Game Day New Orleans
2:54 AM EST Dave Johnson checking in from New Orleans.. about to get a few hours sleep but a big tip of the hat to the team in blue….they have been organized on defense… ball movement is terrific (24 assists on 36 made field goals) and Domenic McGuire has sparked a team surge on the boards….showed Yao all kinds of looks and never let him take over the game….This is now 3 straight solid performances ( Cleveland , Oklahoma City, and Houston)… and yes it should be a 3 game winning streak… but here is to another good night…. and thanks for another great night last night on the BLOG…..BLOGCAST–radio and blogging together–starts at 8 Eastern and on the dial can be found in Washington on ESPN 980 AM… 94.3 FM in Warrenton and Northern Virginia…92.7 FM in Southern Maryland…in Baltimore 1370 AM and there will be a LISTEN LIVE link….and remember we have affiliates from Cumberland to Roanoke.
7:19 PM…Dave Johnson checking in from the New Orleans Arena…still waiting on a Caron update..
7:26 PM….No caron Butler…Ed Tapscott told him not to be a hero…Nick Young will start again
7:40 PM…starters are in…Mike James, Nick Young, Andray Blatche, Antawn Jamison, Dominic McGuire…..Hornets….will go with Chris Paul, Rasual Butler,Tyson Chandler, Peja Stojakovic, David West,
DAVE JOHNSON POSTGAME REPORT FROM NEW ORLEANS
Posted: December 30th, 2008 under Wizards.
Comments
Comment from LilGil
Time December 30, 2008 at 5:21 AM
Hey everybody, what a great suprise as I landed in Geneva after a 9 hours trip to get back from DC to find out we got our second straight win without Caron!!! I can’t wait for tonight (it’s gonna be tough getting back to euro-time). I’m gonna try and read a couple things about this game, see y’all later.
Comment from AUNDRA
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:13 AM
The Law Of Attraction states that in order to achieve something great you must attract people of like mindness! I feel we have the right group right now who are attracted for what ever reason and are making things happen! They all feel that burning desire to make it happen and I for one would like to go along for the ride.The attracted group is playing very unselfish and are tearing down the boards which is crazy terrific.
KUDOS To ALL!!!!
Comment from Phemy
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:43 AM
…yeah, if we can take care of chris paul, don’t leave the guys open for easy alley-oops, we can take this as well! Getting more optimistic from game to game ;>
And TagFlip, yeah, I’ll post a link to a video stream at tippoff, should be possible ;>
greetz
Comment from wiz-skins07
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:45 AM
This is going to be a tough..game..Im finally back..I’ve taken like a 2 month break from the blog!!!
Does anyone know if we will se Antoinio Daniels suit up for the Hornets tonight..I bet he’s very anxious to play his former team!!
Comment from truthaboutit
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:11 AM
See you guys tonight in New Orleans…I’ll be in attendance, hoping to provide some luck.
Comment from gbkdc
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:26 AM
DMAC = MCNASTY!!!
Comment from rgz
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:02 AM
I really like they way the Wiz clogged up the lane last night. There were only a couple of times it broke down and defenders were not able to switch off.
With the same effort on defense, and hopefully a few new Tapscott schemes in the offense will get us another W tonight!
I’m convinced all the other coaches know/read the Eddie Jordan semi-Princeton offense very well. There’s got to be a few new things to surprise the other teams with.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:04 AM
My BIG hope is to see LOTS of JaVale McGee vs. Tyson Chandler.
Comment from JEDOLPHNFANLIFE
Time December 30, 2008 at 11:10 AM
As BIG of a McGee fan as I am, one blogger said it best when they said Mcgee needs to hit the weights. Right now Songalia or dare I say Etan is a better defender in the middle because of experience and strength. Definitely the sky is the limit and will blow the afore mentioned players out of the water once he gains experience and strength. If you need an example of why I say this take a look at some games he’s played against some experienced big men like Sheed and you’ll see why.
I’m expecting a HUGE game from Mike James to prove to the Hornets they made a mistake by leaving him buried on the bench.
Here’s to hoping Caron comes back tonight because it will be hard for Twan to have as good a game because of a back to back.
GO WIZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZAARRRRRDDDDSSSSSSSSSSSS!
Comment from AUNDRA
Time December 30, 2008 at 12:18 PM
It looks like we have all BLOGGERS present and accounted for. I see Tom , Jedo , Rueban and wizforlife.
This Blogcast tonight could set the record so lets go team. Our wizkids need us and we need them to keep playing inspired ball! The party starts at 2000hours or 8pm for you non military types!
Comment from Jaba
Time December 30, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Go Wizards!! It’ll be interesting to see how Antonio Daniels and Mike James will do when they play against each other. I like AD a lot but I still think we got the better end of that trade. Go Mike James! How about getting 11 assists again tonight, my man!
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 1:21 PM
I will see everybody at game time, gkbdc is in the buikding “McNasty” I like that, let’s shouck the world and have a winning road trip! I will see you all tonight on the blog. Should be a lot of emotion for AD and MJ, however I will say it again if our bench plays well, we should het a win! Continue with the energy and ball movement (assists) should be fun to watch!
Comment from SportzWiz
Time December 30, 2008 at 1:43 PM
hey guys thought this was a nice read on the wiz.
http://www.nba.com/hornets/news/Rival_Report_WashingtonWizard-294796-2057.html
Comment from LilGil
Time December 30, 2008 at 2:17 PM
Phemy- interesting thing you said about alley-oops… If I recall well we did get a whole lot of dunks and some alley oops in DC on saturday night, but it wasn’t coming from the wiz… It’ll be interesting to see how we manage a team with more experience than the thunder (okay way more experience…). One other detail, I couldn’t help but look at the video of last year’s game versus the Hornets in New Orleans and especially the last minute if you guys see where I’m going with that 
We had one and only but still a nice three pointer from the player who’ll forever be hated in Ohio, the other night, let’s hope we get some more “can’t feel my face” vibe tonight
Comment from neal
Time December 30, 2008 at 2:46 PM
I was too tough on Young in my last post. Actually, it seems he is learning to be more of a team player. Still not very good at it on the defensive end, however. My opinion was colored by that stupid foul at the end of the first half.
I sure hope Butler is back tonight. I think it’s too much to hope for a third straight win w/o him against a quality team.
Comment from wizbulletman0
Time December 30, 2008 at 2:59 PM
What up everyone
Wiz gonna win tonight
Dmac is a monster
oh and yeah i just watched some highlights of B. Griffin…he is the next amare stoudemire. I hope the lottery balls go in our favor.
HAHA
OK Later until the game…
Comment from wtop
Time December 30, 2008 at 3:03 PM
Wizards great win last night without Caron Butler I hope we can beat the Hornets and Daniels tonight Everybody I would do the blog tonight because the game is on cw50
Comment from Phemy
Time December 30, 2008 at 3:22 PM
…don’t know if I make it to the game, I’ll try my best to do so.
Anyways, to TagFlip and the rest: can’t guarantee it, but the game should be watchable on http://albaaa.altervista.org/watch.php?id=204 but only after tipoff, so don’t wonder if there’s nothing on before the actual game.
Greetz and go Wizards
(and like always, if you admins have a problem with me posting these links, please say so and I won’t post them anymore)
Comment from SportzWiz
Time December 30, 2008 at 3:48 PM
Hey everyone so I know there has been a lot of Rodman – Dmac comparisons. Anyway I just did a little research and here are the actual comparisons.
Now note, this is Rodman’s 2nd year season stats vs. Dom’s 4 game starting stats. Also Rodman was 26 in his 2nd year and he also had a career-high in points that year.
PPG – Rodman 11.6, Dmac 3.5
Rebounds – Dmac 9, Rodman 8.7
Assists – Dmac 4.25, Rodman 1.3
Steals – Rodman .92, Dmac .5
Blocks – Dmac 1.75, Rodman .55
Turnovers Dmac 1.5, Rodman 1.9
PF – Dmac 2.5, Rodman 3.3
MPG – Dmac 31.5, Rodman 26.2
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 3:57 PM
great stuff sportzwiz thanks
Comment from TAG FLIP
Time December 30, 2008 at 4:03 PM
you guys don’t think with the way the lineup has been the last 2 games (OKC and HOU) that we should keep this starting lineup and have caron come off the bench? we are 2-0 when he doesn’t start, after all..
Comment from millie mill
Time December 30, 2008 at 4:20 PM
Right now everyone is high on D-Mac and rightfully so. I bet if he keeps playing this way we won’t be able to keep him next year.
Comment from LilGil
Time December 30, 2008 at 4:41 PM
I’m telling you, we’ve always been high on Mcguire, he just never got to play that much but I remember that even on his first game in summer league we were all very impressed with him!! Now I’m sure that with the right playing time per game and no injuries he’ll be on our starting lineup for good in a short time (even if that implies moving caron to 2!). Concerning Caron I think we could give a shot to getting him off the bench, just see what it gives… but I don’t think coach Tapscott will try that one…
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 5:00 PM
Not sure I get the Rodman comparison, DMAC has offensive skills, I still think he can become more of a Gerald Wallace/Josh Smith type, just a stat stuffer, the biggest sleeper in the same mold is McGee a stat stuffer sky is the limit with him, Tyson Chandler is not high enough plateau for him, he has the tools to be special.
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time December 30, 2008 at 5:08 PM
i think Caron was trying to force his game when we were losing.. he was trying to put the team on his back but that started causing bad plays and so on i dont think he will be doing that now that he has seen that the other players will step up now if he starts we lose Nick i would rather see him start and get his game going let CB3 roll off the bench and get his game going and let the chips fall were they may nick might not start strong but if he dose he never cools off
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 5:13 PM
Caron needs to be the starter just like Twan, it is not the 2 all stars starting it is more of them and the coaching staff trusting the bench and getting playing time. I think Caron and Twan were executing the game plan that Tap gave them feed them the ball and get out of the way, however recently Tap has used the bench and rotations and hopefully that will continue.
Comment from TAG FLIP
Time December 30, 2008 at 5:28 PM
jeffmalone1990 i sort of disagree with what your saying.. yes i do agree that caron needs to be in the starting lineup, but when he is a starter we have gone 4-23, which was our record prior to him sitting out the last 2 games… since he’s sat out we’re 2-0. i didn’t really think too much about it after the thunder game because it’s oklahoma city, but after winning against the rockets in their building, and how we couldn’t stop them in DC with caron playing.. i’d like to see him sit out again tonight against the hornets and see what happens.
Comment from LilGil
Time December 30, 2008 at 5:34 PM
Tag Flip just a quick reminder, you remember when Gilbert went out and we started winning again, everybody was like “well they’re definitely better without him”… Do you agree with that?? I don’t believe that a 2-0 record proves anything. As I previously said it I do believe Caron could try to come off the bench but I don’t base my thoughts on those two last games…. So you sure you wanna talk about sitting out all-star veteran player Caron Butler after two games??
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 5:42 PM
TagFlip-I agree that the ball movement is much better, I do not think it was his decision to take 30 plus shots a game, I think he was just doing what the coach told them to do, Twan and Caron take as many shots as you want you earned that right. I believe that Coach Tap made an error and in the past 3 games he has been forced to play the entire bench and see that to win we need assists and total team play. Caron nor Twan are selfish players, I just hope that Coach continues with this when we are healthy with all of the Big 3. To win in the NBA you need the bench to play and play big, we have a quality bench that needs the playing time.
Comment from Rick
Time December 30, 2008 at 5:48 PM
If Caron is healthy, of course he should play! But it is true that the ball movement has been better the last 3 games.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 5:53 PM
Yes the ball movement has been MUCH better, ask your self why? Is is because of Caron? I really do not think so, it is on Tap, to stress to the troops to make the extra pass, by accideny he has found the answer, again not on Twan or Caron. We have to continue to build the team concept with the luxury of having 3 all stars. The Celtics are a great example of that, no reason why we cannot play the same, but it starts with the top down. So tonight I expect to see more of TEAM play, just want to see that continue when we are 100% healthy.
Comment from wizbulletman0
Time December 30, 2008 at 6:16 PM
ok, when we are TOTALLY HEALTHY
that means healthy gil, healthy twan, healthy caron, healthy haywood
we are no doubt in my mind one of the best teams in the east. We can definitely beat Cleveland when fully healthy, we beat boston without arenas. Detroit has dropped off. Orlando i still dont think is an elite team.
Man how long has it been since a fully healthy team. It seems like 20 years ago it was arenas putting 60 on the lakers, hitting game winners and averaging like 30 ppg.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 6:20 PM
wizbulletman-I think everybody on this board would love nothing more than to see the Wizards healthy for an 82 game season, I also believe that we are an elite team when we are, so I still hold out hope that Gil and Haywood can come back this year!
Comment from adnanajanah
Time December 30, 2008 at 6:21 PM
man we just have to take it one game at a time and try to go on a winning streak before gil comes back. once he does anything is possible. GO WIZARDS!!!
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time December 30, 2008 at 6:24 PM
I think the ball movement has been better the last few games because the newer/younger guys are getting more used to each other and playing together. I don’t think Caron being out has had any effect on the ball movement one way or the other. Caron should start at the 2 when healthy only because he is a much better player than Nick. Nick needs to get his playing time so he can try to understand the game and develop, hopefully, into a very good player. Unfortunately, he isn’t there just. We won the last couple on the backs of Dominic, Antawn, Andray, Darius, James, and Juan. Nick has only played fair minutes.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time December 30, 2008 at 6:28 PM
Wizbulletman…. Tony Kornheiser should have kept his big yap shut with that stuff about the “curse of the le bullet”. It seems every year since we have had problems staying healthy. I’d sure like to give him a Pardon in his Interruption lol.
Comment from adnanajanah
Time December 30, 2008 at 6:29 PM
i disagree i think juan has not played enough minutes 2 help us. nick has played solid though but seems to get frustrated sometimes.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time December 30, 2008 at 6:35 PM
Juan and Nick is a good comparison, but, so far I believe Juan’s stats are a little better overall.
Caron and Nick is no comparison at all. Nick is getting better, but, it seems most of his frustration comes from being caught out of position. He is young. He’ll catch on.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 6:45 PM
Well I just hope that Young, Dixon, J Critt and McGee continue to get some minutes, I really think it is no so much as skill set as it is as much confidence, we have to give the team confidence. I never liked going into a fight with 2 knuckles (Twan and Caron) but a fist now that’s special,lol. I really wonder with Gil coming back and DMAC doing so well starting, do we then see Gil, CB3, Blatche, Jamison and DMAC as the starters,hmmmm? Should be fun to watch
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time December 30, 2008 at 6:47 PM
Nick isn’t getting better in the slightest; where would you get that idea? He wasn’t a factor last night. All the same, he needs to play 20 minutes/game, so we can find out whether he *does* get better over time.
Juan is undersized and streaky, but he does understand the game. He played very well last night in limited minutes.
Malone90 — Tyson Chandler, without scoring a lot, is one of the most productive players in the game. He was also taken 2d overall in the draft — out of high school! I love JaVale, but acting like he is somehow better than Tyson Chandler is just plain wrong.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 6:52 PM
Tom-I think you may have misunderstood my point I am not knocking Tyson, I am saying that McGee’s ceiling is higher! I love to here the comparisons between the 2, I believe that McGee is already getting stronger and is more athletic, and IMO will be a better scorer. The sky is really the limit with him, it is truly up to the young fella’! And his blk shots per minute will be one to watch for in the near future.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time December 30, 2008 at 6:54 PM
Minutes at the 2 and 3 are definitely an issue because of Dominic’s emergence. There are only 96 minutes at the 2 and 3. If you give those guys 65 minutes, and you give Nick 20 minutes, that doesn’t leave much.
Obviously, DeShawn’s minutes will go down, which is a good thing as it allows him to regroup and get healthy.
I think Andray played some minutes at the 4 last night, didn’t he? I sure would rather see him there than as a Center.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 6:59 PM
Tom is it me, or does Dray seem to really play well when he can go to his natural position at the 4? I must say in a year when “w”s are hard to come by, it is great to see DMAC and Blatche being rewarded for all of the work they put in over the summer.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time December 30, 2008 at 7:01 PM
Malone — hope so! Last night he had 2 rebounds in 3 minutes. If you extend that out, he’d have had 20 rebounds in 30 minutes! 
I want him to get 20 minutes a game.
It would be *amazing* if the Wizards won tonight. Somebody will have to come up huge. I don’t imagine it’d be Mike James, since if any team knows every one of his tendencies, it’s the Hornets. But, we’ll see.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time December 30, 2008 at 7:04 PM
I agree — Andray looked very good at the 4; more room to move and maneuver. But, if he is going to average 25 minutes a night, some of that obviously will have to be at Center.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 7:15 PM
I am curious to see how James and AD come out and play, I agree with you it will take somebody else to come up big tonight, for that matter maybe 2 players outside of the obvious. However over the last 3 games the team finally is playing with passion and purpose.
“Excellence is a habit” keep up the quotes Tap, hope you got a good one tonight.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 7:24 PM
:19 PM…Dave Johnson checking in from the New Orleans Arena…still waiting on a Caron update..
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 7:25 PM
Hey Dave-looking forward to the update and the blogcast, and our last game to close out 2008, thanks again for the audio and the blog cast! Let’s close the year out with a win!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 7:27 PM
and i just finsihed reading all of today’s posts… I love the back and forth and good spirited discussion
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 7:28 PM
truthaboutit are you actually here in new orleans.?.stop by and say hello
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 7:30 PM
:26 PM….No caron Butler…Ed Tapscott told him not to be a hero…Nick Young will start again
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 7:33 PM
Too bad for Caron, well at least he will get the rest and be healthy to start the new year! Well here’s to ball movement, assists, rebounding, energy and passion. Ok Coach continue your latest patterns in the last 3 games and let’s get a win in NOLA.
Comment from TAG FLIP
Time December 30, 2008 at 7:41 PM
that’s unfortunate, but i am looking forward to another well-rounded team game like last night.
to everyone else who has commented on my statement about CB3, i digress.. let’s hope for another wizards win tonight!!!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 7:45 PM
:40 PM…starters are in…Mike James, Nick Young, Andray Blatche, Antawn Jamison, Dominic McGuire…..Hornets….will go with Chris Paul, Rasual Butler,Tyson Chandler, Peja Stojakovic, David West,
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 7:46 PM
got a win here last year….but as we noticed in Europe…Chris Paul runs a pretty good show
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 7:46 PM
Hey TagFlip-you are right, let’s get a win
Comment from TAG FLIP
Time December 30, 2008 at 7:59 PM
here’s a little icebreaker on the “eurotrip..”
we sucked on the eurotrip, and the movie sucked… put the 2 together
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:00 PM
yeah lets hope the bad stiuff is still in europe
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:02 PM
yes both daniels and james will be playing against their old teams…so they will be motivated
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:11 PM
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:12 PM
here we go gang and I think Glenn should be back with us Friday
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:14 PM
Happy new year to you and Glenn, get well Glenn see you for the Cavs. Remember we have been winning since you have been gone, lol…See ya Friday
Comment from LilGil
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:16 PM
Interesting not to have Butler tonight, we’ll see if we can keep our streak living 
Comment from TAG FLIP
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:18 PM
man this sucks not being able to see the game live in virginia beach… im stuck following the live gamefeed cause the listen live link isn’t working either..
Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:18 PM
any live links for the game?
Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:19 PM
did you try atdhe.net
Comment from LilGil
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:20 PM
yep NickDaGiFt, doesn’t work.
Comment from TAG FLIP
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:20 PM
nick yeah that’s the one phemy gave me earlier but it’s not working.. he did however say it would only work after tip-off, i’ll try it again real quick.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:21 PM
slow start, however good time out. Let’s slow down and run the offense
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:22 PM
okay we can do better…
Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:22 PM
not coming in for me either. anyone have a listen live link?
Comment from TAG FLIP
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:22 PM
that atdhe site isn’t working nick, but for some reason it’s letting me watch the caps game =\
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:23 PM
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:23 PM
lets go Wiz
Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:24 PM
yea every other game seems to be working, but for some reason the wiz isn’t.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:24 PM
very good defense have to get rebound
Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:26 PM
AJ needs help
Comment from gbkdc
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:28 PM
Hello. We look okay. Not awful, not on fire. Go Wiz
Comment from TAG FLIP
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:28 PM
nevermind the wizards game is working now.. sweet
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:28 PM
mcgee bout to come in
Comment from TAG FLIP
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:29 PM
why the heck is javaris crittenton in the game?
Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:31 PM
thinks for reminding me TAG, i had just gave up on the video
Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:32 PM
Thanks for the timeout New Orleans, that was a rough strenght, hopefully we can settle down.
I wonder if JCritt will attack the basket some?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:34 PM
crittenton getting some time
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:34 PM
we got to get those assists up, let’s move the ball guys
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:35 PM
no jamison ….so it is crittenton young songailia mcee mcguire
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:35 PM
like this line up, hope that Jamison can get at least 5 minutes rest
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:36 PM
still want to see Juan for his potential offense and on the ball D
Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:36 PM
New Orleans looks a bit more athletic than Houston, we definitely will have to move the ball.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:38 PM
ok may need to go to Etan and Juan early
Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:40 PM
That’s one of the keys….JCritt has to penetrate.
Comment from gbkdc
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:40 PM
There’s dmac’s jumper
Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:40 PM
if mcguire gets that shot in his arsenal he’ll be a very good player
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:41 PM
big play DMAC, 2nd game on a back to back, gotta play the bench for some extended run tonight, not getting the same ball movement thus far we have been getting, however we can correct it, and get those assists numbers up
Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:42 PM
was that crittenton who wass penetrating at the end
Comment from wizbulletman0
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:42 PM
man i got here a little yet, but WHOO HOOO
J Critt
McGee
both getting some run
I LOVE IT!! LOL
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:44 PM
well exceuted start to the sceiond with dixon and songailia
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:44 PM
again Juan and the vets with a mix of young guns, great play to Darius go Wiz
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:44 PM
daniles is in good wizards d
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:45 PM
good d
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:45 PM
Juan keep playing big, my man
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:46 PM
2 pts 2 assisys, 2 minutes go Juan
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:47 PM
Wiz on a 7-3 run
Comment from TAG FLIP
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:49 PM
dang.. AD hit a 3.. why couldn’t he do it like that with us 
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:49 PM
yes offense is running better with this group in dixon stevenson songalia jamison and thomas
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:50 PM
this unit so far has gotten us back in the game, way to go
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:51 PM
only 5 assists, lets pick it up, Juan leading the way with 2
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:53 PM
drive the ball, cut the jumpers, move the ball
Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:55 PM
anyone have a link for the game?
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:56 PM
Would love to see Dixon slide to the 2 and bring James in the game at the 1
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:57 PM
both teams shooting poorlu i gues it is first team to shoot 40 % wins
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:57 PM
Nick the audio link?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:57 PM
is listen live not working
Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 30, 2008 at 8:59 PM
any link, i had a video link but the stupid guy who was showin changed to the Twolves game.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:00 PM
3 pt shooting hurting us
Comment from wizbulletman0
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:00 PM
ok ET has got to learn when to take his guys out. The lineup got them back into the game, but NO put there starters back in like Paul and TC and we dont counter.
It is so frustrating.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:01 PM
nice dish Juan, and finish ET
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:02 PM
McGee may be a better match up on Chandler. Dray cant afford to get in foul trouble
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:03 PM
starters are in for both teams with the exception of nick young
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:04 PM
Young 5 pts in 12 minutes, we got to get him to rebound and get some assists so far aero rebounds, and zero assists…Deshawn thus far has been playing more minutes, so it is on Young to pick his game up
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:05 PM
hornets 15 of 33
wizards 14 of 33
Comment from TAG FLIP
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:07 PM
Nick – the video link just isn’t working right now. i too am angered that they decided to put the dallas game under our game.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:07 PM
great play Dray~
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:08 PM
stop launching 3′s, bad shot, need more ball movement, stick to it guys
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:09 PM
good by javaris
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:09 PM
great play Javaris, welcome to the Wizards
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:10 PM
wow what a shot by “swag”
Comment from TAG FLIP
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:10 PM
stevenson from halfcourt?!?!?!!
we have a deshawn stevenson sighting in the house???
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:12 PM
what a finish basket is good after review
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:13 PM
they did count that bucket right, it is a tie game???
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:14 PM
this is our game to win, just have to continue to move the ball and rebound and we can grab a victory!
Comment from TAG FLIP
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:18 PM
maybe d-steve should start jacking up 3-point shots now that he hit a half-court one.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:18 PM
basket is good and you guys are right.. we can grab this one wizards outscored hornets 29-21 in 2nd
Comment from adnanajanah
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:18 PM
this sucks not being able to watch the game
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:21 PM
Tagflip-2 straight games D Steve with a big shot, so I will take the positive right?
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:23 PM
Sportzwiz-with the “dagger”,lol
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:26 PM
Jamison again on pace to have a big night
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:28 PM
wizards shot 48 % in first half
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:29 PM
Blatche taking over
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:30 PM
DMAC great play
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:30 PM
STOP LAUNCHING THE 3
Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:31 PM
Good call. Wiz are getting more respect…how often would they call Chris paul for an offensive foul…Way to go DMac
Comment from gbkdc
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:31 PM
Dmac is cp3′s pest
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:32 PM
got to drive the ball, slow down on all the jumpers, run the offense
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:33 PM
gbkdc-is in the building
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:34 PM
thank you get into the lane
Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:34 PM
JeffM,
they must have heard ya…lol
Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:34 PM
Great D AB!!! LOTTA HUSTLE
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:35 PM
great huslte Dray!
Comment from gbkdc
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:35 PM
BLATCHE!!!!!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:35 PM
yes ab
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:35 PM
dcbutler-I wish the 3′s arent falling got to drive it to the basket
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:36 PM
no ball movement for the Wiz, lets go!!!
Comment from LilGil
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:36 PM
Damn I can’t watch the game (btw I’m really having an awful night (3:34 am here) so I hope we have a W…
Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:37 PM
Yeah, AJ and MJ’s green light needs to have a little yellow in it sometimes….lol….
But all in all, it’s a good effort and enjoyable game.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:37 PM
only 2 team fouls on NO we need to get agressive, ball movement and attack
Comment from wizbulletman0
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:38 PM
Jamison has got to stop shooting those running off balance shots. When they are falling they are falling but they arnt tonight.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:39 PM
hornets 9 of 23 beyond the arc
wiz 1 of 9
Comment from TAG FLIP
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:40 PM
jeffmalone yes, we need d-steve to keep stepping up
Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:43 PM
WTH a underhanded shot from the free throw line…lol…Harlem Globetrotter?
Comment from wizbulletman0
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:43 PM
JAMISON STOP SHOOTING THOSE SHOTS!!!
AND PUT A HAND UP AT LEAST ON WEST!!!
COME ON!!!
Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:44 PM
AJ may be pressing a little
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:44 PM
love Twan but he has to sit, he has too be tired already played 32 minutes and it is starting to show in his shot, and he has to look to pass. James and Dixon playing together should allow some post ups for our bigs
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:46 PM
bring in Blatche for Jamison
Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:47 PM
Okay, gotta get tough
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:47 PM
Tap please sit Twan, we need him to close strong in the 4th
Comment from gbkdc
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:48 PM
God bless it
Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:48 PM
OMG, DSong played good D on that one.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:49 PM
we have only made 1 3pt’r this game, got a feeling we will see them let it fly in the 4th, I hope they drop..go wiz
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:50 PM
you get the foul when you grive it aggressive, good play
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:52 PM
Jamison in 3 qtr’s of play has 34 minutes played, BIG MISTAKE, we needed to rest him for the stretch we got to continue to play the bench. He will have no legs on his shot to close this game, our bench got us a lead you got to stick with those guys.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:53 PM
Very hard to play 40 minutes on a night of back to back
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:55 PM
checking in…. better late then never.. come on guys we need to go on a run to start this qt
Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:56 PM
Every body has to crash the boards on d…
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:56 PM
wizards have made two more field goals than the hornets
Comment from gbkdc
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:57 PM
Those 3′s again!!
Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 30, 2008 at 9:59 PM
Good D dmac!!
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:00 PM
well here comes the stretch if we can move the ball, and hit some 3′s we can still 1 on the road
Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:00 PM
DMac has a long career ahead of him….on Defense alone he’s checking the key players on the opposing teams……Diamond in the ruff!!
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:02 PM
let Juan and James close the game 9 assists between the 2 guards
Comment from adnanajanah
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:02 PM
we need a bucket coming out of the timeout
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:03 PM
lets bring Blatche in for Thomas to close the game
Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:04 PM
Gotta dig deep
Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:04 PM
sounds like etan is BALLIN!!!!!
Comment from gbkdc
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:04 PM
Yikes
Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Humph, I would have brought AB in for AJ….
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:06 PM
well this is the line up that will win it or let it get away, let’s close strong
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:06 PM
bad fouls by blatche
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:07 PM
We have been so aggressive in prevoius games and yet tonight we cannot get to the FT line, not attacking
Comment from neal
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:08 PM
Thomas has too many balls taken away from him. Gotta have better hands.
James is really energetic for a guy his age. I’m really glad we have him.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:09 PM
being outscored 14-8 in the 4th so far, lets go
Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:09 PM
wth is up with the weak calls on us? Did I miss something?
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:12 PM
I think to pull this out we need to score at least 28 in the 4th, we have 10 at the moment, gotta dig deep
Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:13 PM
Need a little run…
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:15 PM
dixon and sonagaila in for offense
Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:15 PM
He took out AB and DMAC?????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:16 PM
Jamison has no legs to finish, Blatche would not have taken him out og the game I hope Dixon or James can hit a few 3′s
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:16 PM
songila jamison dsteve dmac and mjames
Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:16 PM
I’ll just watch for now…
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:16 PM
How could you get a tech??????????????
Comment from gbkdc
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:17 PM
What was that technical??
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:18 PM
this line up is working well so far..
Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:18 PM
LUCKILY!!! New Orleans is missing layups….
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:20 PM
nobody on the Wizards have attempted more than 8 shots outside of James and Jamison, we got to share the ball. James has to keep a cooler head and trust his team, move the ball. Hey Mike we want to be the Hornets too!!
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:21 PM
you wonder why he is missing, he is tired!! he is a warrior
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:21 PM
Mike c’mon man, we needed you this game
Comment from slwiz
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:22 PM
has mike james been guarding cp3 most of the night?
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:22 PM
love DMAC but I think we need Young for the scoring
Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:22 PM
79-89 2:25 left
Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:23 PM
LOL….But we got DSteve in for offense…LOL
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:24 PM
we gave up…
Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:24 PM
AND THE ROUTE IS ON…..
Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:25 PM
Ok, last time I checked….Phoenix, Denver, etc hasn’t won a champioship with their offense…..
Comment from gbkdc
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:25 PM
I think they are tired, Jeff Malone. You’re right.
Comment from slwiz
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:26 PM
who was mike james guarding most of the night?
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:26 PM
Would have love to have seen more Blatche down the stretch, he was the only Wizard outside of James and Jamison that was in double figures
Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:28 PM
Sorry Slwiz, I think I saw him on AD, CP3, and Posey at various stages….maybe someone else knows.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:28 PM
Tap had me for the last 4 games then tonight we saw some bad habits creep back in…43 minutes for Twan on a back to back??????
Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:28 PM
Interesting 2nd half, but I’ll call it growing pains.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:29 PM
301-230-0980
it will be yours truly on the post game show
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:29 PM
1-9 from 3pt line (40 ft shot from Deshawn)
Comment from slwiz
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:31 PM
well, it takes a ton of energy to stay on cp3 and if he was also on others that might explain his poor technical!! also, might explain his lack of assists. I agree with JeffMalone1990 about jamison’s tired legs in the 4th; no elevation for his shot; his fatigue game after game after game has to wear on him; warrior that he is; what was up with some of the line changes? again must be matchups and fouls. Sorry I didn’t get to blog much but you all were holding your own!!
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:32 PM
slwiz-we had a shot in this game, man Mike James bad time for a tech, he lost it to close out the game…6 fouls we fouled out being to jacked for this game
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:34 PM
on hold for the Post game, and to all on the board Happy New Year, I see more wins in 09
Comment from CB3
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:36 PM
lets hope we get more wins jeffmalone1990
Comment from slwiz
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:36 PM
yeah I’m trying to figure why the technical; someone was holding CP3 points but he was getting his assists; also he shot a ton of free throws so our guards had trouble with him; my goodness he’s an Olympian! and drives very well and kicks out very well.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:37 PM
well I will let you know what I said to Dave on the post game
Comment from slwiz
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:38 PM
I am listening; I’ll stay where I am till you’ve gotten through; always enjoy your comments!!
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:43 PM
thanks slwiz-happy new year to all of you, had to ask aout Jamison playing 40 minutes tonight, but all in all as a team we are playing better over the last 4 games.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:44 PM
scored 17 in the 1st and in the 3rd, hard to win with that type of scoring
Comment from slwiz
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:50 PM
I really like your support in your call ins. There’s a reason for the different play tonight. I didn’t get in on the beginning so I’m not sure what was going on but CP3 with 16 assists means he was driving and kicking and our defense wasn’t protecting the defenders on rotations. I’ve watched him before and he’s excellent at using his teammates in the midrange and 3 point range. Also, we have had trouble all year with our rotations.
You mentioned the back to back. I’m wondering how much that really affected both Dom and Andray. Hey, they WILL be able to go this distance!! Andray has come such a long way and I refuse to get down on him tonight!!
Comment from slwiz
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:52 PM
Some friends asked me to play cards Friday night; I looked at my calendar; saw Boston vs Wiz on Friday and said to my lady friends Nope gotta watch the Wiz!! LOL They seem to understand!! With a couple days rest and if they just keep UP and believe they will compete with Boston!! I just know they can!!
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:54 PM
lol, slwiz-your are officially a wiz fan,lol…thanks again for being on the board
Comment from CB3
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:54 PM
jeffmalone1990, thanks for calling in. I always love listening to you on the postgame show becasue you know so much about the game.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:56 PM
good point the back to back had to come into play for Dray and DMAC, although I will say that Blatche played a good game with his minutes played. DMAC another stat stuffing evening so always a good sign
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 10:58 PM
cb3 happy new year and I really appreciate you saying that, and I really enjoy the board and the blog cast, we have some passionate and knowledgable fans. Always try to support on the blog and the Post Game, always think I sound funny on the radio…love Dave and Glenn
Comment from CB3
Time December 30, 2008 at 11:00 PM
yea, hopefully Glenn will be back soon. I think the loses where gettin to Glenn
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 11:02 PM
lol, that would be a great question for him, since we have not heard from him in over a year come Friday,lol
Comment from CB3
Time December 30, 2008 at 11:06 PM
im getting sick myself
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 30, 2008 at 11:07 PM
hope you feel better, and of course we get wins of course
Comment from CB3
Time December 30, 2008 at 11:11 PM
im acually note sick, but just of losing
Comment from LilGil
Time December 30, 2008 at 11:14 PM
Damn with lost (yeah I know I’m like an hour late…. still I told you bad night down here…). Well I see we lost in the third and especially in the fourth so let’s hope we can re find our tenacity for friday Happy new year everyone and thanks for the comments on this blog it really feels good to talk with fans when you’re thousands of miles away I hope we get a better year of basketball (personaly I really hope to get an allaround better year…) and I wish all of my fellow wizards fans the best and to the great organisation of the Washington DC Wizards: Happy New Year!!!
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time December 30, 2008 at 11:39 PM
Wizards Lose…CD (Coach’s Decision)
With PJ no longer among the NBA head coaches, Tap now reigns supreme as the absolute worst current coach in the National Basketball Association. My memory only goes back about 45 years so I can’t swear that he is the worst ever, although he is no doubt close.
Tap has no idea what-the-heck is going on out on the court. How, in the name of Arnold Jacob “Red” Auerbach, can you have only one real scorer (James) and one potential scorer (Darius) on the court in the 4th quarter with the game tied and play that team for extended minutes until the opposition gets a 10 point lead? How can you have Hands-of-Stone and I-Can’t-See-My-Face in the game together at that time for that many minutes with the game on the line late in the contest?
The Wiz really must have a group of tremendous players to be able to compensate for the stupidy that makes the decisions and still be in so many games in the 4th quarter and actually win a few.
If anyone thinks that Tap has any idea of what is going on, they have never played nor coached above the Biddy Basketball level. Tap’s lack of experience is obvious; his decision-making is totally suspect; his offensive sets…Huh, sorry, I shouldn’t comment on something that doesn’t really exist.
The Wiz offense continues to consists of: pass the ball… then passer either cuts or screens; then the Center sets a (pretend) high pick and rolls to the basket (never looking for the ball because he knows that there will be no return pass, unless, of course, either Darius or Blatche has the ball); then everyone stands around and wait for the player with the ball to shoot or drive (or, often enough to get every Wiz fan annoyed, throw a bad pass).
In the event that my prayers are answered, and some member of the Wizards organization, who has any level of responsibility, actually reads the blog, I am, once again, attaching a link that is worth reviewing.
http://www.cybersportsusa.com/hooptactics/triangle.asp
Ernie, for goodness sake, please get a real NBA coach who can install a BIG BOY OFFENSE!!! I don’t want to be a lottery-pick team; It’s damn embarrassing and we’ll mess that up also (remember K. Brown).
I pay top dollar for my seats and I want to see a contending team. You have to put up, or I’ll shut-up and stop paying.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time December 31, 2008 at 12:02 AM
Sorry all I’m computer illiterate… in trying to get the blog and the broadast I somehow lost everything. I didn’t even get a chance to listen to the game.
Team Karma is off when Darius plays over 19 minutes and has no rebounds. Everyone had a sub par night it looks like. Jamison had 22 but had to take 25 shots to get there. It was just an off night. What I don’t understand about tonight is…. Andray, Darius, and Etan didn’t have good nights, but, Javale only got 5 minutes? Juan and Mike’s numbers look like point guard numbers with all the assists. I think Mr. James may have just found home after all the other teams. He seems to have more of a pg mentality with us than in the past. Crittenton had a steal and an assist in very limited minutes. I’m encouraged.
The games we are into right now guys are against the best teams in the league. Losing to the Hornets is no disgrace, but, if everyone just had an average night we would have won. (1 three pointer vs their 10 didn’t help lol).
ps… Tom… shhhh. the Nick getting better comment earlier was to save the feelings of the prior blogger LOL. I truely wish I could say he was…………
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time December 31, 2008 at 12:10 AM
I’ve now read the posts… whew
Thanks Jeff!
Happy New Year to you and all my fellow bloggers!
The very best to all of you in the New Year!
Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 31, 2008 at 7:48 AM
Happy New Year Fellow Bloggers, DJ, Glenn, and the WIZ!!!!
Here’s to a positive 2009 and continued blessings to all!!
I can’t put my finger on the second half, but I’ll just go with AJ having tired legs…..Keep that momentum growing guys and gals!!
Comment from wizards_fusion
Time December 31, 2008 at 11:09 AM
I have some responses and questions to getabigboyoffense’s post. It is good you’re talking about coaching because in the last 3 months, my college football team, pro football team, and pro basketball team’s coach got canned. Thus, I’m mentally fired up to take on your comments.
1. Knowing the Wizards are in a state of change, do you expect positive results to happen immediately? Seriously, was Rome built in a day? Just like your first day at a new job or first day at school, did you already know how to do everything? In my opinion, I think Tap is learning while doing and he’s progressed as an NBA coach since Thanksgiving. There is no doubt Tap has deficiencies but he should be able to at least acknowledge them through experience. So, I say, have some patience and gather more data before throwing Tap under the bus. 1 month’s worth of information is not enough for me to call for his dismissal.
2. On your comments about the Wiz having wrong personnel on the court while the game was on the line last night – I think you’re looking at this too narrowly and from only one perspective. You questioned why there was only 1 viable offensive option (James). Well, in my years of watching basketball and playing at “YMCA levels”, player substituations are not just for offensive output. Sure, you can argue that the Wiz needed scorers at that moment and this point is hard for me to refute. However, I can argue that the Wiz needed bigger bodies at that moment to gain some type of defensive advantage. Remember, personnel packages on the court are not just for offensive execution. If the defense can shut down the other team for 5 straight minutes, I would say that is a major accomplishment even if its own offense lays an egg during that time period.
3. There is only 1 team in the NBA that runs and executes the triangle and that team is most likely going to be in the Finals this season. The success of the triangle in the NBA cannot be denied. However, if you install this offense for the current Wizards, you are still not going to find the success that you saw in Chicago and L.A. Reasons why are:
a) No coach and consultant to execute this plan – you have to understand that the NBA implementor (Tex Winter) and the coach (Phil Jackson) had about 20 years to tweak and execute this offensive set. They are the experts and their knowledge matters. Also, if this offense wins, then how come no other team has jumped on trying to run it? You have to take this into consideration.
b) No low post player with “triangle” court vision and superb passing skills – the skill sets for the current big men on the Wizards lack the court vision and passing skills of other big men that succeeded with the triangle (i.e., Bill Cartwright, Luc Longley, Shaq, Gasol, Bynum). This is not to say the Wizards big men are bad players – it is just that they don’t have the necessary skills to run the triangle to the satisfaction of how it should be run.
c) Wizards tried Motion offenses before and it didn’t work – both the triangle and Princeton are motion offenses and we all saw the demise of the latter. It takes great discipline to be moving 85% of the time on offense and most players don’t want to expend so much energy just to find the open man.
4. Why does it embarrass you that the Wizards may be going to the lottery? OK, the organization made the Kwame mistake; however, as the moderator of this blog have mentioned in the past – Kwame was ranked #1 on more than 65% of the GMs lists of top draft pick in 2001. The Wizards were just following conventional wisdom – whatever that may have been. Also, so what if the team stuggles – sports is about competition and you have winners and losers. I understand that your money plays a role in this but so are many other people’s dough and time (time is far more valuable than money in my opinion). Think about Pollin’s investment before griping about yours.
5. Lastly, you have been advocating all season the Wizards need to “get a big boy offense”. However, you have not commented at all (or very much) about their defense – which is where I’m more concerned about. All of my team’s coaches that got canned are all offensively minded, so something tells me defense is more prized today if you want longevity in coaching sports. Where do you stand on this team’s defense? Better yet, if I’m looking at the wrong side of the ball, tell me why offense > defense?
Comment from neal
Time December 31, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Mainly, I think we were just out-manned last night.
You’re a hard man, getabigboyoffense. By Hands-of-Stone you mean Thomas? If so, I fully agree.
We seem to be playing a little better D. When the enemy gets an open perimeter shot at least there’s someone trying to get around a pick or sprinting toward him to distract him. We’re not just surrendering and hoping he misses.
Seems to me like Blatche has put on weight. That’s a good thing.
Hopla, you gotta spend a lot of time with several guys on free throws. And we badly need to improve our 3 point shooting. If we can just make 33% of those it’s equivalent to a 50% rate on 2 point attempts. What I hate to see is jump shots from 20 feet. They’re low % shots and rarely draw fouls. We need to really work on penetrations with a kick-out option to a three-point shooter.
It seems to me that our shooters are often not following their shots and, therefore, missing a lot of rebounds. And it’s not because they’re staying back to defend. Usually, they’re just standing there, waiting to see if they made the shot. Even in my sorry career I was taught to follow the shot.
I think Stevenson is mentally tired, if not physically. He’s started almost every game since coming out of HS 8.5 years ago. He needs to go fishing, come back a month or so from now. Let’s see what Crittenton can do with some minutes.
Comment from slwiz
Time December 31, 2008 at 11:45 AM
I’m reading those posts of getabigboy and wizard-fushion and Neal. They have alot to say; wonderful posts full of loyalty and passion. I believe getabigboy’s hardness about offense is justified. The offense could be changed. It could be changed to utilize the strengths of the bigs better. If I understand getabigboy it doesn’t just have to be the triangle. That is an example of the post being used and our ability to cut and drive off that or set screens. I’m pretty sick of the lack of ball movement!! Over and over and over again. Same old same old. But it has changed in the past few games. Especially with Cleveland, OKC, and the Rocket games. It seemed to fail some last night against NO; now I’m wondering why? It could have been as simple as Dom and Andray being tired from the back to back. That’s workable. So I just think we do need some patience now as we are building and changing and adjusting to ourselves. But also we have to realize the teams we play do scout us and know we are better than our record shows. So as we adjust they are adjusting their defenses to us!! And that’s pretty cool and what the NBA is all about. Professional basketball where strategies come into play!! It’s all HOOPS and that I do love!
Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 31, 2008 at 1:14 PM
Very Interesting….
Wizfusion, so from what I’m reading, we should expect to lose for a while since Tapscott is a new coach?
IMO we are still running to the Vet (s) in crunch-time just a little too much (i.e. DSteve). Let the young guns win or lose a game for us…get that taste in their mouths, so they can learn what it feels like and learn what must be done to pull the game out in the end.
Also, it’s time to take the “green” light away from AJ….Live by the sword, ya die by the sword (but we’ve died just a little bit more than we have lived). The offense should go through the team. AB has shown that he is ready. ET and everyone else has learned to maximize their time on the court and are starting to understand that every second is precious, go all-out. If it’s not being done, or if there isn’t a good match-up, get that person out of the game NO MATTER WHO IT IS…..
And I’m in agreement about the defense, when he took out AB and Dmac, I was floored….(honestly, I thought AJ was hurting the team at that point, EXPECIALLY WHEN HE TRIED A UNDERHAND SHOT FROM THE FOUL LINE…)
we are now a force to be reckoned with
GO WIZ!!
Comment from wizards_fusion
Time December 31, 2008 at 2:10 PM
@ dcbutler357:
I think your conclusion is stated incorrectly and thus your question to me is worded in a wrong order.
I’m not saying we should expect the Wizards to continue losing because Tap is a new coach.
I’m saying because Tap is a new coach with no prior NBA head coaching experience, we shouldn’t expect the team to enjoy as much success as we want/hope (you see the flip-flop on the order of your question). Thus, when getabigboyoffense bashed Tap, I didn’t think it was justified. How can someone, like getabigboyoffense, that probably doesn’t know Tapscott at all, call him stupid?
During Eddie Jordan’s first year in Washington, he guided the team to a 25-57 record. If Jordan was fired after that year, Washington basketball would not have seen a revival in the fun department.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 31, 2008 at 3:42 PM
Wiz-fusion,
Thanks
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time December 31, 2008 at 8:19 PM
Hi everybody — I couldn’t watch the game last night, and I was a way from 5am this morning to an hour ago, so I didn’t even know whether we won or lost til now.
Etan played 16 minutes; he went 3-3 from the floor and 1-1 from the line, and he had 3 rebounds. No turnovers, but 2 fouls. Still, that’s excellent production — no way he can have been the reason we lost last night.
I don’t understand the way JaVale is being used. He was in 5 minutes and had 4 rebounds and no fouls. Why was he in and why out so fast?
I read criticism of DeShawn’s play last night — but why? He seems to have played pretty well. Neither Mike nor Juan did, on the other hand.
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time December 31, 2008 at 10:11 PM
Good evening wizards_fusion and thanks for taking the time to respond to my post.
I’ll try to respond point-for-point:
1. I believe that there are enough good coaches with NBA experience available that we would not have to suffer through Tap’s learning curve. This is the NBA…only the best belong/survive here. Tap’s prior experience did not qualify him for the job. His friendship with Ernie did.
2. Even Tap, himself, stated that the Wiz stayed with the Hornets until we could no longer match baskets with them in that 4th quarter stretch. It’s tough to match scoring with someone else’s starting team when you only have one real NBA scorer on the floor. The game was lost in the middle of the 4th quarter due to very poor rotation decisions.
3. While the Triangle DOES require players to move, it is not a motion offense. It is not a scripted routine movement like the Princeton offense. The Triangle is basically a 3-on-3 (triangle) offense. It requires the players to execute the basics of professional offensive tactics (pick and roll, screen and roll, give and go, etc.). If there is nothing happening on the side where the triangle is executing, the ball is swung to the opposite side and another triangle is established. It is not that difficult to teach, nor understand. These are highly-paid professional athletes who have been playing the game since they were children. They learn quickly. However, I really don’t care if the Wiz use the Triangle offense or not. I just want them to stop standing around watching a teammate try to create some offense on his own.
Regarding the Triangle post play. Blatche is a great passer with tremendous court vision. He’d be great in the post of the triangle. More to my point, he is NOT at his best as a 20 foot jump shooter, and that is where they get him the ball most frequently. Darius, although smaller, is a most effective passer from the post. I believe that McGee could develop into a fine post player also.
4. I’m not knocking Abe Pollin. He has made an investment and has made the city better for it. However, Abe has a potential monetary return for his investment; the only return I get on my investment at the moment is being able to discuss b-ball with you and other fans. I’d really like my investment to include cheering for a team that has a chance to win.
5. For the past three years the Wiz coaching staff has been advocating better defense. This year ex-coach Jordan went so far as to say that the team spent about 80% of the pre-season working on defense. It appears as though coach Tap has the same philosophy. So be it. However, I don’t see any improvement. Our perimiter players consistently allow their man to penetrate and cause our big guys to have to watch two opponents at once…leading to fouls, and foul trouble for the bigs.
Additionally, if I wanted to watch a low-scoring defensive basketball game, I’d watch the Ivy League. The NBA is entertainment. Entertainment is putting the ball in the basket. Are there any special skills categories at the All-Star pre-game shows that emphasize defense? Have you ever seen the best defensive player in the draft chosen with the #1 pick? For that matter, has anyone ever designated a college player as the best defensive player?
The best times at the phone booth were when we were running and gunning with Gil at the trigger. Then we knew we had a chance to win.
Thanks again wizards_fusion.
Go Wiz!
Comment from neal
Time December 31, 2008 at 10:50 PM
I hear you getabigboyoffense. I don’t think any team gets to the playoffs w/o a good offense, and offense is certainly more entertaining. But I think too much importance is put on points scored, as far as winning. Points scored certainly doesn’t adequately value McGuire, Songaila or Haywood, for instance.
There are also teams with good offenses who don’t make the playoffs. Those that are really competitive in the playoffs have both, it seems to me. And we’ve had more problems defending than scoring for a long time.
Even in the Arenas/Hughes/Jamison days we depended mostly on outscoring the opposition. If any glitch happened to our offense (one of the main guys), we were in trouble.
Last year one of our main offensive weapons (Arenas)was gone for the season. I think the bigbest part of making up for it was having better defense. This year one of our main defensive weapons (Haywood) is gone for the season as well. The difference has been huge.
To be a perennial force, we need good defense IMO.
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time December 31, 2008 at 11:19 PM
Neal, I agree 100% that we will not be a serious contender until we can play better defense. In the meantime, we are relying on AJ and CB to be the leaders and neither plays solid defense. My point is, if that is where we are placing our bets, let’s, at least, give them an offense that provides an opportunity for them, and the Wiz, to succeed.
I enjoy your comments and appreciate your obvious understanding of the game. Thanks for the posts. They are fun to read.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time December 31, 2008 at 11:57 PM
It’s getting pretty obvious that there is unrest in Wizards land. The last 4 or 5 games we seem to be playing a little more team ball. This year with so many injuries and young guys/new guys team ball is the only way we can win. Actually, it’s the only way we should ever play. For years now it seems we come out one night like a house a fire and get a scrappy win… the next game we come out looking like half the team would rather be playing video games. Is that coaching? Is that the player’s heart/desire? I don’t care if the offense runs through the ball boy we need to keep that “house a fire” attitude every game! If we can achieve that mental step forward the offense and defense will take care of themselves.
Comment from neal
Time January 1, 2009 at 8:54 AM
We agree, getabigboyoffense, and thanks for the credit.
Are you guys aware that a movie is coming out in the spring about Nick Young’s life? Apparently, it wasn’t all sweetness and light.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time January 1, 2009 at 9:16 AM
I think the dialogue here, about the team and the game, is consistently at a pretty high level.
A lot of that is due to getabigboy, neal, grifonracing, malone, M2, — and you too because even though I’ve forgotten to write your name in here, I know that you are a contributor to the high level of discourse I’m referring to.
By “you” I do mean *you*, btw. Not someone else.
So I want to thank you all for this forum and the fun it allows. Happy new year to you all.
And to thank Andrew, SportsWiz, too — a Happy new year to you as well.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time January 1, 2009 at 9:26 AM
On Offense/defense: the key team statistic is *differential*. From that number everything flows. How many more/less points does one team score than its opponents over a season.
From differential, you can predict *very closely* how a team did in the season and the playoffs. For example, last year the Celtics had the highest positive differential of any team in the league.
It is from this starting point that we analyze how good a player is. We determine what that player did to produce positive differential for his team. Once we know that, we can divide by games and minutes to find out how “good” a player is. Note that we find out how good he is from what he accomplishes concretely. Not the reverse.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time January 1, 2009 at 9:34 AM
The difference is value — and even in definition — between defense and offense can be hard to know in a game as free-flowing as basketball (i.e. it’s obviously easier in football or baseball).
For example, take rebounding — a “defensive” rebound and an “offensive” rebound accomplish exactly the same thing. They give a team the ball and a new 24 second clock. But, not only common sense, analysis of the numbers too says that they have exactly the same value. Yet, we tend to value an offensive rebound more intuitively. It seems like the gift of an “extra” possession.
It’s easier to see that a steal is (good) defense and a turnover is (bad) offense. Yet, couldn’t you think of a steal as offense? So often it leads directly to a breakaway bucket.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time January 1, 2009 at 9:58 AM
A turnover, too, even though it happens on offense, could as easily be thought of as a defensive flaw. It so often creates an undefendable opportunity for your opponent.
Of course, poor execution of a defensive scheme is another matter. As are failures in man-to-man defense. But, sometimes *excellent* offensive execution can make defensive execution appear to have been poor. It’s not always Nick in the wrong place on the court, or Antawn unable to contain a much bigger opponent.
The key fact is that if you analyze the numbers we actually have, and give them their proper value, you can explain overall differentiation to about 95%. You can understand how good a team is, and you can tell how much a given player is contributing to success or failure.
Obviously, a FG or FT attempt *costs* the team something. Obviously, a point *gains* the team something. A steal gains something, and a turnover costs something (those two, obviously, cancel each other out). A foul costs the team something, a block or an assist gain something.
Only one “number” really matters, obviously — the score at the end of the game. But, it’s those things above that *directly produce* that number. Understanding how “good” a player is requires only that you understand how he contributes to those things — how much what he does *costs* the team, and how much it *gains* the team.
Comment from neal
Time January 1, 2009 at 10:47 AM
I agree, Tom, about the level of discourse. Of course, you should be included as one of the biggest contributors. You’re analitical take on things is way above most of us and very useful.
What impresses me most is the continued enthusiasm of us bloggers in spite of a woeful record.
I trust this site has been as much fun for the rest of you as it has been for me.
Happy new year everyone. May this year bring whatever you want and may that include more wins for the Wiz.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time January 1, 2009 at 2:06 PM
Tom and Getabig,
Maybe the wiz can put you on some type of Post-game show or something….but as hard as getabig goes, it would have to be on cable
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time January 1, 2009 at 3:36 PM
Hmmmm, I wrote some very long analysis at the end of the last post. I’ll copy it all in here:
On Offense/defense: the key team statistic is *differential*. From that number everything flows. How many more/less points does one team score than its opponents over a season.
From differential, you can predict *very closely* how a team did in the season and the playoffs. For example, last year the Celtics had the highest positive differential of any team in the league.
It is from this starting point that we analyze how good a player is. We determine what that player did to produce positive differential for his team. Once we know that, we can divide by games and minutes to find out how “good” a player is. Note that we find out how good he is from what he accomplishes concretely. Not the reverse.
*
The difference in value — and even in definition — between defense and offense can be hard to know in a game as free-flowing as basketball (i.e. it’s obviously easier in football or baseball).
For example, take rebounding — a “defensive” rebound and an “offensive” rebound accomplish exactly the same thing. They give a team the ball and a new 24 second clock. But, not only common sense, analysis of the numbers too says that they have exactly the same value. Yet, we tend to value an offensive rebound more intuitively. It seems like the gift of an “extra” possession.
It’s easier to see that a steal is (good) defense and a turnover is (bad) offense. Yet, couldn’t you think of a steal as offense? So often it leads directly to a breakaway bucket.
*
A turnover, too, even though it happens on offense, could as easily be thought of as a defensive flaw. It so often creates an undefendable opportunity for your opponent.
Of course, poor execution of a defensive scheme is another matter. As are failures in man-to-man defense. But, sometimes *excellent* offensive execution can make defensive execution appear to have been poor. It’s not always Nick in the wrong place on the court, or Antawn unable to contain a much bigger opponent.
The key fact is that if you analyze the numbers we actually have, and give them their proper value, you can explain overall differentiation to about 95%. You can understand how good a team is, and you can tell how much a given player is contributing to success or failure.
Obviously, a FG or FT attempt *costs* the team something. Obviously, a point *gains* the team something. A steal gains something, and a turnover costs something (those two, obviously, cancel each other out). A foul costs the team something, a block or an assist gain something.
Only one “number” really matters, obviously — the score at the end of the game. But, it’s those things above that *directly produce* that number. Understanding how “good” a player is requires only that you understand how he contributes to those things — how much what he does *costs* the team, and how much it *gains* the team.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time January 1, 2009 at 3:36 PM
Discourse… Datcourse… I can’t putt on either one of them
Happy New Year to Everyone!
special shout out to Tom and Neal. It’s been a lot of fun for quite awhile now guys! I can’t imagine there being a better blog out there in the NBA.
Dcbutler.. that is a good idea, but, for the Post-game show you have to ask Jeff first. That is his domain
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time January 1, 2009 at 6:02 PM
Maybe once a week we can get “Blog with a Wizard” for 30 minutes or an hour, that way the coaches and or players can here directly from the passionate fans on the board! SportzWiz or Dave and Glenn, is that something that maybe you can look into?
Comment from dcbutler357
Time January 2, 2009 at 12:41 PM
Thanks Grif,
How could I forget JeffM?????
We have such a great crew of bloggers…does anyone know if this has inspired other teams to jump on the “bandwagon”? Well, I’m moving to today’s blog, now. See ya on the next page
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Comment from TAG FLIP
Time December 30, 2008 at 5:11 AM
first post. yes!
well, i only saw the last 9 minutes of the rockets game, but needless to say i was very pleased with the result, i had seen how the first 3 quarters went online. our defense was very stout from start to finish, containing yao and t-mac. now we have another animal to tackle tonight in chris paul.