Gameday LA
SportzWiz Checking in… Another tough one for the Wiz last night but Utah at home has never been an easy place to play and it was good to see the team hang tough after falling behind in the first. As mentioned on the blog yesterday a nice effort out of Pech as he tied a season-high with 13 points.
The Wiz will now meet up with the Clippers which is a team that has been very tough at home but has struggled to close teams out losing to the Cavs in the final seconds as well as Indiana, but held off New Jersey for a home win as well as Boston in the last few weeks.
11:13 AM EDT Dave Johnsongetting a late start today after an early start yesterday…I knew there was something I forgot to do when we checked into the hotel here in LA about 3 AM EDT (start the BLOG)…Jazz game was not a typical blow out…even without Caron Butler the Wizards were still in the game despite missing so many close looks…outscored by 10 in first quarter…even in second quarter…outscored by 5 in the third and even in fourth….BUT points off turnovers put the game away ( we did out rebound the Jazz) …Jazz actually had more turnovers 19 to our 18 but they had 28 points off those turnovers…at one point it was a 28-8 advantage in points off turnovers….we needed better ball movement to help take advantage of those turnovers….it was something ED Tapscott pointed out as he looked at the Wizards 12 assist figure…on to the Clippers here in LA and they have players back including Baron Davis….thanks for all the great blogging last night…I know its late on the east coast and even later tonight but we appreciate it… and we appreciate our European friends….…….BLOGCAST—live radio and blogging together—starts tonight at 10:30….on the radio on ESPN 980 AM…94.3 FM in Warrenton and Northern Virginia…92.7 FM in Southern Maryland…1370 AM in Baltimore and great affiliates from Cumberland to Roanoke…..
10:04 EDT…Dave and Glenn checking in…Caron Butler will not play tonight…so Mike James, Dominic McGuire, Darius Songaila, Andray Blatche, Antawn Jamison…..Clippers will go with Baron Davis, Eric Gordon, DeAndre Jordan, Zach Randolph, Al Thornton
DAVE JOHNSON POSTGAME REPORT
Posted: March 18th, 2009 under Wizards.
Comments
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:17 AM
Now this game we have a better shot at winning — Go Wiz!!!!
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:28 AM
If you miss 56 shots, it’s a guarantee you won’t have many assists!
They missed 40 shots last night; they got 10 offensive boards, so that means they only gave up possession on 30 misses.
We missed 56 shots; we got 17 offensive boards, so that means we gave up possession on 39 misses.
In other words, even though the numbers say we outrebounded them, in fact we didn’t get any advantage out of it.
Comment from GlingGling
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:32 AM
As always Tom, great analysis.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:46 AM
tom …you are exactly right about that.. and that was my point…we did take full advantage of our chances–and some of the credit naturally goes to the Jazz but we missed some great looks…I have been in that building when we have been a full strength and struggled big time…so it was strange that we were as close as we were shootting in the 30s a good part of the night…..but as always you have the best explanation…I should have you do my taxes
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:47 AM
should have read did NOT take full advantage….I need more sleep
Comment from kayjay
Time March 18, 2009 at 12:32 PM
I just heard on ESPN 980 radio that Gil spoke with Doc Walker this morning and he told Doc that he intends to play at least 3-4 games before the end of this season.
Comment from Jaba
Time March 18, 2009 at 4:06 PM
Hello from Stuttgart! Let’s get a win tonight! DJ, unfortunatly I wasn’t able
to stay up and listen to yesterday’s game….the time difference when they go west
really kills me here in Germany. Maybe I should change my strategy and, instead of trying to stay awake all night long, go to bed early, then get up, listen and STAY up afterwards. Anyway, should I fall asleep again tonight, I’ll try doing it with my
fingers crossed! GO WIZARDS!!!
Comment from Jaba
Time March 18, 2009 at 4:17 PM
kayjay – that’ll be interesting. I’ve got mixed feelings about Gil still trying to play
this season. As much as I’d like to see him out there on the court again, why take a risk with him in the last few games when there’s not much to gain except maybe some sort of mental boost.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time March 18, 2009 at 4:43 PM
DJ — it’s very hard to beat the Jazz in their building. We did well to play a good game and not take a whupping.
Better tonight — I look for us to win this one.
Comment from Jaba
Time March 18, 2009 at 6:09 PM
Will we see more than 3 minutes of Pech tonight? It would certainly make these last games more intersting if they would give him some extra playing time.
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time March 18, 2009 at 6:41 PM
did not catch last nights game and i think it might have been a good thing tough loss… i hope we get something out of this year besides the loss after loss.. on another not i wish we would trade pech that kid can play if he could get some time on the floor i hate to see a guy so far on the bench he only gets off it when we are way down and even then he only gets like 2 mins of trash time .. as for tonight lets go get it boys thats all we can do
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 18, 2009 at 8:14 PM
ok Wizards let’s get a win
Comment from M2
Time March 18, 2009 at 8:24 PM
Tom you’re Mr. Stats (& you’re Mr. We Can Win This One Tonight)… Run stats on a teams chances of winning the 2nd game of a back to back on the road when checking into their hotel the night before the 2nd game sometime after two in the morning…
Run those stats…
My guess is that no matter who that team plays in game two, their chances aren’t great.
In any event, LET’S GO WIZ!
Compete. Let’s look to compete…
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time March 18, 2009 at 8:40 PM
Go Wiz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time March 18, 2009 at 8:50 PM
Checking in as I set my DVR… I am going to *try* to watch at least the 1st quarter…
Last night is behind us… I bet they have their eyes open & hands following through on shots 2nite….
I am expecting to see Dixon, but I am still wondering why Pech is regualted to the bench & likely will be there for most of 2nite….
We CAN do this! Get a Win Wizards!
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time March 18, 2009 at 8:52 PM
PS: If Arenas shows up in a uniform, I can only see it as a moral booster for the crowd & perhaps that he can still play…
I would much rather see him in the 09-10 season…
Dang, 2010 is right around the corner!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 9:16 PM
10:04 EDT…Dave and Glenn checking in…Caron Butler will not play tonight…so Mike James, Dominic McGuire, Darius Songaila, Andray Blatche, Antawn Jamison…..Clippers will go with Baron Davis, Eric Gordon, DeAndre Jordan, Zach Randolph, Al Thornton
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 9:30 PM
have to rebound…this team has size
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time March 18, 2009 at 9:40 PM
ok. I am going to listen for a while until I fall asleep!
Ok Wizards – let’s make this victory happen!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 9:42 PM
just said hello to Gilbert’s dad seems upbeat about Gil
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 9:42 PM
2steps away great to have you stay up …we will try to keep you awake
Comment from Jason C
Time March 18, 2009 at 9:45 PM
Whats up DJ / GC and 2steps…got work tomorrow but going to try to watch this one.
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time March 18, 2009 at 9:46 PM
*yeah for Gilbert’s dad* – Good to hear that dad is in good spirits for Gil!!
& I will try to make it until 11pm! Think we can score 50 by then? 
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 9:46 PM
hey jason c welcome aboard….this clippers team on paper sure seems better than their record but they have had injuries
Comment from Jason C
Time March 18, 2009 at 9:47 PM
Man, these clipper announcers tell it like it is…i feel bad for their franchise just listening to them.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 9:50 PM
able to get us online by clicking washington?
Comment from Jason C
Time March 18, 2009 at 9:50 PM
yes…i’m trying to synchronize you guys with the video.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 9:52 PM
mcguire great hustle great steal
Comment from Jason C
Time March 18, 2009 at 9:53 PM
wow never seen blatche use the glass before.
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time March 18, 2009 at 9:55 PM
ok – so we see they are going to double team Jamison… we know what we have to do – the rest of team needs to be ready & able to shoot
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 9:57 PM
blatche jumper going
Comment from Jason C
Time March 18, 2009 at 9:57 PM
he still needs to drive it if he can.
Comment from Jason C
Time March 18, 2009 at 9:58 PM
ok thats not what i meant.
Comment from Jason C
Time March 18, 2009 at 9:59 PM
nice…mcgee.
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time March 18, 2009 at 9:59 PM
whats up with AB he is trying way too hard and its not helping when he gets into foul trouble quick
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:00 PM
McGee – he just needs more playing time… He is going to be something fierce for the WIZARDS
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:01 PM
what a dunk by mcgee and assist
Comment from Jason C
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:02 PM
Although i would attribute his alley oop more to the clipper d.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:02 PM
5 assist on 8 made field goals
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:05 PM
James has exceeded his point total from last night…
I knew that we would not have a repeat of last night’s insanity!
Comment from Jason C
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:06 PM
I love that we’re not taking contested jump shots. Like we have been all season.
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:06 PM
D.Song and McGee being the big 2 out there.. jamison the only one not to score yet
Comment from Jason C
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:07 PM
thats good, twan’s not forcing as much tonight.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:08 PM
wizards4life welcome
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:08 PM
4 steals alreadt for wizards
Comment from Jason C
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:10 PM
Ok Glenn everyones looking like guards tonight. Next is pech.
Comment from SportzWiz
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:10 PM
tawn’s doin a nice job of making LA pay for loading up
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:11 PM
Sounds like after last night, we knew that we had to start strong! I hope we maintain it!
Young, Mcgee, Jamison, James, Crit… UHM… interesting!
Comment from Jason C
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:12 PM
I think James should come out now.
Comment from Jason C
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:14 PM
Like the energy…not so much the 3 pt defense.
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:14 PM
novak needs to be over played i think i like the line up tho
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:14 PM
aiight. my eyes are starting to cross. Have a great night everyone & cheer the Wizards to victory!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:15 PM
we will try to bring it home 2steps
Comment from Jason C
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:15 PM
nite 2
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:16 PM
10 asists …only 12 all of last night
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:18 PM
sonagaila leading scorer
Comment from Jason C
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:19 PM
I think Mcgee deserves more playing time tonight.
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:20 PM
JC i think he should have been getting it for some time now
Comment from Jason C
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:20 PM
Dom should be throwing those.
Comment from Jason C
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:21 PM
I know wiz4life, I totally agree.
Comment from Jason C
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:22 PM
We are not that boring are we DJ?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:22 PM
14 asist on21 field goals
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Darius is in foul trouble but play so hard.. but i think AB would make this a sweet line up as well
Comment from Jason C
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:23 PM
I want to see a lineup of mcgee, pech, blatche, dom, and critt…just for fun.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:24 PM
30 points in paint
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:25 PM
lol JC 3 7′ guys would be something to watch i am sure
Comment from Jason C
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:26 PM
amazing how much better darius plays when he’s NOT THE CENTER.
Comment from Jason C
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:28 PM
yeah 70% shooting…coincidence? Haha.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:28 PM
jamison 4 asists
Comment from Jason C
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:29 PM
Well Glenn we are playing the clippers.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:31 PM
yes indded clippers are not a good defensive team but we are executing well and running the floor well…..
Comment from Jason C
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:33 PM
I know I’m just trying dig out some negatives. haha. 
Force of habit from this season.
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:33 PM
hey a win is a win any team can beat you any day
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:36 PM
ok AJ you got fouled and there was no call wait till the game is stoped b4 you yell at the refs
Comment from Jason C
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:37 PM
Hmm I think we need our young guys in again.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:38 PM
yes not portecting paint..,and now baron davis has 8 asists
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:41 PM
nice response
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:42 PM
Juan getting some much needed playing time.. would love to see some D# sometime tonight
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:42 PM
nice pout back mcgee 13 points
Comment from Jason C
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:42 PM
amazing what tall people can do for you.
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:46 PM
good first half im going to find some food ill be back
Comment from tyrone20000
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:53 PM
I hope he gives Pech some significant minutes this game and the rest of the year…
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:54 PM
Looked like the Clippers were going through the motions looking for the ping pong balls in the first quarter.
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:57 PM
AJ played a very nice 1st half. His passing was exceptional.
Really wish that Blatche would learn how to restrain himself on defense. He gets too many really dumb fouls on reach-ins trying to prevent the layup as the opposition blows past our guards.
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:58 PM
An 1st half Pech sighting is amazing. Come on Pech, repeat the way you played last night.
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:01 PM
Every game I become more and more convinced that Critt is a back-up point guard, at best. Point guards are supposed to control the game. He is the most out-of-control player out there. I ‘m afraid that Tap might be doubling as the point guard coach.
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:02 PM
i know its the clips but still i think we are playing a good game of team basketball you cant say one guy did most of anything witch is always good
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:03 PM
key will be ondefense and who can disrupot the tohers guards
Comment from tyrone20000
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:03 PM
Blatche is slow…that is why he fouls…
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:03 PM
might have to out mcguire on baron davis
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:04 PM
good point DJ but what about novak he is doing his fair share on killing us
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:05 PM
welcome tyrone 200
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:07 PM
yes the 3pt shooting ..we have to get out to those shooters quicker….novak has been an incredible spark
Comment from tyrone20000
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:07 PM
thanks, I blog whenever I can
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:09 PM
wow love the extra pass still getting killed by the 3 ball
Comment from tyrone20000
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:10 PM
It gets to me when Blatche starts cause I think he is a garbage time player…people see him make a play and say wow, but even the worst of the best players in the world will make a play or two…
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:12 PM
man if there was no 3 point shot we would be the first place team in the NBA
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:12 PM
novak quick release
Comment from tyrone20000
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:13 PM
I agree Wizard4Life, but “IF”…
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:16 PM
i think Dom might have did a LBJ crab move
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:17 PM
Dray has to get on his man because he keeps getting small guys under the basket
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:18 PM
have to contain the ball…stop this dribble oenetration
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:25 PM
well looks like the boats got some holes in it
Comment from Jason C
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:28 PM
eh we always come out 3rd quarter flat.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:30 PM
yeah funny flatb quarter we scored 29 but gave up 37
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:31 PM
we should have blown them out by now its getting old to watch leads just fly away now there starting to drive the ball on us with ease
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:32 PM
novak 6 of 9 from three
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:33 PM
baron davis 17 assits
Comment from Jason C
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:33 PM
we are making novak look like bird.
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:35 PM
lol i dont think anyone wants to look like Bird but shoot like him you might be ok
Comment from Jason C
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:36 PM
yeah u got it. looks like the back-to-back is starting to catch up with us.
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:39 PM
we need to change it up now get some points and play some D#
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:39 PM
wow he mjssed one
Comment from tyrone20000
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:40 PM
mistake to take Songalia out…iguess its because Blatche made a jumper…
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:41 PM
he missed the whole goal that should count as -4 lol
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:41 PM
jamison 19 points 7 reb 7 assits
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:45 PM
now baron is back in
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:46 PM
starting to let it go down low need to take note of that
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:48 PM
by the way dixon out with strained achilless
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:50 PM
yeah i head that Juan just started to get some time too.. looks like we need to lock in on D and pray because its going to be close if we do pull it out
Comment from tyrone20000
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:50 PM
hope they find a way to keep Dixon next yr
Comment from Jason C
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:50 PM
slippin away here.
Comment from tyrone20000
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:54 PM
is Blake Griffin that good?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:54 PM
davis 18 assits
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:55 PM
not going to pull this out we should have locked this game up along time ago
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:55 PM
slipped away
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 18, 2009 at 11:57 PM
301-230-0980 post game thanks for blogging
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time March 19, 2009 at 12:01 AM
Just can’t wait for a real coaching staff for this group. There is a lot of raw talent that just needs some instruction. There’s no way a coach with NO PROFESSIONAL COACHING EXPEREIENCE is going to provide that. Tap would get out-coached by a pre-school team coach. I give up mentioning all the things that he does wrong that prevent the Wiz from winning.
This is/was the most disgusting season in the history of the franchise. I know that if Abe were well, he would have booted Ernie and the entire coaching staff (save the golden boy’s son) by now.
Comment from tyrone20000
Time March 19, 2009 at 12:01 AM
Wizards are good as long as the pressure is low…young team that will be better in sub role instead of starting
Comment from Jason C
Time March 19, 2009 at 12:10 AM
I find it funny that in crunch time the Clippers were consistently giving the ball to randolph…I swear they were trying to lose the game after they got a lead. Even their announcers were like…”what are they doing?”
Comment from ChenierFan
Time March 19, 2009 at 12:14 AM
Javaris had the point during the 4th qtr and the Wiz became impotent on the offensive end. The guy’s stock is dropping faster than AIG. He’s got ~10 games to turn things around before Gil gives it a go. Otherwise he will be rooming with Donell Taylor over in Greece next year.
Once again, it would be possible to avoid the scoring droughts if you played your big guys close to the hoop. With Andray vacating the paint when Jamison has the ball there is no offensive rebounding. I just don’t get it.
I also don’t get the trapping scheme that led an open shot each time.
So the Wiz got outscored by 23 in the second half to the Clips. That is not good at all.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time March 19, 2009 at 12:31 AM
I didn’t see the game but it looks like Dominic and JaVale played very well. I was thrilled to see after Mr. Pecherov’s performance last night he got a whopping 43 seconds of playing time. Can you do anything worse than firing a coaching staff under the collective bargaining agreement? A wall with lots of guns in front of it comes to mind LOL. This is getting so bad I want Wes Sr back. Antawn… that poor guy… has got to be dragging butt. EVERY single night he gets played 40 minutes. Ridiculous! We have 16 wins coach (and I use the term very lightly). Develop the players in the short time we all hope you have left.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time March 19, 2009 at 12:42 AM
If we can find a way to afford Blake Griffen we need to spike our ping pong balls with metal filings to cling better to the lottery machiene’s magnet ROFL
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time March 19, 2009 at 7:09 AM
Well, we made them look like a bunch of all stars — esp. Thornton, Kaman and Novak.
Back to backs on the road, and we just ran out of gas in the 2d half I guess.
Man, I’m *tired* of this season — and I’m sorry to say I don’t have high hopes for next season either. 
Nick shot well. Of course, we went down by 31 points while he was in the game…
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Comment from aznzero
Time March 18, 2009 at 10:05 AM
Lets Go Wiz!!!!!