Washington Wizards Hit The Sunshine Circuit, But What About Gilbert?

Well, the Wizards won't be seeing what's in these bags of tricks.

flickr photo from Cougar-Studio.com

Why? Because Eddie Jordan has set a curfew for his Wizards team on their 2-game Florida road trip. Curious as to why Eddie would do this, as the Washington Post tells, Jordan has never believed in curfews. Is this a reactionary or preemptive move? In any case, I am in agreement because the idea can't hurt.

".....a business trip, not a Florida pleasure trip." -Coach EJ

Moving on to the Atlanta Hawks loss.

Bad Wizards defense.....what more can I say? At least someone was happy to get free donuts as a result of the Hawks win. Bibby is getting props too.

Bulletin Board Material? Brendan Haywood didn't have a terrible game against Atlanta as he scored 16 points on 7-10 shooting with 9 rebounds in 32 minutes. Sekou Smith of the AJC, however, didn't think much of the 2nd half efforts of one B. Todd Haywood: "Al Horford was a man among boys in the second half, putting the clamps on Brendan Haywood after the Wizards center got off to a rousing start in the first half."

Enough of that.....the game should be a distant memory anyway.

O-Town Magic

The Wiz first played the Magic in their DC home opener of this season....boy was that game a major disappointment. In my blog of Wizards game #3, I used words like "uninspired" and "disconnected" to describe the Wizards play in the 4th quarter. The opening night crowd in the Verizon wasn't any help....."tepid" was fan word of the night. Hedo Turkoglu dropped 25 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds leading the Orlando Magic to a 94-82 win over Washington.

Game #2 against the Magic, which was actually game 60 on the season, occurred just about 2 weeks ago......a more recent distaste in my mouth as it was a game the Wizards really needed, but they elected to get blown out 122-92 instead. Orlando got off to a strong start and never looked back as they scored 34 points in the first quarter. In the opening period, the Magic had the same amount of points in the paint (20) as the Wizards had in total.

This 2nd quarter excerpt sums up the game: 0:47 – The worse "Can’t Feel My Face" I’ve ever seem from DeShawn. He hits a 3 pointer, and it appears as if the half-hearted effort is simply out of habit; I don't think his hand actually crossed the perimeter of his face at any point.

Agent Wishy-Washy

Gilbert Arenas' knee, as usual, is the talk of the town. From the Times to the Post, everyone is throwing their hands up at trying to decipher the cryptology of Gilbertology.

If you want the full run-down, go read the Pradamaster on Bullets Forever.

My take: We definitely don't want to throw Gilbert into the mix prematurely. If he doesn't feel 100% confident in himself, after going through multiple practices, then he should just chill for a while. The problem is, Gilbert talks too much and we listen too much. I really don't have a problem will Gil's verbiage, he's an entertaining cat. But the issue is that what comes out of his mouth changes with the wind and thus, too much energy is spent trying to either interpret what he's saying or figure out what he's thinking.

So for me, "just play already" is really a "shut up and play" - It's already been suggested by team doctors and Gilbert himself that when (and if) he comes back, he will not be the "same old Gilbert" right away. Rather, he will focus less on wheeling through traffic and more on being an Wal-Mart-like distribution hub - even more of a reason for Gil to test himself in a real game; the risk will seemingly be more minimized. And guess what? That's what this Wizards team needs anyway!

In the end, perhaps Gilbert's hesitancy is not the result of lacking confidence in his knee, but more because he is not sure that he can abstain from his aggressive offensive ways. Yes, defense and ball-handling are not glorious assignments. But that doesn't mean Arenas won't be the go-to guy when the clock is winding down and the game is on the line.

Do what you gotta do Gilbert....a great motto is "better be safe than sorry"....but this quote by some dude named Stephen Kaggwa is good too: "Try and fail, but don't fail to try."

Previewing Wizards Killing Hawks With Clubs

Watch out for this guy....
just ask Tang Hamilton (not pictured guarding Joe Johnson).
picture from flickr/vedia

>> After the 0-5 start, the Wizards got their first win of this 2007-2008 season against the Atlanta Hawks back on November 11th.....thanks to some guts and 15 rebounds from Antawn Jamison. Unfortunately, that game coincided with a 33-25 Redskins loss to the hated Philadelphia Eagles.

>> In game 25, a 97-92 Wizards loss to the Hawks, Washington survived a slow start to make the match really close down the stretch. Nick Young and DeShawn Stevenson both gave solid efforts, however the Wiz were unable to overcome a 32 point night from Joe Johnson and a +16 rebound margin for Atlanta.

>> Game 34: Wizards vs. Hawks in Atlanta. This one was even more exciting as the game went into overtime; Washington prevailed 102-98 thanks to Antonio Daniels with his game sealing bucket and 7 assists with 0 turnovers.

>> Tonight's game is a big one for both teams....playoff implications. As I read on the Bullets Forever game 66 preview, the Hawks are tied with the New Jersey Nets for the 8th spot in the NBA Eastern Conference playoff race. Currently, the teams share a 28-38 record....disgusting.

>> Ivan Carter says that the Wizards should not overlook the Atlanta Hawks. Really? I mean, that goes without saying, doesn't it? Can the Wizards afford to overlook anyone at this point? Can any potential NBA playoff team afford to look past an opponent? So many questions.....so many sports clichés.

>> One person who should never be overlooked is Antawn Jamison - he is your NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week.

>> Wizards Insider tells us that Brendan Haywood, who didn't play against the Clippers on Saturday, should be good to go tonight....as are Caron Butler and Antonio Daniels.

>> Not sure if this story has any bearing on the playoff chances of the Atlanta Hawks.....but recently, a professional golfer named Tripp (you know he's gotta be a douche to be named 'Tripp' with two 'p's) Isenhour killed a hawk as a result of immature frustration. T-ripp attended college in Atlanta (Georgia Tech). The red-shouldered hawk (Atlanta Hawk colors) died after it was struck by a ball as a result Isenhour aiming his golf swings in it's direction. The event happened in Florida where the Washington Wizards will next travel to face the Orlando Magic.

On that note, the game blog will be on Bullets Forever tonight.

GO WIZARDS!!!

Live Game 34 Blog - Washington Wizards @ Atlanta Hawks

The Run Down

>>Bullets Forever Game Preview

>>Game 6 Live Blog [Wizards 101-90 Win @ ATL] - Sunday, Oct. 11

>>Game 25 Live Blog [ATL 97-92 Win @ Washington] - Friday, Dec. 21

>>Darius Songaila had to get his teeth fixed yesterday. Reports did not indicate if the dentist visit was the result of his banging in the paint, or simply growing up Lithuanian.

>>Michael Lee gives us a great Wizards Insider post about teams playing without their all-stars, and about the tough stretch of games upcoming for the Wizards.

Key Word of the Day: Stretch

Not only do the Wiz play some good teams, but the games are also packed tight, so much that Eddie Jordan is Watching the Clock. Here's my predictions for the rest of January, starting with tonight's game.

@ Atlanta - Fri., Jan. 11 - W
Boston - Sat., Jan. 12 - L
@ Boston - Mon., Jan. 14 - L
@ NY - Tue., Jan. 15 - W
NY - Fri., Jan. 18 - W
Dallas - Mon., Jan. 21 - L
@ Cleveland - Wed., Jan. 23 - W
Memphis - Fri., Jan. 25 - W
@ Milwaukee - Sun., Jan. 27 - W
Toronto - Tue., Jan. 29 - L
@ Toronto - Wed., Jan. 30 - W

First of all, I don't think I've ever seen an NBA team face three different opponents in back-to-back games three times within a month. But I'm sure it's happened.....

So I got us going 7-4, putting the Wizards at 24-20 going into February. I know, pretty auspicious.....or is it? Antonio Daniels is back in the flow, Pech is almost back, and the rookies gotta step up...they just gotta. 'Cause Antawn Jamison don't play. First, it's move your locker next to mine. Next, it's a whuppin' with bars of soap in long socks. I know, it's a rapid progression....but that's just how Papa Jamison rolls.

Bold Prediction
[if the Wizards get 22+ points from the bench, they will win]

Now let's start the show.....

1st Quarter

Not much excitement to start the game. Between the two teams, 10 points in the first 4 minutes.

7:09 - Joe Johnson does have a decent size advantage on DeShawn Stevenson....he is able to easily back him down on this possession, but the Hawks can't do anything, even after an offensive rebound. Next time down the court, J-Square drives it right down the middle for a jumper in the lane on DeShawn.

5:57 - Wiz up 5, 13-8...timeout on the floor. Brendan Haywood just picked up his second foul. I figured that Pech would have to play at some point during this 4 games in 5 nights stretch, but didn't think it'd be game 1. It might have to be out of necessity tonight.

5:20 - Darius Songaila is first off the bench for BTH. He gets the ball in decent position, but held it too long and eventually turned it over, claiming foul as he ran back down the court. Many times, D_Song is a great passer, but he always seems to get in trouble when he holds the ball too long.

4:02 - Butler jumper miss from the corner....but the Wizards are very lackadaisical in getting back on D. 3/4 court pass from Joe Johnson to Josh Childress results in a dunk and an And1 after a stupid foul from Caron. Game tied at 15.

3:16 - Great defensive possession by the Wizards. AD got matched up on Joe Johnson. Songaila saw this and went to double....but didn't completely commit. This got Johnson to hesitate...and he had to pass the ball to Acie Law at the top of the key with just a couple seconds on the shot clock. Law was able to get panicked penetration, but couldn't get a good shot off.

Wiz are cold on the other end. Long missed jumpers are leading to Atlanta fast-breaks and other things that Eddie Jordan doesn't like. Timeout after a 7-0 ATL run. 2:47 left, Hawks up 17-15.

1:01 - The Wizards are really trying to get out and run as well....nothing doing this time as AD pulls it back. Songaila is quick to shoot the rock and miss after receiving the first pass from Daniels.

0:30 - A pro move and breaking drive by Nick Young. He absorbed contact..didn't get a call...but he protected the ball and made a scoop layup. 21-17 Wizards.

And D-Song scores a bucket on a sweet setup by AD with 1/10th of a second on the clock. 23-17 Wizards to end the quarter.

2nd Quarter

10:00 - Rebound numbers are even at 14, but the Hawks have 5 offensive to 2 for the Wizards.

9:00 - Al Horford bucket....I can see Songaila continuing to have trouble with him. Hawks down 5, 26-21.

Jamison has 7 rebounds already...Horford leads the Hawks with 6.

Mark it now, at 8:12 PM, Oleksiy Pecherov makes his NBA debut.

Here's to keeping an eye on Oleksiy:

• 8:15 - Moves his feet well, arms extended in the zone defense. Secures position and gets a rebound.
• 7:58 - Down the court...Pech gets the pass out at the top of the key, holds it a sec and then swings it back to AJ on the right. He immediately cuts down the lane...through the Hawks zone, and receives a great pass from AJ for the layup.
• 7:25 - Pech misses a long jumper, just outside the 3 point line....he somehow gets in the paint to keep the offensive rebound alive, but the Hawks come away with it.
• 7:10 - Doesn't close out well on Josh Smith....he drives, a double comes, but Pech fouls Smith.
• 7:00 - Horford gets around Pech for a baseline dunk.
• 6:02 - Pech is battling with Horford...trying to hold his ground, but he needs to fight more with his lower body for position instead of up around the arms where they call fouls.
• 5:25 - Bad pass by Pech, he wasn't strong with the ball and Horford poked it away. Hawk dunk and alley hoop down the court.
• 7-0 run by Atlanta, Wiz up 2 points. And that's the debut of Oleksiy Pecherov, the plus/minus is -4 -- 2 points, a turnover, a foul, a rebound, and a 3 point attempt.
  

1:53 - This game is a grinder. Wiz up 37-33 after two Marvin Williams FTs.

Washington is 2 of their last 10 from the field, so I'm not exactly sure why they're up. Probably because Atlanta has missed close to 20 shots.

Ok, not the prettiest game, but I'll take the 6 point lead on the road. Wiz up 39-33 after Atlanta only scored 10 points in the 2nd.

Half Stat Guts:

• It seems like the Hawks have a lot more turnovers, but they only have 4 to the Wizards 6.
• Rebound, assist, block and steal numbers are relatively equal
• The Hawks have missed 26 shots, 35% from the field.
• Wiz aren't much better, missing 24 shots, 38.5%
• Low scoring game because not many FTs have been taken, a combined 9-13 from the line.
• 11 points from the bench is strong in going for my 22+ prediction.

3rd Quarter

I'm really looking for the Wiz to come out with a strong 3rd like they've shown they can do this season. It was a ho-hum first half, but this veteran team should put the young Hawks to rest.

DeShawn Stevenson hits his 3rd trey of the game...the LockSmith is starting to get greased.

Butler rains a jumper in Marvin's face after 13 jabs.

Timeout EJ....after two ATL fast break buckets. 50-47 Wizards. Josh Smith has 8 in the 3rd so far, just under 7 minutes left.

Jamison cannot hang with Josh Smith in any sense.

The Wizards are okay running on offense when the opportunities are there....but the fact that Atlanta is also running seems to be having a detrimental effect on the Wizards half court sets.

A good AB offensive rebound and resulting FTs - the Wiz up 56-50. On the other end, Andray gets a block, the Wiz start the transition and the ultimate result is another Andray bucket. Wiz up 8, timeout Hawks, just under 5 minutes left.

I keep hoping that Washington can make a significant run, but every time they seem to get something going, they shoot themselves in the foot with sloppiness.

But Phil Chenier is right....Andray Blatche has really been hustling tonight.

3:34 - And that effort leads to confidence...he hits a nice FT line extended-ish jumper, his first one of those in several games. 6 points in the 3rd for Blatche, 60-56 Wiz.

1:35 - Wiz get hosed by a couple calls...Anthony Johnson saves the ball while he is out of bounds, no whistle...and Josh Smith gets a transition basket when he really traveled.

Atlanta closes the 3rd with a 18-4 run. Not. Good. They're up 68-62.

I keep thinking that the Wizards should be taking care of business....but the fact is that the Atlanta Hawks have a number of options who can score in a variety of athletic ways. Couple that with the lock-down D on Butler and Jamison (they are a combined 9-26 with 24 points so far) by a combo of Smith, Childress and Willams and you have where we are now. Oh yea, don't forget that Josh Smith had 15 in the 3rd, 24 for the game.

Hawks 1st half, 33 points. Hawks 3rd quarter, 35 points.

4th Quarter

Lotta Hawks dunks in this game...and another come from Josh Childress after Wiz pressure D eventually breaks down.

17 points from the Wizards bench right now.

8:30 - Songaila offensive rebound...but why did he have to shoot the off balance jumper, off one foot, right then and there? I think he has more confidence in his shot than he should.

...and back down the court, D-Song allows Marvin Williams to get a put-back bucket off his own miss.

Reoccurring theme: The Wizards can't get back on D, Hawks score, Eddie Jordan timeout, 76-70 Atlanta.

Marvin Williams is catching fire, Joe Johnson is getting where he wants with the ball, no one can put a body on Josh Smith...blah, blah, blah. Wizards only down 4, 80-76.

Make that 6 after an "oohs and aahs" breakdown of AD by Joe Johnson.

Jamison is throwing his body all over the place tonight.

Overall, the Wizards have not been patient and fundamental enough to stay with the running and gunning Hawks.

4:30 - Butler hounded...then doubled. He chucks a bad pass to DeShawn, Wiz turnover..but they get a lucky travel call on Atlanta from the ref.

4:10 - Jamison still working hard to make up for his lack of D. 20 and 14 for him.

3:30 - Butler jumper ties the game, 6-0 Wiz run. Tuff Juice gives the 'keep yappin' hand to the Atlanta crowd as he walks to the bench for the timeout.

The Wizards now have 23 points off the bench. Put a win in the books.

3:15 - What an amazing play....DeShawn, muscling, playing tight D on J-Square, forced him into a tough turnaround baseline fadeaway - Blatche comes over with the perfect timing and a block and a save. You can't always sense his passion, but you can see the hustle from AB.

Down the court, Caron Butler 3, Wiz up 85-82.

Time for a duel - Joe Johnson 3, tie game.

Butler tries to answer with another 3...but no dice.

2:07 - Marvin Williams makes 1 of 2 FTs, Atlanta up 1, 86-85.

1:30 - A Wiz turnover and another 1 of 2 FTs for Marvin Williams. He only has 13 points, but has looked pretty smooth in this game.

Wiz can't convert on offense, but they get Joe Johnson to turn the ball over as he tried to force things inside (he's been passing and creating on most drives this game). Wiz fast break, 2 Stevenson FTs on a layup attempt and foul. Tie game at 87.

0:43.5 seconds left. DeShawn is trying to get the swag up on D coming out of the timeout.

Controversial call, but I'll take it. Johnson gets the in-bounds pass as his momentum takes him towards the half court line. Stevenson crowds him and Joe looses his balance....with minimal to no contact from Stevenson, definitely not anything worth calling. Johnson bobbles the ball over the line as he tries to gain control of himself -- too late, back court violation. DeShawn was barking loud coming out the timeout....this time, his bite was just as loud.

BIG call.

Looks like they are going to operating with Caron Butler up top against Josh Smith.

Crazy sequence follows....a Butler miss, a couple tips from the Wiz keep the ball alive under the rim. Smith comes away with it....some risky Hawks passes going down the court, not much control from them, frantic D from Washington...Marvin Williams gets the ball slashing right to the rim with a whole mess of Wizards out of position to do anything, but somehow Stevenson gets a block and Caron secures the rebound.

13 seconds left, side out for Washington.
Butler with the ball up top again...he drove against Josh Smith last time. This time, he starts a drive, but then goes for a long step-back jumper.....but he didn't get enough separation and Smith blocked Butler's shot.

No time, going to overtime.

Overtime Five Minutes

Anthony Johnson with a Tim Hardaway killa cross-over on AD...but Blatche is there for the block to the 7th row of seats. AB gives the Mutombo finger wag, better not get a tech kid.

3:49 - Daniels drive and dive. He makes both FTs, tie game @ 89.

Stevenson tough D on J-Square...somehow goes down, not sure if it was a flop, but the Johnson drive opens up a made 3 for Josh Smith.

1 Blatche FT makes it 92-90 ATL.

2:35 - BIG vet deuce by AJ. 22 and 16 for him.

Take a little, give a little....AJ foul on Josh Smith leads to 1 FT. ATL back up 1, 93-92.

LockSmith Deuce - 19 times that he can't feel his face. Wiz up 1.

Gotta get this win.....gotta get this win.....gotta get this win.........

No sir. 24 second violation on ATL. Gotta be aware of that coming out the timeout kids.

Damn. DeShawn missed jumper, thought he could get better on Anthony Johnson. Before you can blink, the Hawks have a 2 on 1 fast break and Caron fouls Joe Johnson....when he was kinda out of position to score. 1 FT make. Back to a tie game at 94.

0:37 - AD up and under...BASKET! [later to be named the pivotal play of the game]

Back down the court, another DeShawn block! Jamison gets the ball.

Two made Caron Butler FTs and the Wizards are up 4 with 15.7 seconds left.

What? Zaza Pachulia is out of tonight's game with a hang-nail as Steve Buckhantz has just informed us? Yup, can't really say anything to that.

Atlanta ball..Joe Johnson 3 miss, offensive rebound, miss, another offensive rebound, bucket. Timeout.

AD FTs....more required NBA game stoppage. 6.7 seconds left in OT, Washington up 100-96.

Marvin Williams deuce...and this game won't end, especially since absolutely no time came off the clock. Refs fix it....5.4 left. Anything can happen.....anything needs to be nothing but a W.

Wow. Let me say that again.....WOW.

DeShawn has trouble getting the ball in-bounds on the side-out play. Option #1, Butler, was doubled. Well....option #2, whomever it was supposed to be, wasn't close to being able to receive a pass. DeShawn is forced to make a cross court pass to Daniels who thankfully goes a little towards the ball, a Hawk came ever so close to getting the steal. But the vet got the ball and the foul instead....a game of inches.

AD's FTs were good....and that's it. A HUGE pull for the Wizards. 102-98 is the final.

Lotta, lotta blogging. Too much.

Quick Stat Cap (and I'm out)

• Blatche has confidence to build upon (again) -- 13 points, 5 blocks, 8 rebounds (but 4 fouls).
• AD got the play of the day with the bucket to put the Wiz up 2 with 0:37 left in OT -- Antonio had 14 points, but more importantly, 7 assists and 0 turnovers.
• Jamison had another great game -- All-Star Solid: 22 points, 17 rebounds.
  
• But the game ball goes to DeShawn Stevenson - two HUGE blocks in crunch time -- 19 pts, 3 ast, 5 reb, 3-5 from 3 -- plus LockSmith had the biggest +/- for the Wizards with +15 -- PLUS, pretty damn good D on J-Square.

NBA.com Box

Peace.

Live Game 25 Blog: Washington Wizards vs. Atlanta Hawks

Yes, please do tell me that the Zen-Master, Phil Jackson is playing his Jedi-Zen games when he is debating whether Kwame Brown will return to being the Lakers starter at center over Andrew Bynum once he returns from injury.

Ok, back to players who have heart, Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler. I've been unsure about this game. Some of those commenting on Bullets Forever seem apprehensive about the Hawks as well. Now, my feeling has changed. I think the veteran leadership of AJ and Tuff Juice will lead the Wizards to a victory over this young Hawks team. Of course, this Atlanta team has had wins over Dallas, Phoenix and Utah this year -- so maybe they aren't that young.

In any case, as we learned the other night against the Bulls, AJ and Butler can't do it alone. They will need the help of young pups of their own. I'm urious to see how Nick Young responds to his horrible 1-10 effort the other night.

And this just in....Roger Mason Jr. will be starting instead of Nick Young. So hopefully, this will give the Wiz more solid D from the start and allow Nick Young to gain confidence in that he only really has to worry about offense coming off the bench, rather than getting into the initial flow of the game. But, I'm not giving him an excuse to slack on D.

Now let's start the show...

1st Quarter

The ATL has not won in DC since December of 03.

Not ideal to start the game with a bucket off an offensive rebound, but a Caron Butler 3 at the other end goes towards rectification.

Man, them Hawks start off hot. A 7-0 run to go up 9-3 before a BTH bucket.

8:45 - Uh oh Roger Mason, you just got lost on a back-cut and fouled Anthony Johnson. That won't secure a temporary starting role for you. Head on a swivel son!

Wow, ATL is up 17-7 and are getting it done WAY too easily. Timeout by Eddie Jordan. Hawks are shooting 77.8% from the field and have an assist for each of their 7 field goals.

Haywood has it stolen away. His head was down, trying to force a move in the post, while not seeing the double team.

Stevenson 3 - Third scorer tonight? Steve Buckhantz says he's starting his 193rd consecutive game tonight -- in company with Bruce Bowen and Tayshaun Prince. Wait, what?

And Comcast's TV clock and scoreboard have stopped working. I can see they are on their game like the Wizards so far.

4:16 - The Hawks are up 21-12. ATL is shooting 9-13 and out assisting the Wizards 9-1. No ball movement needed I suppose.

3:23 - Joe Johnson 3, 24-13 Hawks.

1:11 - Butler gets a steal, runs the break down the middle of the lane, gives it to Blatche on the right who tries some scoop BS layup which gets blocked by Zaza Pachulia. Really AB?

The quarter ends with a Caron Butler catch, shoot and miss with 1.7 seconds left. I'd say that the Wiz are lucky to be down 25-21. I don't like getting out-rebounded 14-8 and out assisted 10-3. The Hawks cooled off a little after the 7-9 start, going 3-10 after that -- still 10-19, 52.6% for the quarter.

2nd Quarter

The 5'10" Mike Wilks makes his Wizards debut.

10:50 - Marvin Williams open J ends the 10-0 Wizards run, 27-23 Hawks. How the hell are they getting these unguarded shots? It's not like they just ran a play. Acie Law made one pass to the left wing and bam, uncontested shot for Marvin.

9:21 - Stevenson 3 over Zaza on the switch. He had to fire it up from deep because of the shot clock, but still looked confident.

8:45 - Mike Wilks first shot in the air.......and it touches absolutely nothing. Shot clock violation. Timeout, 31-27 Hawks.

Dominic McGuire is in the game, and Joe Johnson immediately takes advantage of the Rook. No Nick Young just yet.

7:55 - Blatche goes up scared against Pachulia, and misses...by all accounts, it could've been an offensive foul on Andray. Kid's mind ain't right tonight.

I like how Wilks is managing the game so far. Not much to go on, but he is quick at pushing the ball up the court; hasn't really made a mistake yet. He's not much of a 3 point shooter, so he's not seeing a lot of pressure.

7:01 - Nick Young and D-Song in the game. Darius makes what Steve Buck says is the quickest move he's seen from him ever with a baseline spin from the left side and a basket. Tie game at 33.
Stevenson, Nick Young, AJ, D-Song and D-Mac in the game now. Very interesting lineup. The Bama Brothers, Young and McGuire are both wearing headbands tonight. D-Mac usually does, I think this is a first for The City I believe.

More AJ and D-Song buckets make it 4 straight FGs for the Wizards, they are up 4 after a Hawks offensive foul - 37-33 with 5:02 left.

4:24 - Al Horford offensive rebound leads to a J-Squared trey. 3-3 on 3s for him, 6 o-bounds for the Hawks to ONE for the Wizards.

2:47 - Gritty drive and stick by Nick Young. He saw a small opening and took advantage with some slickness. His first bucket, Wiz up 5.

The R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl on TV Feed #3. The standard prerequisite, the pre-game commentators are wearing Mardi Gras beads because the are in New Orleans. If they really want to represent the Big Easy in an authentic manner, then they'll do their job with a mic in one hand and either a Hand-Grenade or Hurricane in the other hand.

Josh Smith has 2 points and ELEVEN rebounds at this point in the game. Steve Buck says that ATL has outscored DC 11-0 in second chance points. Nick Young knocks down a 3 on the other end. Wizards up 47-43 as the Hawks have the ball for the last possession of the half (I think).

Horford hits the J with 5 seconds left. Caron had trouble guarding Joe Johnson off the out-under, Johnson got the inbounds pass, drew the help...Joe then passed to Al for the FT line jumper. 6 assists, 11 points for Johnson.

And Stevenson just misses a 3 at the buzzer. The Wiz shot 59% in the 2nd quarter and are up 47-45. I understand how DC got down 12 at one point, stagnant offense and lackadaisical defense, but I'm absolutely baffled as to how they are up 2 at this point. So, let's check the stats....

Half Stat Guts.

• After a butane start by Atlanta, both teams are shooting 48% from the field.
• Getting out-rebounded by 10, 25-15 - uncharacteristic for the Wiz so far this year.
• Hawks are also doubling up the Wiz in the assist column, 16-8.
• I think the Wiz are ahead because they've limited turnovers, they have 2 to ATL's 8 -- and they have made 3 more 3 pointers than the Hawks.
• Oh yea, 13 first half points from the Wiz bench.
  

Wow, the Celtics are really taking that Pistons loss out on the Bulls. The are up 20, 53-33 with 1:40 left in the first half.

3rd Quarter

Haywood gets a bucket to start the half. I really think we should've gone to him more in the 1st half....he only has 2 points and 2 rebounds -- just 7 minutes though.

Who's right? Phil has the Wiz with 4 to's, ESPN with 2 and NBA.com with 3 in the first half.

10:15 - Roger Mason, we need more toughness from you. You just had a bad closeout on Joe Johnson, allowing penetration and a dish....then, you allow Joe to get the offensive rebound. Lucky for the Wiz, the Hawks did not take advantage.

Jamison has hit his last 8 shots.....funny, I've barely noticed.

8:14 - DeeeShawn pulled trigger deuce. 7-0 Wiz run, up 56-47.

7:52 - Another offensive rebound by the Hawks, I believe the 10th for them, this time Horford. Haywood simply did not make good contact with him on the block out. If the Wizards lose, I'm pointing to all those offensive rebounds first.

7:02 - BTH is not having a good game tonight. He just allowed Josh Smith to drive right down the lane on him, not holding his ground, and fouling Smith.

Jamison on Fire - 24 points, assist from Caron. Boy, if anything, we need to keep AJ next year because he and Caron are able to play so well together. 58-51 Wizards.

5:37 - Smith steal and dunk. 7-0 run for the Hawks, during which, they scored their 15th second chance point of the game. I can hear the "excitable" Verizon crowd getting restless as the Wizards lead is cut to 2.

4:26 - Butler J, only his 7 point of the game. It would be BIG if he got hot to finish this quarter. 60-56 Wiz.

3:23 - Andray, I love the O-Bound effort and active hands, along with the extended arms you just displayed. But I don't like how you aren't strong enough to finish the hoop with an And 1. You were soooo close. But hey, you just got the second offensive rebound for the Wiz in the game. But thumbs back down to you for only making 1-2 FTs.

Damn Unbreakable Blatche, you must have some concrete feet cause Horford left your jock in your mouth after that quick baseline spin. You fouled, of course.

Yea folks, the Wizards young guys still have a long way to go...so let's temper our expectations. But the Wizards old folks? AJ has hit 10 out of his last 11 shots. 26 points, 6 rebounds.

Something is going on with the chemistry, the flow of the Wizards within the past 4 minutes or so. Too mechanical. As Phil C says, this is one of those times when the Wizards miss the diverse offense of the Gilbert Arenas.

The Hawks have regained a 3 point lead, 66-63 with 1:40 left.

1:30 - Flip hook over Zaza for Jamison....Nick Young is really getting into Anthony Johnson on the other end.

Hey look at that, the Bulls have cut the Celtics lead to 21.

The Wiz double Joe Johnson to end the 3rd and Josh Smith ends up missing a runner. Atlanta Hawks 68, Washington Wizards 67.

4th Quarter

10:23 - Josh Smith just made a real quick step by D-Mac. Dominic gave up the foul, almost checking Smith out of bounds. Hey, both D-Mac and Smith wear #5 - could we say that Josh Smith would be the fantasy possible potential for McGuire? Am I being too auspicious?

Steve Buck just says that the Wiz have missed 31 shots and have 3 offensive rebounds. Wow.

8:55 - 20th point for J-Squared, 4 point lead for the Hawks, timeout Wizards.

Oh AJ! Why'd ya do it? After a miss, City came down on the break, drew a double, swung it to AJ who drove the open lane....then swung it right out of bounds and past the ref he thought he was passing the ball to.

7:03 - Strong drive by DeShawn draws the foul. We really need more of that going to the basket stuff. I feel like Stevenson can drive better to the basket than Caron Butler. Makes 2, 76-73 Hawks.

Big Play! 6:30 - Butler gets his fast break drive swatted by Josh Smith, but the swat goes right into the hands of DeShawn who knocks down the trey ball. Tie game.

Stevenson also making it tough on the other end for Joe Johnson. Pretty intense game now. Both of these teams want it. Of course.....after a Wiz miss, Johnson comes right back and hits a 3 from the corner after Atlanta moved the rock around the horn well coming down in transition.

Tuff Juice Time - gets a bucket, a steal on the other end, a drive the length of the court...just misses the layup, but gets fouled and makes both. Wiz down 81-80. Phil C and Steve Buck are talking about how Caron has been a little injured lately. He and Jamison missed practice the other day with some kind of "illness" that was never further explained. And now they say that Caron was limping around earlier in the game...and at the last practice. The damn trainers better step their game up.

3:20 - Another strong drive to the goal, this time by Nick Young. Eddie's been in their ear about not settling for jumpers. Tie game at 82 after both FTs.

2:55 - Very lucky wide-open Joe Johnson miss.

Chicago is now within 25 points of the Celtics.

Great hustle by the Wiz -- Caron misses, but AJ gets an O-bound, also misses, then Haywood gets one, misses, but gets fouled. 2 big FTs for the Big Fella. Nice to see him do that even though he's not having a good game stats wise - 5 points, 5 boards. 84-82 Wizards with 2:15 left.

1:36 - Damn - AJ misses a tough hook after getting great position, Hawks get an easy drive on the other end. They are up 86-84. DeShawn deuce on the other end ties it - 1:20

1:03 - Josh Smith 3, 89-86 ATL - Mayne!, this is an exciting game. I'm a little nervous about the outcome.

0:48 - Another Nick Young drive for the basket. He's got to work hard to draw the foul. FTs good, down 89-88. D-Fence! I give it to Young, he's really making it hard for Anthony Johnson to get the Hawks into the offense.

The Wiz play very tough D and force a contested Josh Smith air ball, but Josh Childress has the perfectly lucky position for the tip-in rebound. What did I tell you about those damn offensive rebounds? Reasons.

0:25 down 91-88, Wiz ball. A spinning, hanging double-clutch Kobe Bryant-like shot from Nick Young. Can't believe he didn't draw the foul, but the replay confirms that he wasn't touched. Down 1 with 18 seconds left, Atlanta ball. Caron is forced to commit his 5th personal on J-Squared. Makes both.

Now 0:16.2 left, still down 3. Almost had a 5 second call on the inbounds. Stevenson to a falling AJ, back to DeShawn, drive and pass to Young on the right wing. City had a good look, but missed. They showed Gil on TV consoling/teaching Young after the miss. Good for the both of them.

Hawks make FTs and you can pretty much call this game. Down 5 with 9 seconds left. 97-92 ends up the final.

Another disappointing loss. I was encouraged by the fight from the Wizards at the end. And the desire shown from Nick Young and DeShawn Stevenson in their willingness to step up when they were needed. City finished with 14 and Face finished with 18. However, the lack of energy with which the Wizards started the game made that fight even tougher.

I think the Wiz could have survived and won with only 13 points points from Caron. But not with the Houdini act from both Brendan Haywood and Andray Blatche tonight. They combined for just under 37 minutes, 8 points on 2-7 shooting, 8 rebounds and 0 blocks. Can't have that from your big men.....which led to the Hawks killing the Wizards on the boards, 49-33,16 of those offensive to the Wizards 7. And that, is the key to this loss, but take a look at the box score if you would like.

Credit these links to check:

DC Sports Bog link to a story about DeShawn Stevenson & his Father from July 2000.

Caron Butler is one cool dude.

Forty Little Known NBA Facts from HoopsVibe.com.

Ivan Carter's official Washington Post game story.

Now, The Takeover is playing for JJ, Andray.

Stephon Marbury a Celtic?

Ok, I made that up.

But everyone is talking about how Stephon Marbury's days with the Knicks might be numbered. And yes, no team is going to take the 2 years, $42 million left on his contract in a trade. But even if he is bought out, I really can't think of an NBA team that would reasonably sign the team killer. That being said, somebody would have to, right?

BTW, the breaking news found via Slam Online is that Starbury has gone AWOL.

So, in the event that the Knicks do cut Marbury loose, I've scoured NBA rosters to see which teams may just give the guy a chance. Starting with the least likely victim and ending with the most likely.

7) The New York Knicks - Really...would this scenario be that far-fetched? Isiah would have the new contract sent before he realized that the New York-born, former All-Star guard, that he could get on the cheap, was the guy he just cut.

6) The Sacramento Kings - Mike Bibby is going to be out for at least 8 more weeks with a torn thumb ligament. Plus the Kings suck this year, I picked them to finish with the worst record in the league. On top of all that, they are no longer selling out Arco Arena. So what are the Maloof brothers to do? What any shady casino owner would do...something crazy to sell tickets. Could you imagine Marbury and Artest on the floor at the same time fighting over the ball? Or just fighting in general. Personally, I wouldn't pay to see it, but maybe there'd be a chance for some PPV duckets. Or....they could use Starbury to guarantee a sabotage of the team so they could move the Kings to Sin City, The Major League Theory. The owner of the Cleveland Indians in that movie was a former Las Vegas showgirl...coincidence?

5) The Atlanta Hawks - You just feel like some of the high flying Hawks are deprived without a good point guard. Then you realize that they drafted Marvin Williams over Chris Paul and Deron Williams, and you start to feel sick to your stomach. Could you imagine either of them with Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Al Horford and Josh Childress? Tyronn Lue and the perpetually injured Speedy Claxton just aren't cutting it, and Acie Law is just a rookie. Strike that...considering the latest with Josh Smith, not to mention terrible ownership, the Hawks don't need a potential triple dose of cancer.

4) The Indiana Pacers - Larry Bird has never liked Jamaal Tinsley. And I'm pretty sure that he hates Marbury. But think for a second, the Pacers are off to a halfway decent start. I certainly didn't expect them to be 3-3 at this point. So what if they are in contention for a playoff spot in the Leastern Conference? There couldn't be a better way for Larry Bird to stick it to that a-hole Isiah than by taking his cast-away on the cheap and flipping it into something.

3) The Miami Heat - Pat Riley is desperate. The Shaq window closing like a guillotine. Hell, I bet he even has the numbers of Jayson Williams and Keon Clark on speed-dial. Stephon would be a gift from heaven. Penny, Starbury, Smush and White Chocolate....if those names don't say 'And1 Championship', then I don't know what.....aw crap, let me just stop right there.

2) The Los Angeles Lakers - Mitch Kupchak to Kobe Bryant: "Hey, you said that you wanted some All-Star caliber help....now go f*ck yourself."

1) The Boston Celtics - This might make the most sense. Here's a hypothetical conversation between Kevin Garnett and Marbury:

KG: What up man? Can't believe the Knicks cut you kid.

SM: That's a'ight son, it's been a tough summer. Funny thing is, Isiah was in that car with me. We tag-teamed both that intern and Anucha. That's the last time I share anything with that dude.

KG: Uh....(pause)...well anyway, what about coming to play for the Celtics? We could use the depth...and Danny ain't gonna pay you much. But still, we could recreate the good ol' days with the T-Wolves, with some more sharing of course. And, you got that shot at a ring.

SM: Aww...really KG?!? (said with child-like enthusiasm) For really real? You think they got a spot for Coney Island's Finest?

KG: Yea homey...but here's the deal, you ever seen that movie Full Metal Jacket? No? Well, let me put it this way, if you go all Private Pyle on us, we gonna strap you to a bed and beat you with bars of soap in socks until you're peeing out yo ass. Or, if you like vague 1983, Sean Penn, BadBoys movie references, it'll be Coke cans instead of soap. Do you smell what I'm stepping in?

SM: (walks over and gives KG a big hug)

Hey, it could happen. I'm just sayin'

Game 6: Wizards vs. Hawks vs. Redskins vs. Eagles

Here are the points: Yes, Gilbert's knee is bothering him, and the 07-08 Washington Wizards are not the same as a result. But this should not be the case.

Now the facts: The Wizards are not playing any defense and they have shown glimpses of quitting on their coach, Eddie Jordan. The solace taken is that the players, the team, know this. Do they have the desire to change the course? We will see today at Phillips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Like no dancing for Chad Johnson 'till .500, no keys to the game until a Wizards win.

Just win baby. Hey, at least the Skins seem to be gaining steam after a slow start. They've got a 12-7 lead with just under 2 minutes left in the half as the Wizards and Hawks tip it off.

1st Quarter

The Hawks have promising youth on the inside in Horford and Josh Smith, but the Wiz do well in trying to establish a Haywood inside offensive presence early. Reliable, easy, points need to start coming from somewhere. In fact, I'd be curious to give a detailed look at all NBA rosters. I'm willing to bet that the Wizards are the only team in the entire league without a consistent post scorer. If you're looking for some answers, you could start there.

A lot of run 'n' gun to start the 1st. A fast pace is something the Wizards need to get used to doing again. They show a little rust, with a hint of sloppiness....Caron Butler also needs to be getting himself better looks at the basket. But a 16-11 lead with 5:40 left is not bad.

Why did everyone say that Al Horford was the most "NBA Ready" coming out the draft? Strength. He displays a solid core and veteran-like balance in the post. However, his offensive game is so raw that you have to question his "readiness."

2:13 - Wiz timeout as the Hawks cut what was an 8 point lead to 3 at 24-21. Brendan Haywood has 11 points and 4 rebounds at this junction.

Tyronn Lue doesn't look right without the braids. When Stevenson cut them, it was an improvement. 26-21 lead for the Wiz to end the 1st.

2nd Quarter

Josh Childress is another player with a peculiar shooting style.

5:06 - Even though it's a low scoring game, Wiz up 36-32, the team is moving the ball at a fair pace. I just wonder about the level of communication on D. Some boxing out would help too. Shouldn't these things be easy to accomplish? They just need the will to do so.

3:04 - Timeout, Wiz up 40-36. Very even game so far in terms of shooting %, rebounds, turnovers.....balanced scoring spread out among the players of each team.

Between, the Skins game, the Wizards game, my boy Adam's custom seasoned and fried buffalo wings....and a conversation among friends, it's pretty hard to concentrate. A perfect Sunday contingent on the outcome of these two games.

No compression sock for Gil this game, just a knee brace. He's an experimenter. Gil ends the quarter with a drive to the basket, earning him a trip to the FT line for two makes. Not exactly Agent Zero-like, but encouraging nonetheless. Wiz up 11, 51-40 at the half.

Uh oh, somebody's hot buds just got challenged over the potency of these wings. Hot sauce challenges are being thrown around and manhood is being questioned. Where can you get the best hot sauce in DC? I say Uncle Brutha's. They have a store near Eastern Market.

Touchdown Redskins! Obscure receiver touchdown day. James Thrash and Keenan McCardell are getting it done.

3rd Quarter

9:05 - Strong start to the first 3 minutes of the 3rd allows the Wizards to push their lead to 60-43. This team doesn't need Gilbert Arenas, they need each other. Now that "every team in the NBA makes a run" thing? The Wizards need to put the kibosh on that.....along with the Skins and Eagle scores. Critical time for the DC sports scene here, 9:55 left and the Redskins are only up two points, 22-20.

Brendan Haywood is back! After two mediocre games against the Nets and Nuggets, B-H-Wood has 13 points and 10 rebounds with 6:30 left in the 3rd. Wiz up 18, 65-47. So goes Gilbert Arenas, so go the Wizards? Nope..so goes Haywood, so go the Wiz. Uhh....not really.

What about awkward high-fives? I know you've participated in one of these before. Not like the premise is off, but more the timing, movement, and the end result of a misaligned connection. The resolution, one party needs to hold their hand still, allowing the other to perform the hitting action. Is this too many words about a high-five? Definitely.

1:40 - The Wizards continue to move the ball well. They really seem to be working from the inside-out more than they have in any other game this year. Like I said, go for the easy ones, the higher percentage chances. The Hawks are staying around though, their fast-break lets them keep the deficit in the 16 point range.

Very nice team effort so far today. Wiz lead is 78-65 going to the 4th.

4 minutes left in a game where the Skins are up 5. D. McNabb is due for an interception.

4th Quarter

Damn, Eagles touchdown on a screen...but there's a lot of time left. 3:16 left. Stopping the Philly 2 pt. conversion attempt makes the task at hand a little easier. Down 26-25, this is your time Jason Campbell.

Eagles right tackle, Jon Runyan, is playing with a broken tailbone today. The Fox report is that he can't sit down much and he has a hard time sleeping...evidently does it in 2o minute intervals throughout the day. My boy Chris calls BS on that. I really doubt that the Cosmo Kramer sleep schedule theory works in real life.

Crap. Hawks have cut the Wizard lead to 8 (8:10 left) and the Skins don't look like they're going to get it done. DC sports fans should be used to this scenario.

I would say that Gilbert Arenas is doing a decent job at managing the game, a la Brett Favre....but he's shooting so poorly. 4-14 from the field, 0-4 from 3 point land, and 7-11 from the stripe.

Stick a fork in the Skins by the way. Aaand the Hawks are down 5 with 3:40 left in the game. It's really starting to pile on now. One of my football fantasy teams is even close to getting doubled-up....thanks to 4 TDs from D. McNabb. Really Skins? Really?

Looks like the Wizards are going to close out the game. Jamison came up with some cagey buckets to seal the deal.....par for the course for him. There needs to be a combined YouTube clip off all Antawn's trick shots, I tried searching to no avail. Not all is lost on this Sunday. Congrats on the first win Wizards.

You really have the be proud of this win. For one, it was on the road. Two, it was a solid win pretty much from start to finish. The last thing the Wizards needed was one of those wins that still leaves a bad taste in your mouth. No, beating the Hawks today is something to build on.

The Vet says: "I got this!!"

picture from www.dp-studios.net