6’7’’ he’s a match up nightmare for opposing teams and Tuesday night he went toe-to-toe with Rookie of the Year candidate Stephen Curry.  Livingston played 37 minutes (good sign the knee is holding up) and scored 21 points on 9-of-11 shooting from the field.  The best thing about Livingston is that he’s a true point guard as evidenced by his eight assists to zero turnovers. Livingston said his main focus as the point guard is control the temp and get guys running and that’s exactly what Flip Saunders likes to see.

{Also read …}

Why do people dislike Duke?

Rashad Mobley of Hoops Addict asks Florida State alum Al Horford, former Dookie Corey Maggette and almost Blue Devil Shaun Livingston.

Other reads from Truth About It:

• August 24, 2011 -- ShareBullets: Earthquake After Effects & The Detriment of Gilbert Arenas’ Twitter Account
• August 4, 2010 -- Wizards Videos: Top 10 Plays, Dray Day at Nats Park & Cheerleader Auditions
• June 9, 2010 -- 108 Seconds of Strasmas, Something John Wall Can Top?

{Andray Blatche vs. Gene Banks}

{Don Nelson … heartburn or tummy want scotch?}

{The ball waits for Earl Boykins}

{Stephen Curry}

{Nick Young}

{Corey Maggette}

{Chris Hunter}

{Devean George}

{Davidson fans for Curry}

{Pure Form}

Other reads from Truth About It:

• April 10, 2010 -- NBA Kicks: Washington Wizards vs. Golden State Warriors
• May 5, 2011 -- Spread ‘Em For John Wall
• March 4, 2011 -- Droughts and Runs: A Wizards Game of Inconsistency

I guess the pressure of a $111 million contract can hang over one’s head when they are injured or aren’t performing well. Must be nice … most would love to be called “Mister $111 Million.”

The idea of contract money being a burden to Arenas seems silly to the common man, and such silliness unfortunately led to Gil putting undue pressure on himself. Can anyone blame him for signing? Can anyone blame him for being injured? Not at all. But I suppose it’s a valid concern when blowhards like Tony Kornheiser spit their ignorant rhetoric. Kornheiser doesn’t go to Wizards games (maybe he watches him), and he doesn’t talk to Gilbert Arenas.

Not to turn Arenas’ 45 into a rant against Kornheiser and those alike. They are entitled to their opinion. But when their imbalanced analysis lacks compassion, patience and reason, it’s hard to take their thoughts on the matter seriously … and that’s why I don’t.

I’ve been hard on/disappointed with Arenas myself in the past. And the patience of Wizards’ fans has been tested for years. But what’s a little more in this holiday season? Gilbert Arenas is not a bad actor and he doesn’t want to let people down … not reasons to pepper him with “worst person in the world” comments as if he were Latrell Sprewell.

At basketball value, 45 points is just a small, but desperately needed, bonus. Some are calling it a breakout, but it doesn’t mean much unless part of a sustained run. But hey, it’s a start, and the beggars of Wizards Nation are in no position to be choosers.

Instead of calling Arenas “Mr. $111 Million”, perhaps it’s better to call him “Mr. 60%” … as in, between Arenas’ points (45) and assists (13), both season highs, he was responsible for 60.2% of the offense, 71 out of 118 points.

Arenas won’t have that high a percentage every game, but for a guy whose hands Flip Saunders said the ball would be in 80% of the time, around a 60% direct contribution in points  is perhaps closer to what the Wizards need to start racking up some wins.

{best web cuts}

[Mike Jones - Wizards Outlet, Washington Times]

The Wizards knew they were going to get into a run-and-gun game, and tonight it suited them just fine. Flip Saunders rode Arenas for 43 minutes, and Butler for 46 minutes, and both players gave their team just what it needed. Tonight was not only the breakout game Arenas had been seeking, but it was also the breakthrough that Butler had been searching for all season.

Arenas said he felt like he was due for a big game and that he believed he could carry over the fourth quarter from the Sacramento (minus the Tyreke Evans steal) into tonight. He did. Arenas said since the Wizards came on this West Coast trip, he’s gradually feeling the old Gil coming back. And tonight was the full-blown thing.

[Michael Lee - Wizards Insider, Washington Post]

Arenas’s breakout performance came against the one other team that tried to sign him to five-year, $100-million when he was a free agent in the summer of the 2008. Arenas said he considered returning to the Warriors for nearly an hour.

“I was just happy that somebody else wanted me. It was so, like, they didn’t even think about the knee, so here you go. I was like, well, should I go back to Oakland?” Arenas said.

After speaking with his father, Arenas decided to stay in Washington. He later got a call from Abe Pollin asking him to come back. “I said, ‘Alright Mr. P. No problem.’ “

[Craig Stouffer - Washington Examiner]

It’s not a question of whether or not This is his team. He is the center of what it does and how it plays. Everything starts with Arenas, and the Wizards have spent the better part of two years waiting for him simply to finally take his place, one that they paid – yes, i’m talking about it – $111 million to reserve. The other reason is because the Wizards bench has lost its way. The Earl Boykins experiment seems to have outlived it’s usefulness. DeShawn Stevenson couldn’t throw a rock in the ocean from the beach. To say Andray Blatche is pressing would be an understatement, and Nick Young needs to be as desperate with his defense as he his to make a forced jump shot.

[Jarrett Carter - Stet Sports]

Seemed like for one night only, the gang was back together.

Can they keep it going? Have they put it all together? Was this just a good offensive output against another poor defensive team? All of the questions that obviously standout aren’t easily answered, because the Wizards themselves aren’t altogether certain of what this display is. We do know that it was an outburst, the likes of which we haven’t seen in two years. And we know that they are capable of playing the run-and-gun style that must be employed given their aversion to defense.

[Jake Whitacre - Bullets Forever]

Questions about whether or not Gilbert can fully integrate his game into Flip’s offense will continue to linger until he can consistently put together some solid performances, but last night he put away any doubts about whether or not he still has the physical tools.

[George Panagakos - Examiner.com]

What do you do when your team has lost six in a row and your starting shooting guard has averaged less than 5.0 points per game?  If you’re Gilbert Arenas, you score 17 points and drop 7 dimes by the end of the first quarter.

[Chase Hughes - CSNWashington.com]

The Wizards were able to escape Golden State with a win despite a career-high 27 points from rookie Stephen Curry. Curry was hot from the opening tip, pacing the Warriors with 14 points in the first quarter. He started the game by making his first five shots and scoring 12 out of the team’s first 22 points. Curry scored 17 points in the first half but the Wizards were able to somewhat cool him off in the second.

Other reads from Truth About It:

• November 13, 2010 -- Gilbert Arenas On His Shooting Woes, Gives It A ‘Couple More Games’ Before He’s Back In Form
• October 14, 2010 -- On Gilbert Arenas (again), and John Wall & The Larry O’Brien Trophy
• September 23, 2010 -- Ted Leonsis on the Tony Kornheiser Show

Time for a win folks. I’ll be on ESPN’s Daily Dime Live around game time to discuss. Got a good feeling about this one.

The Wizards don’t want to be number one with seven

If the Wiz lose by four points or less again, they’ll surpass the 76-77 Suns with the most consecutive losses within that margin. The spread is Golden State by 2.5.

The Suns’ first loss in their streak came against the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 19th, 1977. Their seventh game on March 4th came, ironically enough, against the Warriors. The Suns didn’t lose to Golden State by four or less, they lost to them by five, 101-87. In fact, the Suns ended up losing 12 total before winning again.

Players on that Suns team include Kings coach Paul Westphal and the former Wizards coach who has a robot named after him, Gar Heard.

Haywood on the glass

Top Wizards rebounders in last 20 years:

• 1991-92 Pervis Ellison 11.2
• 1996-97 Chris Webber 10.3
• 2007-08 Antawn Jamison 10.2
• 1992-93 Tom Gugliotta 9.6
• 1994-95 Chris Webber 9.6

Brendan Haywood currently averages 10.7 boards per game, seventh in the NBA. He’s also first in offensive boards at 4.6 per.

Jamison’s metaphorically hurting back

Antawn Jamison has scored 93 in the last three with at least 30 in each. The last time he scored 30 in three straight games was in Nov./Dec. 2002 when he scored 103 total as a Warrior.

Gilbert Arenas scored 28 total in those three games (11/30, 12/3 and 12/5 of ’02), and Earl Boykins had 19 total.

The Warriors won the first two, but then lost to the Timberwolves in the third game, partially due to 12 points off the bench from Rod Strickland.

Big Three +1

No, I’m not talking about Haywood as the ‘plus-one’. I’m talking about in the total time Arenas, Butler and Jamison have been on the court together this season, about seven games worth, the Wizards have only had a 1-point advantage. When the trio is not on the floor together, the Wizards are getting outscored by five points per 48.

Stopping Monta Ellis requires …

Hustle:

• Ellis leads the NBA in fast break points with 6.7 per.

Team defense to prevent penetration:

• Ellis is third in paint points with 12.3 per.

Baiting him into bad decisions:

• Ellis’ 104 turnovers are tops in the league.

[Sources: ESPN Stats and Information/Elias Sports, Inc.; Basketball-Reference.com]

{LINKS}

[Michael Lee - Wizards Insider, Washington Post]

Saunders said he would be surprised by his players’ poor shot selection, if he hadn’t already know about it from his days with the Detroit Pistons. “When I took the job, I looked at all my reports that I had in Detroit and my one report always said, ‘No matter what the score is, keep playing because they will shoot you back into the game,’” Saunders said.

[Mike Jones - Wizards Outlet, Washington Times]

It’s tricky, because when the Wizards are running and gunning, it’s the time that they finally get all three All-Stars involved. But at the same time, Saunders said the freestyle play has caused the Wizards to actually shoot their way out of games, and he pointed to Monday’s loss to the Clippers as an example of that.

“We did our running game against [the Clippers] and we were up [17], and then all of a sudden Caron takes a 1-on-5 jump shot, and Gil takes a 32-foot 3-point shot with 18 seconds on the shot clock over a guy on the pick and roll,” Saunders said. “Those are not playoff-type basketball shots.

[Mike Prada - Bullets Forever]

I’m concerned.  Golden State is awful, don’t get me wrong.  They’re starting Vladimir Radmanovic, who doesn’t try on defense.  They’re going to give minutes to Chris Hunter, who I haven’t even heard of.

But they’re also the fastest-paced team in the league, by nearly four possessions.  I haven’t seen a team finish the season at the century mark in possessions since I’ve been blogging, so it’s extremely rare to play this fast.  The Wizards have displayed some awful transition defense this road trip (and really all season).  Combine the fastest team in the league with the worst transition team in the league, and you get bad things.

Other reads from Truth About It:

• November 14, 2010 -- The Wizards’ Struggles with Rebounding, Turnovers and Free-Throws
• November 2, 2010 -- Best of The Wizards/Bullets: Three-Point Shooting and Gilbert Arenas
• August 12, 2010 -- How The Wizards’ Future Has Changed: Power Rankings With Foresight From Hollinger and Ford

Q1

11:00:
The Good Thing: Wizards don’t have too much of a reason to collapse into the paint on Biedrins
Bad Thing: Blatche is sometimes allergic to blocking out…Biedrins gets a board and then Azubuike gets 2nd chance three. 5-2 G-State.

Not sure what Caron Butler going behind the screen on a shooter like Jamal Crawford has to do with him having to play the two-spot.

Jamison starts out focused against his former team with 6 of the first 8 points for the Wiz…..he’s also being guarded by rookie Anthony Randolph (who has to check out with 2 early fouls). 8-8 tie.

I like how when Dominic McGuire drives, he dribbles with the purpose of getting somewhere.

D-Mac, however, is the victim of abuse from Captain Jack. 13-10 Warriors.

Blatche has had a couple nice drives to the hoop, but can’t finish.

McGuire gets some revenge…snatches the ball right out of Jackson’s hands as he’s going for a layup, pushes in transition and then drops a nice dime to Andray for a layup. 17-13 Warriors.

Steve Buckhantz is going over a laundry list of Antawn Jamison’s bumps and bruises…..too many to even type.

2:19: Great drive and set up by D-Mac to Andray for a dunk. 19-16 Warriors. The improvement of McGuire’s comfort on the court is very noticeable.

1:33: Nick Young and Songaila come in to join Butler, Jamison and James.

Golden State is scoring way too early in the shot clock and with too much ease. They take a 28-23 lead after one….Stephen Jackson netted 12 points.

Q2

Maggette is making Jamison look like his feet are stuck in concrete…two consecutive buckets. 32-27 Warriors.

9:40: Golden State (Crawford) just hit another three, 5-8 as team from deep…..the Wizards are giving shooters too much space AND not running them off the 3-point line.

9:20: Maggette short jumper after he had Jamison on his heels…..10 points off the bench for Corey. 39-30 Warriors.

8:45: Captain Jack easily splits a double-team and Tapscott calls a timeout. 41-30 Warriors, who are 6-6 to start the 2nd quarter.

7:58: Nick Young drives and sets AJ up for three…..really like to see Young create. 41-33 Warriors.

7:41: Jamison tried to take the baseline away from Maggette…..he took it anyway….AJ’s defense is horrendous.

7:17: JaVale McGee and Butler check in to join McGuire, Young and Crittenton.

4:11: JaVale McGee with a drive and monster dunk on an unsuspecting Rony Turiaf. 52-42 Warriors.

3:18: Nick Young hits a very tough baseline fader over four arms….6 points off the bench for Nick.

The Wizards are getting some chances on offense, but aren’t finishing…..and the defense continues to let Golden State have their way. After one half, the Warriors lead 60-48.

Maggette + Crawford + Stephen Jackson = 44 total points (16, 14, 14)

Q3

9:30: Despite a Warriors three to kick the 3rd off, the Wiz have cut the lead to 10 with a couple turnovers and poor transition D from Golden State. 65-65 Warriors.

The game is moving at a fast pace and the Wizards are doing a fair job of beating Golden State at their own game…..a Mike James trey makes it 67-60.

8:20: Dominic McGuire picks up his 5th assist on a Blatche roll to the hoop……still, I wish that Andray would get more angry at the rim sometimes.

(D-Mac also has 9 rebounds and 5 points)

7:17: And there we go…..D-Mac gets yet another assist….to Blatche, who throws it down hard with two hands. 74-67 Warriors (now if the Wiz could only contest the Golden State jumpers)

Credit to Blatche on D: he’s had some active hands tonight.

5:55: Caron is starting to warm up with a comfortable step back J. 78-71 G-State, Butler has 7 points in the 3rd, 16 total.

The Wizards have had 3 offensive fouls called on them where the man driving to the basket puts his arm out.

Mike James is a very inconsistent defender….guess that’s better than being bad all the time.

Well, the Warriors opened a couple doors…the Wizards made them drive more on D, forced them to make a couple extra passes. G-State has an 86-79 lead after three.

Q4

Early on, Songaila’s tough work in the paint draws foul #5 on Maggette who then picks up a tech (Butler missed the freebie).

9:40: And the Wiz just can’t manage to whittle down Golden State’s lead, as they keep giving up keep buckets….such as a three from Anthony Morrow. 91-79 Warriors.

Nick Young hasn’t forced much tonight, but he’s clearly not in a rhythm. 2-9 from the field?

8:37: And Caron breaks the 4th quarter FG ice with a spinning off-balanced, off one foot, fading, running, one-hander….yea, didn’t make sense when I watched it either, but it was nice.

6:46: Captain Jack hits a three….Andray Blatche kinda dunks on Turiaf but shows no emotion….the Wiz don’t get back and Jack hits a transition bucket (he’s got 19 points)……98-84 Warriors, check that….now 101-86….and I’m afraid as usual, the Wiz just don’t have the juice tonight (today).

5:28: UGH! Behind the screen on another shooter….sure hope that wasn’t part of the game plan……this time Nick Young does it and Crawford hits a three. 104-88 G-State.

Well, Blatche is active….either that or he likes playing against the Warriors and their lack of inside game. He has 20 points and 8 boards…..but it’s still 107-94.

4:00: Stephen Jackson is unstoppable.

3:30: Jackson with another three….27 points for him, the Warriors are 13-20 from deep.

The Wizards are looking silly on D….ok, calling the game….no more bloggy-blog bloggin’

The Final: Golden State 119 – Wizards 98 – NBA.com Box

• Wiz outscored 33-19 in the 4th.
• Jackson and Crawford combined for 54 points.
• The Warriors went 13-21 from deep….and still managed to have 28 assists on 44 field goals.

Key Links:

It was all ugly except this…..[Bullets Forever]

[Washington Times]
Two weeks ago, the struggling Washington Wizards embarked on a stretch that featured eight games against teams with losin
g records. The Wizards saw it as a golden opportunity to make a run toward saving their season.

So much for that.

[Wizards Outlet]
The Wizards, who became only the seventh team this season NOT to score 100 points against Golden State — which is worst in the league in defense — appeared beaten down from the start of the game, but Ed Tapscott said that the mounting losses aren’t a reason for the listlessness.

[Washington Post]
The latest loss featured many of the elements that have contributed to the team’s woeful record, before and after Tapscott took over on an interim basis: poor perimeter defense, a lack of offensive rhythm and untimely breakdowns at both ends of the court.

[Wizards Insider]
Aside from the usual late defensive rotations, the Wizards again fell into a trap of make one pass before jacking up a shot. It played right into Golden State’s hands.

[Wizards Plus, Washington Times]
The Wizards got off to a disoriented start: They couldn’t figure out which way to line up for the playing of the national anthem. The majority of the team faced midcourt, but there was no flag there. In doing so, they had their backs to the flag, which hung from the rafters.

Meanwhile, Oleksiy Pecherov, Darius Songaila, Juan Dixon and Mike James stood facing the flag. Caron Butler lined up with his back to the flag, turned around, then seeing the rest of his teammates turned the other way returned to his original position. Pecherov and Songaila also fell in line and turned their backs to the flag. James and Dixon continued to face the flag, however. …

And Gilbertology has some more Arenas injury update stuff.

But a win is what Tapscott really needed, almost more so than the team. He needed to get the monkey off his back so that nerves could be calmed. The pressure on the Wizards’ coach to win simply did not dissolve with Eddie Jordan’s departure, rather, it was transferred to his successor.

Now, surely a lot of people are giddy over last night’s win…and I fully realize that things could have gone entirely different. But we can’t judge the history of this battle until we get further along in the war. Did all the energy and effort suddenly appear because of Tapscott’s presence, or Eddie Jordan’s absence? Was it the ineptitude of the opposition? Or was it a ‘We got our coach fired, is it now time to be fed up with this sh*t?’ Q&A session with the team in the mirror?

I personally can’t get psyched-up about a single victory. I’ll go with Jim Zorn on this one and try to stay medium. Naturally, such a win sparks two immediate questions: Why couldn’t the Wizards/Andray Blatche do this before?, and, Can the team, not just Andray Blatche, build on this in the immediate future? Stay tuned to find out.

Wizards-Warriors Game 12 Blog on Bullets Forever

What the Rest of Web is Saying

The Wizards, at least for this one night, played with the intensity and attention to detail their new coach demanded. Of course, if they’d played with the same purpose the first 11 games of the season they wouldn’t have gotten their old coach fired. But that ground has been plowed now.
[Sometimes a Win Isn't Just a Win - Michael Wilbon, Washington Post]

Do not be fooled by the Wizards 124, Warriors 100 in Tony Cheng’s neighborhood on Tuesday night. We now know the remedy for the ailing Wizards, and it was not a coaching change. It was a team that plays worse defense than the Wizards. The Warriors came into the game with the second-worst defense in the NBA, just two places ahead of the defensively challenged Wizards. Otherwise, the challenge before interim coach Ed Tapscott remains daunting.
[No defense for this switch - Tom Knott, Washington Times]

“The exit of Coach Jordan and everything kind of put a lot of things in perspective, and guys just came in and rallied around one another and rallied around the new coach, accepted ‘Tap’ with open arms and went out there and gave an unbelievable effort. And you could tell a lot of the young guys came out motivated.”
-Caron Butler

Jamison said he couldn’t pinpoint the change in Blatche. “But I like that he’s here, and hopefully he’s here for a while,” Jamison said. “The biggest thing was he played with a lot of confidence tonight. He didn’t worry about if he missed a shot he was going to get sat down or yelled at. I think maybe for him the biggest key is a different voice in the locker room, but that’s the guy we’ve been waiting to see all year.”
[Change the Wizards can believe in - Mike Jones, Washington Times]

As Caron Butler said on the radio post game last night Andray Blatche has shown flashes….that flash now has to be a streak.
[Day After - Dave Johnson, Washington Wizards Blog]

If Andray Blatche brought it like that every night, Eddie Jordan would still have a job.
[Blatche Comes to Play, Tapscott Wins Debut - Ivan Carter, Wizards Insider]

“I call it an eight plus two plan,” Ed Tapscott said. “There probably is a core of eight guys who are going to play every night and then two out of the remaining four will play based on matchups, scouting reports and the rest. That way, I can say to guys: nobody gets put in the closet.
[Tapscott Utilizes a Pared-Down Rotation - Ivan Carter, Washington Post]

Random

They do not make guards like Strickland anymore. He could find the open man with a blurry-eyed blood-alcohol content of 0.20, way over the legal driving limit, on and off the floor.
[No defense for this switch - Tom Knott, Washington Times]

“Has anyone pointed out that the new Wiz coach looks like David Paterson, the blind, post-Spitzer New York governor?”
[Morning Look: Change Has Come to F Street - DC Sports Bog]

The Other Side

How come there was no bad karma from firing Eddie Jordan while he was working a charity event?
[RECAP: Warriors 100 Wizards 124 - This IS a Joke - R Dizzle, Golden State of Mind]

The good news? Jamal Crawford’s tenure with the Warriors can probably only get better. In a game that was supposed to mark the Warriors’ transition to life with a real point guard — more ball movement, better shots, higher scoring — we instead were treated to the rapid disintegration of anything resembling organized basketball.
[First Impressions and Second Chances (Wiz 124, Warriors 100) - Adam Lauriden, Fast Break - MercuryNews.com]

“We played an inspired team tonight. They outworked us, outhustled us and outplayed us. Washington did everything well and we did nothing well.”
-Don Nelson

Andray Blatche not only balled, he embarrassed the Warriors. He dunked on Wright and Randolph. He was slapping shots against the glass. He was talking trash and making faces. Dude looked like a beast. He’ll probably go 1-for-8 in the next game.
[Post-game Tidbits - Marcus, Inside the Warriors - ContraCostaTimes.com]

[photo source - flickr/Leo Reynolds]

Random Posts

• October 20, 2010 -- Poll: Who will score the season’s first points?
• November 7, 2010 -- Slow Steps, Second Guesses: Wizards Fall To Cavaliers 107-102
• March 23, 2008 -- Wizards sweep Florida, Look to one night homestand with Detroit

picture from flickr/gamescoreblog

Golden State Warriors

[Upside and Motor] (check the great picture too)
The Warriors jumped the shark. Two seasons ago they were a darling, last season they took a slight step back (but enough of a step to fall just short of the postseason), and now they’ll find themselves struggling to reach 11th place in the West. Welcome back, lottery balls; the Bay’s missed you. Predicted Record: 30-52

Los Angeles Clippers

[Clips Nation]
And then there’s the question of health. Can these guys stay on the court? The marquee additions, Baron and Camby, have been injury-prone throughout their careers (although both were surprisingly durable last season). Kaman likewise has had some injury issues, including missing 30 games last season. Throw in the ages of several players expected to log heavy minutes (Mobley is 33, Thomas 31, Camby 34, Hart 30, Baron and Ricky 29) and it certainly is cause for concern. Injuries can happen to any team – but they seem to happen to the Clippers more often. Predicted Record: 41-41

Los Angeles Lakers

[Forum Blue & Gold]
This team is 10 deep with guys that could start a lot of places in the league — Lamar Odom is coming off the bench, name another team where that would happen? That depth provides three advantages. One, the Lakers will win a lot of games because the second unit will outplay other team’s second unit. The Lakers “Bench Mob” led by Jordan Farmar, Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza come in and change the pace, running and being aggressive on defense. Just like a baseball pitcher, that change of pace can be hard to handle. The Lakers are going to stretch a lot of leads out at the start of the first and fourth quarters. Projected Finish: 60-22

[Respect Kobe]
I’ve said that Odom will be the biggest weakness, and the biggest potential problem, fo the Lakers this year. Simply put, I say that because he is not a good long range shooter. The Triangle Offense needs shooters to space the floor, and the lane is going to be very busy with Gasol and Bynum sharing space and Bryant and Ariza slashing to the basket. But Odom is not a long range shooter; in fact, the period during which he showed major improvement last just happens to coincide with the point at which he virtually stopped attempting three-point shots altogether. Predicted Record: 62-20

[Hoops Addict]
The team’s greatest strength is the fact that their opponent’s do not have Kobe Bryant. Fresh off a gold medal and his first long-overdue MVP, Bryant is the game’s consensus best all-around talent. Defensively he remains among the league’s elite one-on-one defenders, while on offense he is still an assassin with the ability to break a team’s will at a moment’s notice. Bryant’s presence is what makes them a title contender. Predicted Record: 64-18

Phoenix Suns

[Bright Side of The Sun]
Some people will mourn the passing of the D’Antoni era and for all the excitement he brought and the credit he earned, it was time to move on. Letting the other team score quickly so that you can run it back on them was a blast. So was disco. Predicted Record: 55-27

Sacramento Kings

[Sactown Royalty]
If you ask Reggie Theus and the Kings organization, the goal is the playoffs. If you ask most Kings fans, the goal is playing the youngsters as much as possible and drafting Ricky Rubio, Blake Griffin or B.J. Mullens. The Kings are a team in transition, and Theus is going to have his hands full balancing going after wins with getting the kids some burn. Predicted record: 37-45

Random Posts

• February 11, 2011 -- Under The Hoop: Atlanta Hawks vs Washington Wizards
• November 7, 2007 -- Seen and Heard on NBA League Pass
• July 8, 2011 -- Old Washington Bullets, In Poster Form

Now for all you readers out there looking for the usual witty humor on today’s entry, sorry. Adam, the trusted ghost writer – is here to save the day.

Right from the start we are going to mix things up. I may miss a bit of the 1st quarter of the Wiz game because I am captivated with this LSU v. Arkansas 3OT game here in Baton Rouge.

Kayanne just decided to note “Too bad you don’t have two TVs.” Thank you Queen Obvious.

So, since I can only watch one game, I will give you a little PBP on this game, which I might add has National Title implications. LSU has a first down on the Arkansas 12 and needs to get not only a touchdown, but also has to go for 2.

If they don’t score we could be looking at a damn West Virginia v. Kansas/Missouri BCS game on Feb 8. How terrible is that?

That’s it…..LSU is officially out of the title game. We NEED a college football playoff.

Okay, so let’s get down to business. With Agent Zero out, we need a big performance from either A.D. or my main man Captain “Get shot before your rookie year.” Funny thing about the league, people always step up at the right moment. This could be A.D.’s breakout year.

As I sit here answering Kayanne’s questions I just got the thought that I should probably not use so many “slang” terms when speaking about Wash Wiz players – in the hope that there is a random reader who doesn’t even like the Wiz. So, A.D. = Antonio Daniels and Captain “Get shot before your rookie year” = Andray Blatche.

Lucky for me the actual tip doesn’t happen ‘til 7:15 so I am not going to miss a darn thing. So, I apologize for the early rambling.

1st Quarter

Warriors control the tip and my man A.D. already snatches a steal.

11:30 – Jamison just dropped in one of his signature moves – a crazy layup from about 4 feet. Wiz by 2.

10:57 – You know I have never been good at play-by-play with bball. The game is so damn fast. Here we go again, my man A.D. drains a 3. Wiz up 5-0.

DeShawn Stevenson just snagged a Baron Davis miss. Jamison with a crazy scoop shot. Wiz up by 7. I always loved how at UNC, Antawn Jamison always got about 30 points on 12 touches. His game is not the prettiest, but it sure is efficient.

8:07 - The Wizards are off to a bit of a shaky start; they are not really moving the ball, which kind of scary, and they aren’t really playing much defense – Golden State is just shooting poorly. Nevertheless, Wiz are up 11-7 .

Baron just drops a trey ball. Speaking of Baron, I would have to rate that dunk last year as one of the best in NBA playoff history.

What a great hustle play by Jamison. He just missed a jumper, ran down his own rebound, saved the ball, tossed it to Caron, got it back and gets fouled. Those are the kinds of plays they’ll need to make in order to win while Gilbert is out.

7:04 - Nice offensive rebound – Wiz have 8 offensive boards at the first break. They are up 17-10 and look like the Wiz are getting yesterday’s turkey and gravy out of our system. Jamison has 10 pts and 2 boards.

Wiz throw the full court press and promptly get burned by G-State’s good ball handling

6:40 – Jamison gets the ball stolen then commits a silly foul, his 1st personal.

6:22 - Nice steal by Haywood, outlet to Butler, great no look pass to Jamison – AND 1! Wiz up 20-12 on AJ’s three point play. Wiz are on a nice little 9-2 run

6:04 - Great block by Haywood. Man, he has really stepped up his game this year. I guess all that bitching for playing time was warranted – well maybe not, but he is playing like a beast nevertheless.

5:03 – No perimeter D by the Wiz guards leads to an easy two by B. Dave.

4:38 – Crazy drive to the basket and a miss by Stevenson leads to a fast break Baron Davis 3, cuts the Wiz lead to 1, 20-19

4:20 – Steal on the next possession by Pietrus leads to an easy dunk for Pietrus….caps a 9-0 run by Golden State, they are up 21-20.

This is exactly what the Wizards cannot afford to do. Sloppy play, poor execution, and no patience on offense leads to turnovers, and transition buckets. I guess those are the signs of a young basketball team.

Now we’re just trading baskets. Caron hits a 3, Azubuike drains a 3, DeShawn hits a 3, then your boy B-Dave drains a 3. Time elapsed: bout 45 seconds.

2:16 – Andray Blatche gets the rock on the post and drains a NICE turnaround. On the other end, Pietrus takes baseline and trys to dunk on Andray….but it is NOT happening. Nice block big fella!

1:41 – Wow – Caron just drained a crazy jumper with two hands in his face. Caron’s mid-range game is nasty. Tie game at 29.

Another block by Andray, his defensive presence is going to be key for the Wiz this season. If Haywood can handle big men one-on-one while Andray comes from the weak-side, they can be a deadly force in the East.

0:32 - What a crazy turn of events. A rebound by A.D., who then throws an 85’ outlet to Caron, who throws the ball off the glass and tips his own shot in.

A.D. is in a bit of a mismatch versus Baron Davis. B.D is strong as a horse. No soon do I type that, Baron gets fouled by A.D. on a jump shot of all damn things.

3.5 seconds left in the quarter and the Wizard are up 3 with Jamison on the line. Antawn, a normally reliable foul shooter misses both.

Wiz close out the 1st on a 8-1 run to finish up 33-30. Nice quarter for AJ, 13 pts on 5-7 shooting. The Wiz offense is solid so far, 58% from the field.

I have got to say, I have much respect for all the live game bloggers out there. I never knew how tough it was to watch, think, and type all at once. This definitely is NOT my forte.

2nd Quarter

11:40 – Start of the second. Nice move by Blatche on the baseline. This kid is going to be real nice in two more years.

Wiz have a bit of a younger squad in right now. Nick Young, Roger Mason, Blatche, Jamison, and Butler. I guess things have to change w/Gil out.

10:52 - Nice finish by Nick Young. Speaking on Nick Young, has anyone seen that documentary shot about Nick? Second Chance Season, I heard it is pretty good.

(KB: I haven’t seen it either, but here’s a good DC Sports Bog post about it.)

10:20 - Another shot by Young. Wiz are now up 39-31. Nice little run to start the 2nd qtr.
/>9:40 - Wiz are up 41-31. Monte Ellis just drains a jumper.

Man, can you imagine if guys like Monte Ellis or Martell Webster went to college? They are average NBA guys, but they would have dominated the collegiate ranks. I sure am glad the 1 year rule is in place now. It actually saves a lot of guys from themselves and their snake “friends.” In addition, I think it makes for a much improved college game. I despise seeing average guys playing at upper tier DI schools.

Blatche has been extremely active in this first half. He has two blocks, 5 boards, and seven points. I told you his play would be vital, and he must have heard the same from Eddie Jordan.

7:50 - Whoa, Nick just got called for a questionable blocking foul on Monte. I personally think he slid his feet very well. Regardless, that foul lead to a tough shot in by BD.

7:29 – Blatche with another bucket (he’s got 9). And a shot altered on the defensive end. The kid is all over the place.

Despite their best efforts though, the Wiz can’t seem to extend the lead. We are up 48-40 as Eddie Jordan calls timeout with 6:46 left in the half.

The Wizards bench is playing well in the half. They are outscoring GS’s bench by 7 and are giving Caron, Jamison and AD a good little breather. The bench play will be magnified this year, as they’ll be depended on much more now that Gil is out.

Wow, two bad plays on the offensive end – a poor shot by Jamison and a turnover by Songaila – leads to 5 quick points by GS…the advantage is disappearing, Wiz up 48-45.

Nice fading shot by Caron. He is playing very well, 13 points and 8 assists already in the game. Could we possibly see a Wiz Triple-Double by night’s end? I have got to say, Grunfeld really got over on LA in getting Caron. I thought for sure they were doomed to have Kwame until the end of time, but luckily we found a sucker in Dr. Jerry Buss! I personally hope the Big Three stays in tact for about 5 more years.

The Warriors are a dangerous team, as the Mavericks found out last spring. If you allow them to get up and down the floor and their long ball is falling, they can be tough to beat. I wonder though, is Golden State just not focused this year, or are they the rag-tag team that has tons of talent, but lacks focus so they can’t be depended upon to do much.

(KB: Yea, it didn’t seem like the Steven Jackson suspension would hurt the Warriors that much. Two of the losses in their 0-6 start were 21 and 23 point blow outs to Utah. They lost to the Clips, Cavs, Mavs & Pistons in the other 4 by an average of 5.5 points. I guess it did hurt, cause those are decent teams…and playing without your 2nd best player could be the difference.)

Whatever they are, they are giving the Wizards their moneys worth tonight.
Golden State just ties the game after they snagged three offensive one possession.

1:32 - Man, when it rains it pours. The Wiz miss two dog gone free throws (Haywood), and then go right ahead and give up another 2 offensive boards as GS goes up 2, 58-56.

:11.7 – Wiz are up 59-58. Not only are the Warriors on the line, but my man AD decided to run his mouth to the ref and draw technical foul.

Nice play out of the timeout leads to a drive to the bucket by AD who gets fouled. His two free throws put the Wizards up by one at the half. 61-60.

Overall, the Wizards played pretty well in the half. But turnovers, and soft perimeter defense cut the 11 point cushion to one. If the Wiz get out on the shooters and become a bit more patient on offense, this can easily turn into a “W.”

Man, quiet as kept, your man Baron Davis is having a great game. He has 22 points and 6 assists. If somebody doesn’t start d-ing him up, he is going to end up with Kobe numbers tonight.

3rd Quarter

Start of the 3rd and the Wizards come out with an easy bucket by Jamison. Need more of that.

10:58 - Jamison just missed an 18 footer. I know he has that kind of range, but it always looks funny when he shoots. He has a strange release and a funny rotation on the ball. I guess he can shoot however he likes so long as it consistently goes in.

How in the world can two of the all time best shooters in NBA history – Reggie Miller and Larry Bird – have the worst form? I was taught from my first day at basketball camp that you need to have your elbow straight and follow through on each shot. Well I don’t think I have ever seen either Reggie – who shots with his elbow off to the side – or Larry – who barley followed through – do anything fundamentally correct.

10:25 - TV timeout and the Wiz are down by one after a few missed opportunities and three offensive boards by the Warriors – those have killed the Wizards all night.

10:04 - Nice baseline jumper by DeShawn. puts the Wiz up 66-64. Wow, what a drive and dish by Baron, who is closing in on a triple double himself (22 pts, 8 assists and 5 boards).

Although Andray displays very good weak-side defense, his on the ball D can use some work. Biedrins just muscled him – yeah, Biedrins, the 7 foot 200 lb. Euro – on the block for an easy lay-in. Game tied at 70. I know that Andray is only 20ish, so I have to cut him some slack on his physical stature, but he’d better beef up quick – hopefully Greg Oden style, not Barry Bonds style – otherwise he is going to get eaten alive on the low block.

6:49 – The Warriors are on a nice 6-0 to push their lead to 78-72. Crazy part about this game is that the Warriors are up because of their exceptional shooting. They are actually on pace to set a team record for three pointers in a game, 12-19 from behind the arc so far.

Well, the Warriors have now amassed a 9 pt. lead with a little over 5 left in the qtr. The Wizards just are not doing the little things.

We do have two great individual performances here tonight. Baron Davis (24, 10, and 10) and Caron (19, 8, 10) Both looking good, albeit Baron looks better b/c his team is up 85-77 with 4 to go in the 3rd.

I wonder when the last time two players on opposite teams had triple-doubles. Even better question is when is the last time two players on the same team had a triple double. I really can’t even think of two players that would be capable of doing something like that. Maybe Jordan and Pippen?

3:44 – Wiz are down 6….er make that 9 after the Warriors nail their 13th three pointer of the night.

What is the deal with the Washington Wizards fans this year? At the 3 minute mark and our team down 9 our fans are – as our friend Chris so poetically dubbed – “tepid” at best. Have the fans taken on a loser mentality? Is the lust of professional sports gone since we have not had a champion here (and no, I don’t count the DC United) since 1991? DC sports has a proud tradition, from the Hogs to Hoya Paranoia. That has not be lived up to in quite some time.

Stephen Jackson is on damn fire. He has 13 pts in the qtr and is 5-5 from the field. That dude is straight crazy – almost Artest like, hell he and Artest we boys in Indiana – but he sure can ball. Yep, the Warriors have been missing him.

Question answered. It would be the first time since 2003 that two players on opposite teams had a triple-double in the same game.

(KB: Who you ask? Tracy McGrady and Jason Kidd; Orlando vs. New J
ers on Feb. 23, 03)

Wizards just went on a mini spurt due to a turnover and a missed shot by the Warriors and an aggressive drive to the basket by Nick Young, who I just learned finished as USC’s second All-Time scorer. I wonder if #1 was Harold “Baby Jordan” Miner?

(KB: I don’t know who is giving out those numbers, but I just downloaded the USC media guide. Indeed, Baby Jordan Miner is first with 2,048 points and a career 23.5 scoring average. But, he is followed by Ronnie Coleman, Sam Clancy, Desmon Farmer, Wayne Carlander, and then, Nick Young comes in at 6th with his 1,486 career points, for an average of 15.5)

1:50 – Here we go, AJ just muscled his way in for an offensive board and a put back…AND 1, but he cannot connect on the free throw. Wizards are down by three 88-85.

0:40 - And another good play by Jamison. A strong tip follow cuts the Warriors lead to 1, 90-89.

A steal by Darius Songaila gives the Wizards a chance to take the lead with 4 seconds left in the half. Caron drives…..and charges as time expires on the half. Good news is that Washington ended the qtr on a 10-2 run to pull back within 1 point.

I like the way the Wiz are shooting – a solid 51% — but damn they let the Warriors shoot 65% in the quarter.

4th Quarter

Does not start well. Azubuike hits a nice lay in and then Nick Young turns the ball over.

Oh boy, while in transition, Nick Young seems to have hurt his shoulder. Wasn’t too serious though, he nailed one out of two free throws to cut the lead to 92-90. If his shoulder is hurt serious do you think the petition to get him in to the Slam Dunk contest will work?

Great defensive possession. The Wiz forced a bad shot by Jackson as the shot clock expired. Now the crowd is starting to come alive.

Solid night for Jamison. 25 and 10. He was a quality pickup from Dallas. Mark Cuban really got the short end of that Carolina trade. An ailing Stackhouse for our man AJ – “I’d buy that buy a dollar!”

(KB: Don’t forget AJ…the Mavs also got Devin Harris out of the deal. But I’m still more than down with the trade…it allowed the Wiz to get out of the Laettner & Stackhouse contracts. Not to mention that at the time, Stackhouse was becoming a locker room cancer….they got rid of him almost a year after Stackhouse was busy assaulting lady landlords in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. To his defense, that story did seem like a big crock of….)

9:26 – Wiz are down one after a 1 out of 2 trip to the line for AJ. Other end, three more for Baron and just like that, down 4. Baron looks impressive (27-10-10). For as pudgy as he looks, he sure can ball.

8:22 – Nice deep jumper by Nick young as he comes off the curl. Wizards are down 99-97 .

8:08 – On a brighter note, Baron Davis just missed the second of the free throws and Caron snags the rebound to come up with the 1st Triple Double of his career – let’s hope it is not the last.

Wizards are down 3 with 7 min left. The pace is picking up, but they can’t seem to find the hole – until Caron hits a runner off the glass, but right away GS rushes down the floor to trade buckets.

This is the time in NBA when all you ever see is isolations and guys pounding the air out of the ball. Yup, just as I predicted, Baron Davis dribbles, and dribbles, and dribbles…

Damn, Crazy Stephen Jackson just hit a trey ball, but the young fella, Nick Young, comes right back and answers! The fans are alive in the phone booth now! Wiz are down 105-104 with 4:49 left.

Man, it is going to be hard to win when you allow a team to shoot over 50%….FROM THE THREE POINT LINE!

4:17 – Andray just came up huge. He stops a 3 on 2 fast break with his third block of the night. even though he has five fouls. Playing tough, he is. He just went 1 of 2 from the line to close the gap, but Monte Ellis sneaks in and tips in a Baron Davis miss on the very next play. Wizards down 3, 108-105.

(KB: It’s been mentioned, but Wizards Nation needs to find a nickname for young Andray Blatche…..can we give him Mini-‘Tuff Juice in the interim?)

3:25 – Caron is on FIIIIIIRE. He drained a trey ball with zero on the shot clock to tie it 108, but the crazy shooter – both on the court and outside the club – drains another trey. That is six for Stephen Jackson on the night.

2:24 – Are you serious? The Wizards get the Warriors to miss an uncontested — well they didn’t get them to miss if it was uncontested – jumper, but they fail to get the board and the Warriors get a stick back to put them up 3 (113-110) with 2 left in the game.

2:03 – The Wizards just got saved. Joey Crawford calls a loose ball foul on Harrington as time expired on the shot clock. Can anyone tell me how the Joey Crawford-Tim Duncan issue just got swept under the rug? Well I guess if you have refs gambling on games, a little bad behavior isn’t such a big deal.

2:00 – Jamison hits two FTs, to cut the lead to one, but the Wiz then allow GS to get an easy basket. I feel like the Warriors have not had to work for a shot all night – as evidence by the score right now. Another B-Dave shot, Golden State 117 Washington 112.

0:37 – Baron just scored again – the story of the game – and that pretty much seals the deal. That and along with Andray fouling out, giving B-Dave an And 1.

I was very impressed with Andray Blatche tonight. He played strong. His athletic ability is no doubt going to be an asset for the Wiz this year and well into the future.

There were some good individual performances – Caron’s Triple double, AJ dropped 30, and Andray’s all around output – but the lack of perimeter defense and rebounding ultimately was the downfall of the Wizards. You really can’t expect to win when you give up 120 points, 16 threes, and allow your opponent to shoot over 50% from behind the line.

(KB: What a surprise…the defensive theme of the year is the Wizards lack of ability in guarding the 3 point line. You know why? I think that the coaching staff is worried about protecting the basket and hiding the bad one-on-one defenders on the team, thus, the Wiz are playing more zone leading to the soft coverage around the arc. And of course, ESPN & Stevie A. Smith are gushing about the Celtics D, thanks for bailing Tom Thibodeau. Randy Ayers…time to make some game adjustments.)

(KB: And actually, I was surprised to learn that right now, the Wizards are only 9th worst in opponent 3PT %, opponents shoot .327 against the Wiz.)

Well, as a wise man once say “you live to play another day,” and it looks like the win streak of 6 is over for now, but they will get better.

A’ight guys, I enjoyed my time with you, but I will leave the blogging to the pros. Holla at your boy when you need me!

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