Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:20 AM

Nuggets in the booth tonight.

BIG thumbs up for ‘Dray.

Go Wiz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:24 AM

What he said!

And lets see JaVale keep it going too (and maybe play some competent man-to-man defense? )

I’m assuming we’ll have Thornton in uniform tonight as well — definitely a lot to watch!

If we get good guard play (hard to predict), we can beat these guys. We’re at home, and they’re playing 2d of a back-to-back. Get them!

Comment from ericw
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:39 AM

Did you seeeeee the highlights from last night’s game?

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:44 AM

Looks like Mike James is going to buy out his contract.

So once again we only got Randy and Earl at PG? Man we really need a young pointguard. Would be the perfect time to give him playing time, win or loss…. (too bad, Mr. Crittenton)

Comment from neal
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:23 AM

I agree with you completely, gabbo, on McGee and his attempts to guard Jefferson. I’m a little clearer on why Saunders hasn’t played him much. He’s got to play to improve, however.

Just a minute on the McGuire deal. We can’t trade him for a pick and cash. We have to take back a player with comparable salary, according to the collective bargaining agreement. No wonder there’s been no official announcement. It ain’t real.

I also wonder what’s up with James. He must be well by now. What was his injury?

Comment from neal
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:28 AM

Thornton’s stats look terrific for a young player. Someone enlighten me on why he’s considered a “problem”.

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:33 AM

“the Wizards dealt Dominic McGuire and $300,000 to the Sacramento Kings for a 2010 protected second-round pick”

It looks like the cash received last year from the Celtics as a result of the Bill Walker trade did indeed help the Wiz go below the luxury tax. Dom made 825K this season – so, after all the major dealing, the Wiz were still about 1 million over.

With this new revelation, I wonder if another player besides Dom would have been better. Maybe the Kings didn’t want anyone else besides McGuire.

Oh well, just like the rest of the guys that left, there’s no time to look back – only time to look forward.

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:39 AM

Since Melo was drafted, he’s never had a bad game at Verizon Center. He uses the DC area like his homecoming party and he lights up the scoring in bunches.

In addition, security is always high when Melo shows up. Everyone will get the “wand” treatment.

With the Nugs win last night in Cleveland, they are probably on a high right now. Wiz needs to be prepared to weather the storm. Unlike the TWolves, the Nugs will embarrass you if you lie down (see playoff series against Hornets last post-season).

Comment from HardCoreFan
Time February 19, 2010 at 11:21 AM

Neal,

McGuire is no longer listed on the team roster so the trade is real.

Comment from HardCoreFan
Time February 19, 2010 at 11:33 AM

TO WIZARDS4LIFE: As promised, this is what I read yesterday regarding Jamison asking to be traded:

“After Grunfeld dealt Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood and DeShawn Stevenson to Dallas, expediting the rebuilding process, Jamison knew a championship definitely wasn’t going to happen before his contract ended in two years. So, the consummate professional finally did what he hoped he wouldn’t have to: He made an impassioned plea for a trade.

“That’s one thing I respect about Ernie. I told him, ‘It’ll be tough for me to be part of a rebuilding stage.’ My window of opportunity is not a wide-open window. I wanted to take advantage of it,” said Jamison, who has $28 million left on his contract after this season. “I appreciate them for putting me in a winning situation because they could not have done that.” ”

(from the Washinton Post)

Comment from dmac
Time February 19, 2010 at 11:36 AM

First of all Al Thornton is a keeper. Give him about 5 to 10 games. Second, I have already forgiven Gilbert. If they want to bring him back it is fine with me. People who can’t forgive are people who live miserable lives. Just like Tiger he is human and has made some mistakes in life . We all have. What happen to second and third chances.
I like this rebuilding group. I also would rather keep Gill than buy him out.
If GS want to send us Monta Ellis fine. If not I would see if I can get someone like Bosh in here with Gil.
Look we r rebuilding. this should fun. Class act by the Wiz organization to Caro, Brendan, DS, AJ and DMAC to better opportunities. Now let’s win tonight.

Comment from dmac
Time February 19, 2010 at 11:38 AM

Typos I was rushing. Forgive me.

Comment from maggicman11
Time February 19, 2010 at 1:14 PM

well it looks like Blatche is our new “star” by default and most of the scoring is going to have to come thru him. and as crazy it this sound i believe we will end up with a higher ppg average as a team for the last part of this season than we had for the begining. we now have a younger scrappier team that will get up and down the floor, like the 76ers. we dont have anyone good enough to take over the game so now will HAVE to be a team effort. no more caron and twaan to pass the ball to watch what happens hoping haywood will get an offensive rebound if they miss the shot. i think foye, howard, thorton, blatche, and miller will all average between 10 and 16 points the rest of the season.

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time February 19, 2010 at 1:17 PM

Those Jamison comments are nothing new though.

Jamison did say that if the Wiz aren’t doing anything to contend, there is no reason he should be here. This was mentioned during the 19-win yester-season.

“Wanting to be in DC” and “having to be in DC” are 2 different things.

Comment from Babakism
Time February 19, 2010 at 1:43 PM

Lets go out there tonight and SHOCK THE WORLD!!!!!!!!! Hey, anything is possible lol

Javale did put up a good statline but he also got abused in the post by jefferson. However it wasn’t like mcgee had bad position or couldn’t stay in front of jefferson and was giving up uncontested layups and dunks and jumping on pumpfakes. Jefferson was going right over top of him and using his wide body to create just enough space to get his shot off over mcgee. It’s almost like putting a hand in Dirk’s face when he is shooting a fadeaway. In the future perhaps mcgee will develop some Ben Wallace timing so he can block some of those shots.

We need consistancy from blatche. Anything less than 20 and 10 from him tonight will be a disappointment.

Hey Tom, I know you say Thortons ppg is irrelavant because even losing teams score points, but didn’t Nick Young get to start for a losing team last year and he didn’t average almost 17 points a game like Thorton did…………..doesn’t that put his progress ahead of youngs???

I’m so sick of all you people wanting Jamison to get his Championship in Cleveland. I want Jamison to play well in Cleveland but I can not, will not, and never will wish for Jamison to win a championship as long as he is on Cleveland. How could you people forget about all the crab dribbles, traveling on the baseline to win games, lebrons drives where no one touches him and he gets to shoot free throws, the Darius Songalia suspension and so on and so forth. Just cause we are trading away our team doesn’t mean we have to trade away our pride too.

David Aldrige said that If Baron Davis is unhappy with the team the clippers have assembled this offseason that he wouldn’t be surprised if they traded for Gil.

I think Ernie is just trying to make it look like we don’t want to void Gils contract or trade him because its the politically correct thing to do.

Comment from Babakism
Time February 19, 2010 at 1:46 PM

BTW I think I already posted this but just in case I didn’t………….. The Wizards rag tag team will = or achieve a greater winning percentage than the team prior to all star break for the remainder of the season……..

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time February 19, 2010 at 1:50 PM

Folks:

The most intriguing story tonight is Josh Howard getting to wear his #5 jersey back after Dom was shipped to Sacramento.

Comment from maggicman11
Time February 19, 2010 at 2:07 PM

@wizards_fusion thats a relief becaus ei couldnt stand looking at that #55 jersey! this isnt football!

also, i like mcgee’s potential more than i like anything else about him. but he look scared out there on defense unless he can go for a block and he looks TERRIFIED when a shot goes up and its time to get a rebound. ive NEVER seen him fight for a position to get a rebound. that is his biggest weakness. yeah he has a small frame but so do a lot of players. when KG came into the league he probably even smaller than mcgee. and dont let me get started on k durant. if u fight hard for a position you can get rebounds. especialy with his hops and length

Comment from onebigfan
Time February 19, 2010 at 2:36 PM

I don’t care who they bring in. This team will always be rebuilding every few years, until the fans at the game start showing that they care if this team win or loose. The lack of energy from the fans, at the games at home could cause a lot of the so called star players to struggle, if any of them was to play for this team. Big Tigger will always get a D, if I was to grade him as DJ at The verizon Center with tunes like,” if u r happy and u know it clap your hands.”

Comment from dmac
Time February 19, 2010 at 2:40 PM

Tonight’s game will be a good test for us. Especially with Javale in the middle going up against Nene and the Birdman. AB and Kenyon will be a good matchup with Singleton able to come off and help both Andray and Mike who has Melo. Of course with Josh in the mix alongwith Quentin I don’t think we will be embarrassed.

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time February 19, 2010 at 2:42 PM

@ SportzWiz:

Why isn’t what onebigfan’s comments a form a trolling?

onebigfan has said the same thing over and over and over and over again.

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time February 19, 2010 at 2:48 PM

Some rumors and maybe truths:

1) Mike James will be bought out. He’ll most likely join the Bobcats (gee – a rival team in the division).

2) Z will be bought out but no talks have initiated. The longer this waits, the less time he has to rejoin the Cavs because of the 30-day rule.

3) I’m guessing the Starting Lineup will still be

Foye
Young
Miller
Blatche
McGee

Since Nick struggled again, maybe Josh Howard will start at the 3 and move Miller to the 2 (or vice versa).

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time February 19, 2010 at 2:53 PM

oops, accidentally clicked submit prematurely

4) Josh Howard is not in the Wizards’ future plans. If I were you, I wouldn’t get attached.

Comment from M2
Time February 19, 2010 at 3:19 PM

Ahhhh man… I was just about to break out my old Juwan Howard jersey (Howard #5, relevant again)…

Sarcastically of course!
But I do own the jersey (player issue & everything)…

Comment from M2
Time February 19, 2010 at 3:21 PM

Sorry about Dom, Tom!

Comment from M2
Time February 19, 2010 at 3:22 PM

& as most of you know (getabig & the rest of the old crew), I’m anti WoW as well….
If for some reason someone on here is keeping score?

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 19, 2010 at 3:51 PM

neal — Thornton’s stats look terrific? They look terrible. He takes a lot of shots. That’s what he does. Everything else is well below average for an NBA forward. Nor is he an efficient shooter, for that matter. Not terrible, but not good either.

Realize, NBA games are *close* compared to other sports. It’s not like football. The best team in the league tends to score about 10 points more per game than its opponents.

That means what look like small differences in players’ stats actually are big differences in their contribution to winning games — or losing them.

On average, the Lakers score @ 9% more points than the team they face. That means that if Kobe gets 30 some average night, a guy on the losing team might well get 27. There are lots of ways to score 27 points and cause your team to lose. But if you score, then no matter what you will be a good player to most fans.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 19, 2010 at 3:54 PM

M2 — thanks, but I agreed w/ the trade even though I like Dom. It probably gained us $4m, and he was unrestricted anyway.

W_F — I agree that JH is unlikely to be a Wizard next season.

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 4:00 PM

So many things to consider this off-season. All these expiring contracts and wondering about who to keep. The situation with gil… The big names in the FA. Hmm.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 19, 2010 at 4:06 PM

Ok, let me make the WoW point in a way that will convince every one of you who read this blog. Please consider the following:

1. In any NBA game, both teams have the same number of possessions. With a possession, your team either scores, turns the ball over, misses a shot and loses the possession by giving up a rebound to the opponent, or misses a shot and *keeps* possession via an offensive rebound (and then does one of the other things eventually). After this happens, your possession is over — the other team gets a possession of the ball. Ok — it’s possible for a team to have *one more* possession than its opponent (if the team that had the first possession also has the final possession).

Everyone clear on that?

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 19, 2010 at 4:10 PM

So what makes one team and the other one lose? Obviously, scoring more points in the same number of possessions! In other words, efficiency.

Over a season, what would be a good measure of that efficiency? Well, one measure would be wins and losses. Duh. And it’s the only one that counts. But another measure, an *analytic* measure, might be points per possession — or to make it easier, lets say points per 100 possessions.

You’d expect the best teams to score more points per 100 possessions than teams not as good as they. And you’d be right. If you list team efficiency in the NBA by points per 100 possessions, the list is about the same as if you listed by wins and losses.

Everyone with me so far?

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 4:13 PM

WOW Miller is 2 3 pointers made without a miss to tie the NBA all time record….

Comment from wtop
Time February 19, 2010 at 4:15 PM

Dave I am the one you said Happy Birthday to this morning tell the Wizards I would love a victory to make my birthday even better since I will be at Verizon tonight sitting in the box seats

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 19, 2010 at 4:15 PM

Ok. Now, what is it that *causes* that all-important efficient use of possessions?

3. Go back to point 1, above: scoring on the possession is good (increases your efficiency); turning it over (or fouling, wch is the equivalent) is bad (lowers efficiency); missing a shot and not getting the rebound is bad. Etc.

This is all obvious, right — nothing to argue with?

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 4:20 PM

Wow I wonder who is going to play today…

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 19, 2010 at 4:20 PM

But the game wasn’t played by a machine, it was played by the players on each team. Obviously, therefore, a guy plays better in that game if he contributes *more* to efficiency as described above, and he plays worse if he contributes less to efficiency. The more he contributes, the more likely his team wins. The less he contributes the less likely. That’s in one game. Hence…

4. Over time, how well a player does the things that contribute to efficiency, and how well he *avoids* the things that take away from efficiency, add up to how good a player he is.

Everyone sees that? How could that not be true?

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 19, 2010 at 4:26 PM

All WoW does is measure those things, the things that contribute to efficient possessions, for a player and report the results.

Since we *know* that those things are what causes efficiency, and that being more efficient with the same number of possessions as your opponent equals winning the game, that measure tells us how good a player is.

Now, we only have to agree if by good we mean how much he contributes to winning games, not whether he can head butt the rim (like Joe Alexander who looks like he will be out of the league after 2 seasons despite being taken 8th in the draft) or even whether he looks good playing the game.

Not how talented, in other words, just how good.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time February 19, 2010 at 4:27 PM

Tom let me first off say welcome back. Let me second off say I’m going to stay out of this conversation because I know we won’ t see eye to eye on it .

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 19, 2010 at 4:29 PM

So… what exactly is there to disagree about, or for that matter to “believe” in, when talking about WoW? We know what makes possessions efficient; no disagreement about that. And so forth…

Oh, WoW does do one other thing. Because you can’t have 5 Centers playing the game, WoW uses some statistical mojo to adjust WP48 for the position you play. It does that using the average performance levels of guys at each position in the league in some clever mathematical way so that an average guy at any position can be compared to an average guy at another position. How? I have no idea.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 19, 2010 at 4:33 PM

Sportswiz — so you don’t think that teams playing each other have the same number of possessions? Sure you do. Or, you don’t think that the team that uses those possessions more efficiently wins the game? Sure you do: more efficiently just means scores more points.

So what exactly do you disagree with? Do you for example *not* think that turning the ball over is less efficient than scoring on a possession? I don’t think so.

So… what exactly don’t you agree with?

Comment from SportzWiz
Time February 19, 2010 at 4:36 PM

I dont agree that David Lee has lead his teams to more wins this year than Dwyane Wade…

Comment from SportzWiz
Time February 19, 2010 at 4:38 PM

i believe you can take a lot away from it, and I find it interesting but I don’t think it takes into account too many variables that are just very very hard to account for.

Comment from HardCoreFan
Time February 19, 2010 at 4:46 PM

Tom: Question – if a team gets more offensive rebounds doesn’t that team have more possessions?

Comment from gray16
Time February 19, 2010 at 6:47 PM

wow, some big talk going on, i will definitely stay out of this lol.

finally get to see the wiz in hd again, and can’t wait to see the game.

last game showed how much we can enjoy our young guys. the energy they bring and how hard they work not to just get shots but win. i had more fun watching the last game than i have since probably the first game of the season. i’m not counting on playoffs, although i don’t think it’s impossible either, but just to see the young guys go out there and play their butts off in entertaining enough for me.

Comment from neal
Time February 19, 2010 at 6:51 PM

Scuuuse me, guys, for a bit of misinformation. Normally, you can’t negotiate a buy-out after January 10th. An exception exists, however, for the last year of a player’s contract. So Ilgauskas and the Wiz CAN negotiate a buy-out.

Now, can someone explain to me how the Wiz get around the rule about traders having to take back a player making w/i 25% of the player traded?

Tom, Thornton’s FG% is 48, 3pt% is 36 and FT% is 74. That’s not “terrible”. I’m sure that’s above average.

Comment from gray16
Time February 19, 2010 at 7:09 PM

as for al thornton, he’s not a great player, mabye not even a good player lol, but he has upside. the only problem is in the 3 years his stats haven’t really improved, pretty much just stayed the same.

he reminds me a little of a young caron butler, i think mabye he just needed a change of location and a better coach/management to improve his game.

if he had stayed in la, i think his career would’ve just continued to go down the drain, but here in washington, if flip, sam, and the boys can train him and teach him game like they have been showing with andray, i think he could wind up being a great player.

but he does have a lot to improve on. i just hope while he’s improving he doesn’t mess up the ball movement like butler would.

Comment from gray16
Time February 19, 2010 at 7:27 PM

reading some clippers’ blogs, the only thing i see people complaining about with thornton is his lack of passing. they said he is a black hole at times.

although this is only one problem, it’s a big problem. the wiz showed last game when the ball moves they play well. hopefully the wiz can break al out of this habit at least a little bit.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 19, 2010 at 7:29 PM

6:25 PM EST…Dave and Glenn checking in,,,Josh Howard will start in front court with Andray Blatche….JaVale McGee center…with Mike Miller and Randy Foye in back court..

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 19, 2010 at 7:30 PM

Al Thornton will play tonight off the bench

Comment from M2
Time February 19, 2010 at 7:30 PM

HardcoreFan – Of course!
Tom WoW measures efficiency brilliantly but… Every team plays a different (more or less skilled team than the other teams playing on that given night) team on a given night. A different level of competition so to speak. Stats are affected…
Man, where do I start?
Does WoW measure traveling to Denver (the altitude) & the fact that most teams get in REAL late the night before (early AM actually), & the hotel is far from the airport etc. ? How is Wow with that? Does it include a concession?
I mean, the Nuggets are great but that home record is pretty damn good for a few other reasons as well.
That’s just one example…
Does it measure LA? Staying in Marina Del Ray, practicing at Westchester High, game across town at Staples?
Stats are stats, I’m (& a lot of us here) are talking intangibles… Things that can’t be measured.
I don’t wanna type anymore about it… I love your passion for Wow (like last year telling us all that Dom was a Top Five 2 guard) & I thinks it has it’s merits but…
I digress (again this year)!

Comment from Jaba
Time February 19, 2010 at 7:39 PM

Go Wizards!!! Go Josh Howard! I don’t care if he’ll be on the move again next season! We can have fun watching him the next 30 games!

Comment from gray16
Time February 19, 2010 at 7:41 PM

josh howard was my favorite sf back when he was healthy, so i’ll definitely enjoy him being on the team, even if for a short time

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 7:43 PM

Let’s go wizards let’s go

Comment from neal
Time February 19, 2010 at 7:44 PM

DJ-WizardsRadio, is the McGuire report true? If so, how can they trade him w/o taking back another player?

Comment from amr
Time February 19, 2010 at 7:45 PM

I can’t believe I cut Mike Miller from my fantasy team on his birthday. Please forgive me. I am afraid that someone will claim him from waivers.

I think the starting line-up for tonight is:

C McGee
PF Blatche
SF Howard
SG Miller
PG Foye

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 7:57 PM

Neal, it’s true, its on the NBA official page and Dom is officialy out of the wizards roster.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:01 PM

Hey guys. lets get a win

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:04 PM

Let’s go free’d McGee!

gametime baby!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:09 PM

Hey Dave and Glenn, here’s to a win tonight, for the new look Wizards!

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:12 PM

Is Al Thornton active?

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:12 PM

I think he is phemy.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:13 PM

Ok Blatche, lets do it big guy!

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:14 PM

welcome phemy and evryone and jeff ..you are back

Comment from JimLandfillMullinsakaJeffMalone1981
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:14 PM

Wiz win opening tip…Let’s go!

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:15 PM

Andray is our go-to guy now? heh!

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:15 PM

josh howard wearing number 5

Comment from gray16
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:15 PM

blatche has a lot of confidence right now

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:16 PM

Dave, I made a promise to you and wanted to keep it! Dont like the match up of Miller on Billups

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:16 PM

phemy you called it

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:17 PM

Glenn, how are you!! I am back, glad to be with you guys and my fellow bloggers! Hey Phemy!

Comment from jeffmalone1991
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:18 PM

My nemesis has returned

Comment from gray16
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:19 PM

blatche is going for 100 points lol

Comment from JimLandfillMullinsakaJeffMalone1981
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:19 PM

Score – 8-6 Blatche

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:19 PM

Blatche confidence is great, he is now the leader for the team for rest of the year. It is funny to see his teamates defer to him

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:19 PM

hey guys! Go Wizards 2.0! Gotta work these boards

Comment from jeffmalone1991
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:19 PM

Blatche is the man

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:20 PM

Wow… Blatche. Our go to guy.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:20 PM

Blatche is in rare form to start the game, as I said Blatche and McGee combo is a BEAST!

Comment from dubv1980
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:20 PM

Who has stolen Blatche’s jersey and has started playing for us here?

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:21 PM

moving the ball…..it os good offense

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:21 PM

hahaha BIG THUMPS UP FOR DRAY! Double team incoming!

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:21 PM

Miller has broken his streak of 11 straight threes made no chance for new record.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:22 PM

I really can see that the overall team defense is MUCH better and the TEMPO on both sides in much improved

Comment from doclinkin
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:22 PM

Alright. The Washington Blatchards are getting it done.

Love to see Blatche putting in solid effort, at this point I’m torn between hoping for a ridiculous turnaround and wanting to see positive development with some serious tanking for the high draft pick.

At the least though it’s nice to see energy out there.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:23 PM

Man look at the legnth on the floor with Howard, Blatche and McGeee

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:24 PM

AB 10-5-2 …hehe! GO WIZARDS! TEAM&EFFORT! Love the energy!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:24 PM

heat check from Blatche

Comment from doclinkin
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:24 PM

What’s nice is recognizing that old friend of the long time Bullets fan: Low expectations mean you can enjoy pleasant surprises of anything positive.

Josh Howard has all hella long arms on defense. Nice to see. Nice to see they gave him Juwans old moldy game worns…

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:24 PM

Ouch, howard picks up 2nd foul, but mcgee with 2 blocks.

Comment from gray16
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:24 PM

and people thought we were trying to rebuild…

we were just making the team better lol

Comment from jeffmalone1991
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:25 PM

Yo Dave where is my shout?!?!?!?

Comment from doclinkin
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:25 PM

Remember small ball?

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:25 PM

CHECK HIM FOR STEROIDS!

Comment from dubv1980
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:26 PM

Best quote of the new look Wizards “I guess I’m the OG around here” -Blatche

Comment from doclinkin
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:26 PM

I’m so glad to no longer be hopeless and depressed. What the hell, might as well see if we can shock the world.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:27 PM

this is fun

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:27 PM

THornton in. Even if we lose, watching wizards are fun again!

Comment from gray16
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:28 PM

al thornton will do that a lot, but usually it’s a putback jam

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:28 PM

Here we go, Al Thornton! Great hustle on the boards, great first impression!

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:28 PM

12-2 points in oaint wizards

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:28 PM

this team playing with a loy of ENERGY. great to see it

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:28 PM

Ooo, nearly highlight dunk for Mcgee.

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:29 PM

Let’s just up that AB is not too overconfident of himself and shots everything…

Comment from JimLandfillMullinsakaJeffMalone1981
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:29 PM

Wizards are going to the NBA FINALS!

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:30 PM

AB, need to take it to the hoop!

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:30 PM

so far be a awsome game the young guys are playing so hard you can’t realy blow them out or get a deep lead on them AB is like a All-Star for the past 2 games i don’t think you could ask for more

Comment from doclinkin
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:30 PM

Love that Blatche has 7 boards already.

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:31 PM

Mike Miller leading the league in 3pt shooting % with 57%, second place is shooting 10% fewer than him! Wow! Shooooot iiiitttt ;>

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:31 PM

lets maintain the lead!

Comment from Jaba
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:31 PM

Guys, please keep blogging about everything that’s happening! I’m sitting here with my Iphone and the blog is my only source of information right now!

Comment from gray16
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:32 PM

i didn’t see a travel there but mabye that was just me

carmelo is annoying lol, unstoppable is probably the better word though

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:32 PM

Alright, need more strong moves towards the hoop!

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:33 PM

Glenn here: hey Jeff, what up< New look Wiz, the new guys really defend and play with alot of energy, playing with a purpose!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:33 PM

@jaba-amazing energy and effort to start the game, AB has been off the charts

Comment from JimLandfillMullinsakaJeffMalone1981
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:34 PM

Come on Blatche, keep it going.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:34 PM

My buddy Glenn!! Yes much to catch up on the post game

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:35 PM

good shot by nick 24-21 wiz

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:35 PM

Foye, cant do that alright…

Comment from gray16
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:36 PM

nick young hitting his first two shots

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:36 PM

Nick young is hott so far off the bench

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:37 PM

We got a Nickname for Blatche yet?

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:37 PM

Slick Nick, Mike Money, and Andray..?

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:38 PM

Dray needs to get a black mouth gard that clear looks funny when he smiles

Comment from Jaba
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:38 PM

Go Wiz!!! What’s the score?

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:40 PM

Hey Jaba, espn got a great mobile-webpage with play-by-play, might wanna check it out with your iphone!

28 – 23 wiz

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:40 PM

28-25 wizards at the end of the first

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:40 PM

real like energy level of new guys

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:40 PM

28-25. We are playing hard, just need to keep up our defense because Nuggets are a great offensive team. KEEP IT UP!

Comment from doclinkin
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:41 PM

Blatche was always Bulletproof to me, but never earned the name. Then this summer he became 7-Day Dray, but was sorta sometimey. Now?

Hmmn. I’ll have to work on it. Revelation Dray? I was starting to think we’d see Dray live up to his potential when hell freezes over. Then, um, 40 inches of snow fell on DC….

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:41 PM

Jamison missed his first 5 shots :/

Great Q, let’s hope we can keep up the energy and tighten up on the defensive side!

Comment from gray16
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:41 PM

man if this team had a good distributive pg… wow

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:42 PM

we are more athletiic

Comment from doclinkin
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:43 PM

Alright gents, long time no chat, but I’m leaving work now, going home to see the youngsters play. I like the energy anyway, tough to game plan against that length and hustle

Comment from Jaba
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:44 PM

Phemy! Thanks! Will check that out right away!

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:45 PM

mcgee needs to stop shooting that.

Comment from gray16
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:46 PM

the ball movement has disappeared

ironically it has seemed to do so since earl has entered the game

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:47 PM

Josh Howard playing great so far! Great shot selection!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:48 PM

c’mon second unit……..

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:48 PM

bah weak calls by the ref.

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:49 PM

(Antawn Jamison missed the first 7 shots so far)

Comment from Jaba
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:49 PM

Yessss my man Josh!!!!!

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:49 PM

Need better passing to the inside,

Comment from JimLandfillMullinsakaJeffMalone1981
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:50 PM

great broadcast

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:50 PM

Ouch @ AJ so far. Hope cav fans dont start bashing him…

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:52 PM

Thanks for the shout out ;>

McGee has to improve his shot selection… otherwise, he’s doing quite well

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:53 PM

More weak calls. BLAH BLAH BLAH

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:53 PM

JAVALE argh, don’t force it like that :/

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:54 PM

Yeah we needed that timeout.

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:54 PM

But oh man he really needs to develop his offense.

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:54 PM

I think it’s time for Blatche to come back.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:55 PM

hey thanks for the nice comments we really appreciate it

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:56 PM

McGee has got to get better on D# and O# he is young and if he gets it now he will be a Great player

Comment from gray16
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:56 PM

earl has to give andray a pass out of that double, he ran away from him, can’t do that

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:57 PM

here yo go datonypony, your welcome
GO AB!

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:58 PM

wow already got teams going two deep at AB in the post and he kills them from deep that my new CB3

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:58 PM

look out anthony martin and billups back in

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:59 PM

Come on wiz, defence and ball movement.

Comment from gray16
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:00 PM

wow these calls on melo are getting rediculous

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:00 PM

OH DAMN THESE WEAK CALLS. I hate nba refs…

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:01 PM

2 fouls on AB, we really can’t allow him to get in foul trouble. We REALLY need him!

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:01 PM

man your not going to get the calls with a “rebliding team” but we know what the deal is

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:01 PM

and yeah, really wierd calls here…come on!

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:02 PM

…… These calls are absolutely ridiculous.

Comment from gray16
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:02 PM

talent + referee favoritism will get players a long way

Comment from gray16
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:03 PM

oh my mcgee crazy shot

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:03 PM

woooooow he is so tall that he got hit and still had the hight to drop it in

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:03 PM

what a drive by mcgee

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:03 PM

WOW! MCGEE NICe MOVE

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:03 PM

wow great defence, very nice!

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:05 PM

Not liking these travel calls….

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:05 PM

i agree Gary but AB and McGee will be that good one day and will get call just like that just give it time

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:06 PM

Blatche shouldnt have gone for that shot but nevertheless…. Need to keep playing good offense!

Comment from JimLandfillMullinsakaJeffMalone1981
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:06 PM

Can I get a shout out Dave? Go WIZZZZZ!

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:06 PM

Need to watch out for billups + Anthony.

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:06 PM

well got to get Another player”s” moving so he has people to pass back out to

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:07 PM

Alright, GO Antawn, Go Caron, and especially GO WIZARDS!

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:08 PM

Need to stop those penetrations

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:09 PM

Ouch, big lead now. Come on guys.

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:09 PM

(Jamison Update: 0 of 11. oh boy..but caron scored the first bucket. Wow now I gotta watch 3 games at once^^)

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:10 PM

good hustle by thronton

Comment from gray16
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:10 PM

al thornton working hard

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:11 PM

McGee still forcing his shot, and shooting way to quickly. Meh..

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:11 PM

Wow, Thornton great hustle. (Ouch thats too bad for Jamison).

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:11 PM

oh i guess my steam is delayed ;>

Comment from gray16
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:12 PM

the calls are getting out of hand

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:13 PM

hey Dave Glenn if you get a chance tell george karl that we are all Praying for him..

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:13 PM

…. Mcgee got mugged no call, Proceeds to call a goal tend. Randy foye gets mugged, no call. I hate this….

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:14 PM

These calls are seriously pissing me off. (AND NON-CALLS) PLAYERS DONT MAGICALLY START BLEEDING FROM THE MOUTH YOU NBA REFEREE GENIUSES.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:15 PM

what a great action packed, ebergy filled qtr for the Wizards

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:16 PM

Gotta keep working hard, we can win this.

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:17 PM

No disrespect to the guys that got traded who were very good players but i think we got better lol and that shounds so funny because we just got random contracts that will go away for cap space but were playing much better

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:18 PM

Keep fighting hard, just gotta hope that the calls will come our way…

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:21 PM

@Wizards4L-from energy and effort I agree with you

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:21 PM

Let’s go guys, really need Blatche, Howard, and everyones offense to be on. Defense needs to improve on stopping penetrations! GO for it wiz.

Comment from Mr. Know it All
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:22 PM

With this new squad the Wiz has assembled, we don’t have as much skill as the Big 3 team, but it looks like we have way more toughness & hustle!!!

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:24 PM

Jamison having a roguh time but we are too busy to think about that now.

Comment from gray16
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:25 PM

the wizards have been playing inside out more than outside in (the previous style)

9/10, the inside out game is more effective

Comment from JimLandfillMullinsakaJeffMalone1981
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:28 PM

I’m the real JeffMalone…I’m here

Comment from jeffmalone1991
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:29 PM

Dave you jacked my name up, it’s JeffMalone1991 AKA the real Jeff Malone

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:29 PM

thank you Dave and Glenn, I am the real jeffmalone1990 on the blog of course

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:30 PM

wow, JeffMalone is really represented well tonight, I guess AB must have been touched with his shooting abillity tonight

Comment from JimLandfillMullinsakaJeffMalone1981
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:30 PM

Refs are asleep

Comment from JimLandfillMullinsakaJeffMalone1981
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:31 PM

JIM LANDFILL MULLINS AKA JEFF MALONE 1981 in the BLIZOGG

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:31 PM

zzzz josh howard 4th foul.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:31 PM

gang is all around here…

when billups penetrates it is trouble

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:32 PM

Howard 4 fouls? damn…

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:32 PM

Billups is a great PG, foye struggling tonight.

Comment from JimLandfillMullinsakaJeffMalone1981
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:32 PM

JeffMalone1981 is an imposter – I’m the real JeffMalone1981

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:33 PM

Need some ball movement.

Comment from gray16
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:34 PM

i agree datony, the ball movement has disappeared

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:35 PM

Ack, 11 point deficit. Come on guys, offensive ball movement.

Comment from JimLandfillMullinsakaJeffMalone1981
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:35 PM

What is going on here Glen? Suit up…we need you out there.

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:35 PM

We need to play a more active and running game… We can outgun these guys.

Comment from Gilfanatic
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:35 PM

Hey I’m just checking in here. I’m just starting to watch the game now. How have we been doing so far?

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:36 PM

We did great the first half, got heaps of bad calls or no calls. Now, 3rd quarter, ball movement has dissapeared. We are stuggling now.

Comment from JimLandfillMullinsakaJeffMalone1981
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:37 PM

Jeff malone 1981 is an imposter.. I’m the real deal Jim Landfill Mullins aka JeffMalone1981

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:38 PM

greatr play from thronton

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:38 PM

Mcgee needed to be tkaen out :/

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:39 PM

I think we could really need Big Z tough…mhmhn.

Comment from gray16
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:39 PM

al thornton having a good debut

Comment from Gilfanatic
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:40 PM

That doesn’t sound good. I’m really interested in how this new look Wizards team will do. I hope that we can make a run for the playoffs with this squad.

And Al Thorton has impressed me so far. I like what I see.

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:42 PM

Impressed with thornton’s hustle and defense today.

Comment from Gilfanatic
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:42 PM

Al Throton’s playing pretty well out there. I like what I see.

Comment from gray16
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:42 PM

some rough play going on right now, players fighting for position

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:43 PM

Nice job Oberto. great move.

Comment from datonypony
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:46 PM

Horrible decision by nick….

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:46 PM

wizards 5 of 14 in the quarter

Comment from Gilfanatic
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:52 PM

We need to get some stops here.

We’re taking really quick shots here.

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:52 PM

boykins just getting abused by billups. oh boy…

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:57 PM

love the way the kids are playing

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:58 PM

still right three…even with the nuggets getting to the line… had bad offensive quarter against a good team

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 19, 2010 at 9:59 PM

wizards only outsocred by one in theitrd qtr even though they shot 7 of 21

Comment from gray16
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:01 PM

great start to the 4th

Comment from Gilfanatic
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:01 PM

What a move by Boykins! That’s the kind of energy we really need right now! Go Wizards!!!

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:02 PM

fourth quarte earl…singleton great block

Comment from gray16
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:05 PM

defense leading to offense

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:07 PM

getting intense

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:10 PM

HOWARD! HERE WE GO!

Comment from gray16
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:10 PM

wiz fighting hard to get the lead back

now they are going to have to hold it when billups and melo return

Comment from Gilfanatic
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:11 PM

Alright Josh Howard! I really like these new guys here… they’re really giving it all out there.

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:12 PM

wow we’re hitting everything. Gotta get a defensive stop though!

Comment from gray16
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:13 PM

what a game

this is why people always said the wizards were boring, they just went through the motions

this is the way bball is supposed to be played. hard fought!

Comment from doclinkin
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:14 PM

Okay, let’s re-sign everybody. Starting with James Singleton. I missed, you know, fun…

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:15 PM

these guys are playing lights out@!

Comment from gray16
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:16 PM

just have to contain big shot and melo and keep scoring

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:16 PM

wiz 10 of 13

Comment from Gilfanatic
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:18 PM

I don’t know about you, but, I’m really starting to like this new look Wizards team over the old look Wizards team. I would really like to see everyone here that’s on the team now back next year. I really enjoy watching this team play!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:21 PM

Ok, this is how we should play for the rest of the year…Passion and Energy!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:21 PM

7-0 run last 2:45 for the Wiz

Comment from JimLandfillMullinsakaJeffMalone1981
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:21 PM

Keep this 5 in the lineup whatever you do.

Comment from gray16
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:21 PM

nick young is doing good against billups, and thornton is doing great against melo

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:24 PM

yo nick, stay on your feet!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:24 PM

Young GREAT DEFENSIVE PLAY, I repeat GREAT DEFENSIVE PLAY

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:25 PM

Please insert Blatche to close the game

Comment from gray16
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:25 PM

nick and al thornton defensive mvps right now

it would’ve been nothing for billups and melo to just easily gained back the lead and took it home like they were able to last night (minus the easily lol)

they have made the biggest difference in the last minutes along with singleton, josh howard on offense, and even earl maintaining as he would call it, mental toughness

Comment from Gilfanatic
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:28 PM

Okay come on guys! Now we need to just play it smart here. There’s still a minute left. We need to really close it out now!

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:28 PM

clutch time, every possession counts. Lets make these FTs!

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:30 PM

SICK, just SICK!

GO WIZARDS! MAN WHAT A WIN!

I’m kinda speechless here. Feels good man

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:30 PM

great defsne….thornton shutting down melo

Comment from gray16
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:30 PM

yesssssssssss

what a win

say what you want about al thornton, but he is the mvp of this game

not only offense, rebounding, but his defense on melo to close the game was superb

excellent debut for the youngin

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:31 PM

what a complete team win, 34-15 in the 4th, HUGE WIN

Comment from Phemy
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:32 PM

Hey, Tom said good teams win games by ~10pts. Why look at that!
Great hustle, effort, rebounding….wow. Thornton, Howard…here we go. And look at the crowd going wild!

Comment from Mr. Know it All
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:32 PM

Mr. Know it All only has 1 word…… WOW!!!

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:32 PM

won this with defense

1 800 636 1067

Comment from Gilfanatic
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:32 PM

I really like this new look Wizards! I’m just really impressed with everything I’m seeing from everyone.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:34 PM

1 800 636 1067 post game

Comment from doclinkin
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:37 PM

Love my new Scrap Wizards!!!

ERNIE SIGN EVERYBODY. This mess is fun…

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:43 PM

that was a game boys.. hey thats what we used to do and now i see what EG was talking about when he said stale this team just wants to win its not about fame mins or who the leader is its just about the game and playing it at 100% all the way threw ill take this team any day of the week over the “good teams”

Comment from dlts20
Time February 19, 2010 at 10:49 PM

Did we just overnight go from one of the most softest & unathletic teams in the league to one of the most physical & aggressive teams in the league? We finally have a true PF starting who is big enough to play D and passes while adding 3 thugs in Howard, Thorton, & Singleton. Its crazy. Going into the 4th I was calling for the lineup that Flip put out there and it worked. The Nuggz are beast because the frontcourt of Melo, Kmart, & Nene straight punks people. Tonight was a flat out battle. Ive never seen that much heart from a Wiz team. Then it looked like the Bully was about to pull away as they started winning the physical battle but then we just took it to another level to where Thorton & Singleton were punking Melo and there frontcourt. The D by Thorton on Melo was awesome. It just dont even seem like a Wiz team.

I know Im in the minority but I say to basically just let Foye go along with maybe Oberto but keep the rest, bring back Gil, and try to get a beast guy like Boozer or Stoudamire and thats it. It would probably be best to get a Center but none of them are really great who is going to be on the market. All the studs are 4′s but I think we can get by in the East with Blatche playing with a guy like that and then coming off with Singleton & McGee and or Thorton at the 4 some. Alot of people like Bosh but I dont. I dont want him at all. He seems to me like a better version of Jamison. He is all about stats. He never wants to pass and doesnt make anyone better. He would be a great scorer & low post guy but I just dont see the team ball in him that we have in the guys out there now. With him I think it would be like AJ & Caron again.

We can save all that for the offseason though. Right now, I just appreciate all the effort & toughness which Ive never seen from this team. The good thing is that it spreads and you can tell it makes everyone want to play hard & physical. Lets see if they can carry it on the road though. Again, win or lose, I just like to watch these guys play

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time February 19, 2010 at 11:56 PM

I’ll let GABBO break down the game-tape. It was a total team effort. And when did the team all of a sudden decide to attack the rim with reckless abandon?

Team didn’t feel bad for itself when the Nugs tried to close out the game in the third quarter while holding a double-digit lead. Guys kept chipping.

Did Flip turn into a genius after the trade deadline? Not only did he leave the 5 guys out there that played the best in the 4th and closed the game, he let Blatche, Miller, McGee, and Foye (ugly game from Randy) rest mightily for tomorrow’s game in Toronto.

Thornton played out of his mind. What a way to introduce himself as a new member of the Wiz!

Singleton started poorly, but he did hit that crazy 3 and played tough interior defense. He’s my “Dom”.

This is not going on record, but I was almost misty-eyed feeling the positive energies from the crowd. Even the Nugs fans (there were quite a bit) were impressed at the Washington Misfits. The thing was – if the Wiz lost, the crowd would have been appreciative of how they played.

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time February 19, 2010 at 11:59 PM

As a bonus, I knew Jamison is a Cavs trader and a Wiz at heart! He is sabatoging LeBron’s chances to win a ring!

0 for 12? In Charlotte where he used to dominate? Unreal.

LOL @ Cavs fans saying negative things about him already. Freaking fickle fans.

Comment from HardCoreFan
Time February 20, 2010 at 12:01 AM

Wow, I haven’t had this much fun at a Wizards game in a long time. The game was so exciting and I can’t wait for the Bulls game on Monday.

Go New Wizards!

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time February 20, 2010 at 12:15 AM

Holy cow, I just read an email I (and all STHs) got from Robert Pollin, current CEO of Washington Sports and Entertainment.

I won’t post the entire email, but I will post the last 3 paragraphs:

“Alas, none of it was meant to be [contending for championship]. Of course, my wonderful father is no longer with us. That is a loss beyond anything to do with basketball. Focusing on the Wizards, for lots of reasons, the team we started the season with just never meshed. We began with significant injuries to Antawn Jamison and then Mike Miller. We were losing too many close games. And then there was the infamous gun incident, which resulted in us losing our number one star player, Gilbert Arenas, for yet another season.

Sometimes reality bites. But you still have to face it head on, even as you might wish to look away. So, in facing reality straight on, it became clear to us that the team needed a fresh start. We all will greatly miss Antawn, Caron, Brendan, DeShawn, and Dominic. But a fresh start really means a fresh start.

This team is going to come back quickly. Mark my words—it is going to happen. Thanks for continuing to support the Wizards and helping the team we love flourish again.”

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time February 20, 2010 at 12:23 AM

I’m not going to bash another local sports team that I used to have season tickets, but in the last 2 disappointing Wizards seasons, I’ve received more personalized emails, messages, and letters from management and the owners about how they perceived the team and why it is unacceptable for the team to stay in the lower echelon of the NBA. Those short-lived playoff runs do mean something and getting back to it is first priority with whatever team Grunfeld wants to build again.

Was there a hidden message to help keep as many ticket holders as possible during a time of change? Sure. However, I believe if you have a competitive spirit inside your body, you will want to win. Abe was no different, no matter how much you want to say about his (lack of) spending habits. Ernie – definitely not going to take losing lightly either.

I will say that I think the Wizards do care to get back to how things were before when the team was winning close to .500 instead of .325.

Comment from HardCoreFan
Time February 20, 2010 at 12:24 AM

Wizard-fusion: Can you reply to the message and tell the Pollin family that a fresh start should also include a new name and new colors (red/white/blue).

Thanks

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time February 20, 2010 at 12:25 AM

whoa – wrong word usage ^

*traitor*, not trader

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time February 20, 2010 at 12:30 AM

@ HcF

looks like when you reply back to the email, it goes to

“WIZARDSPROMOTIONS@WASHSPORTS.COM”

i don’t know if the replies will go back to robert pollin.

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time February 20, 2010 at 12:38 AM

1 more quick thought

When Josh Howard tried to save that loose ball and flew himself into the stands and crashed into 3 cups of beer, I was thinking “oh no – what a perfect way for the Nugs to stop the Wiz’s momentum and make a comeback”.

The cleanup crew took about 7 minutes to wipe all that down, but luckily, the team still had the mojo and kept adding little bits more to the lead. By then, I believe the Nugs heavy hitters (Melo, Chauncey, and Nene) were fatigued.

These are uncontrollable things that can alter team play on the floor.

Comment from HardCoreFan
Time February 20, 2010 at 1:08 AM

My brother-in-law said the same thing. He was concerned that the flow of the game was in danger and would have an affect on our play.

Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time February 20, 2010 at 1:18 AM

Let’s see. As of close-of-business tonight the new-look Wizards are 2-0 while the former Wizards are a combined 1-4. I wonder who got the better of the deals at this stage.

I agree 100% with HardCoreFan, this is the most fun we have had at a Wizards game in a long time.

Tonight’s game was unreal. It was obvious that the early strategy was to go to ‘Dray in the low post…and he did his part. For the second consecutive game, he had a double/double at the end of the FIRST HALF (he owned the first quarter). For the game, he shot 8/13 with 11 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal and ended with 18 points.

Wednesday night I wrote that I loved Singleton’s game. Now I love Thorton’s game also. Josh Howard was 8/11 tonight for 20 points. Have to love that. Solid basketball.

The key to the win was…hang on now, and yes, I am writing about the Washington Wizards…DEFENSE, HUSTLE and LEADERSHIP. Those three things must have snuck into the Wizards locker room filling the vaccuum left by #’s 3 and 4 who spoke of those things but never demonstrated them. Thornton and Singleton are those young legs who can run and leap over the basket that I have been waiting for. They are real bangers who would probably cut your arm off for a rebound or a defensive stop…and it’s catching…Slick was diving after loose balls.

You can actually feel the different attitude exhibited by Blatche, Young, and McGee with CB, AJ, B-Wood and even DS gone. Our young guns can now play without thinking about being criticized by the “all-stars”.

The attitude of the entire team has changed…all that mattered was getting a win. No one player seemed to think that he was going to be the hero. Believe it or not, this is a strong team with depth. The only starter in the game for most of the 4th quarter was Josh Howard. Nick Young, who was on the court for most of the 4th quarter, played extremely well. He made his first two shots early on in the first half so his head was screwed on right. He played nice defense in the 4th quarter. He had ZERO turnovers and scored 12 points on 5/9. He made some crucial shots. It was obvious, at the end of the game, that his exhubernce over his solid play was shared by Blatch and McGee who rushed onto the court as time expired to congratulate Slick and celebrate with him. GREAT demonstration of TEAM…seldom seen during the past couple of years.

Can’t wait for Monday and the Bulls. Hope the team does well in Toronto. I feel as though the fans have been given a new lease on life.

Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time February 20, 2010 at 1:22 AM

Just been informed that the Mav’s are actually 2/1, not 1/2…so the former Wizards are actually 2/2 while the new-look Wizards are undefeated at 2/0.

Comment from HardCoreFan
Time February 20, 2010 at 1:24 AM

How about calling Blatch – “DC Blizzard”

Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 20, 2010 at 1:34 AM

I AM TOTALLY SPEECHLESS!!!!

I left out to go party, with a feeling that, okay we competed for two qrtrs, it doesn’t matter if we win or lose….boy was I wrong. I love looking at our boxscore and seeing that no one shot over 13 times. That is the mark of a true team. Maybe I was wrong about Flip’s skills? Why would we let two players play like this for over half a season and keep giving them 40 minutes a game. I am truly proud to be a fan of the wiz. I was losing faith in them from top to bottom (mostly top), and even though it is only two games, but I’m feeling their energy and commitment to the franchise by playing hard on both ends of the court. The bottom line is that they know that they are NBA players and will let the league see that they are NBA players. Congratulations on everyone’s new lease on their baskeball lives and keep doing what you love to do.

IT’S ASTONISHING THAT OUR VETS DIDN’T GET THE MEMO AND PLAY AS A TEAM….the sky’s the limit, keep reaching

Can we go and get a real point from the D-League, if we had a point, we would really create a buzz

And where the heck is Z, not that I really want him slowing us up….

Comment from GlingGling
Time February 20, 2010 at 1:46 AM

I’ve been away for a long time. I had lost faith in the Wizards. It was too painful to watch the self destruction (let alone come here to blog about it).

Tonight I, like so many others, felt something in Wizards’ basketball I haven’t felt for some time. The emotion moved me in a way few things can. It was as if we were in a cage, but in two swift blows we were freed.

I’m not so concerned about the Wizards’ record: though I’m glad that the Wiz still have the playoffs as their goal (see Josh Howard interview). From here, I just wanna see our guys walk on the floor with smiles and enjoy playing the game. I don’t want them to have to pretend that they want to be there.

It’s great to see the real fans are still here protecting the fort. This win is for you.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 20, 2010 at 1:48 AM

Not that I’m worrying about going to the playoffs, just yet, but we are only 7.5 behind Miami (we’re in 11th spot) and DWade was injured the other night…..You never know

AND there’s a three-way tie for the 6th 7th and 8th spots….we have a fresh team, while others are limping in…..You never know

Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 20, 2010 at 1:56 AM

With this kind of commitment, it won’t be hard to get some decent free agents to look our way

Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 20, 2010 at 1:59 AM

last “you never know”….who knows, let Gil come back, show he still has something left, we might be able to get a good player or two, if we traded Gil…..YOU NEVER KNOW

LOVING THE BALANCED TEAM

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time February 20, 2010 at 2:03 AM

A big LOL if the Wiz go 30-0 for the rest of the season!

A bigger LOL if the Wiz face the Jamison Cavs in the playoffs!

A biggest LOL if Flip wins coach of the year!

Oops, I was typing outloud while playing NBA2k10. My bad …

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time February 20, 2010 at 2:05 AM

@ onebigfan

Did you hear that?

That’s right – what you heard were dedicated fans cheering and making their own cheers despite the pre-recorded sounds and dancing to Big Tigger’s music selection and going nuts with a standing ovation for the new Wiz. You damn well know we clapped our hands.

So you’re wrong!

Sincerely,

A fan

Comment from GlingGling
Time February 20, 2010 at 2:11 AM

I also want to congratulate this blog for being one of the best on the net.

I just got done reading one of the popular Nuggets blogs. The users were vulgar, childish, and disrepectful: not just to the Wiz but to each other. When they realized they lost, the blog literally fell apart in a flurry of negative criticism.

So, Washington Wizards Bloggers: here’s to you being great fans and pleasant people to blog with.

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time February 20, 2010 at 2:16 AM

Assuming that the team is able to keep some of the new acquisitions with reasonable contract extensions.

If I were Gil, I would be like – hmm, these guys play with good energy and they do seem like they play with more passion on defense. And they’re having fun again. Oh, heck with burning bridges, I’ll rejoin the team and make another comeback.

Everyone wins, if it was only that easy.

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time February 20, 2010 at 2:17 AM

For those that attended the game, here’s a trivia question:

Who are the new captains for the Wizards?

anyone?

anyone?

Answer: Mike Miller and Earl Boykins.

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time February 20, 2010 at 2:19 AM

ha @ dcbutler

if the new Wiz continue to play like they have the last 2 games, you may have to ditch the Thunder.

bring back loco with the locals. no need to spend cash to watch an adopted team on league pass.

Comment from Jaba
Time February 20, 2010 at 3:15 AM

This feels sooooo good! Go Wizards!!! The game had me staying up all night here in Germany, and got me so psyched, I couldn’t fall asleep afterwards!! This is great! This is a TEAM that will be fun to watch! Way to go Josh! Way to go Al! Welcome to D.C!!!!

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 20, 2010 at 8:43 AM

Awright…. we’re a happy crew! The Wizards are an energy, effort team that’s hard to predict and hard to handle.

Very fun!!

Unfortunately, we had a social engagement and I forgot to dvr the game. I’m hoping there’s a replay; I’ll dvr that if so and watch it when we get back from a family trip we gotta take this wkd.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 20, 2010 at 9:07 AM

Andray “Death Ray” Blatche had another terrific game. Thornton and Howard both played terrific, and James Singleton made a big difference with rebounding and blocks.

From the highlights, JaVale was all-world one minute and “wtf?” the next. Hope he turns out to be coachable, because he has some unbelievable athletic skills.

Nick shot well and, from comments here, played solid defense.

Be fun to win a lot of games and punch our way into the playoffs, huh!!

Comment from neal
Time February 20, 2010 at 9:59 AM

Here’s to the new “big 3 + 1″: Howard, Thornton, Singleton + Blatche. I love it. Singleton as Center? Worked great.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 20, 2010 at 11:13 AM

LOL…@wiz_fusion

OKC will be my #2 team, until they break up. Kinda fun to have a team in the western and eastern conf….lol…nbatv is the bomb, never a dull night.

@neal
I hear ya about the big three thing. Personally, i’m dropping that lingo, not good for the team, we’ve seen how it was taken a bit too far

Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 20, 2010 at 11:22 AM

Too funny….AJ went 0-12 ….that is about his regular average, 7-19 or 10-22 or close to it at the end of the game, while with the wiz…Caron and AJ will not have whole games to take whatever shot they choose. They, moreso AJ will have to make due with the time (however limited) that they get on the court……which will probably mean they have to get in and fit in.

Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time February 20, 2010 at 12:08 PM

There is no Big anything except TEAM going forward! The age of the Wizard hot dogs is over.