Game Day Milwaukee
6:49 AM EST…Dave Johnson checking in …..had a lot of fun last night playing bocce in a downtown hotel. That’s right bocce in Milwaukee….I was a big loser. I am used to playing on grass and not artificial surfaces….Yes I am a sore loser…but I have done something I never thought I would do–bocce in Milwaukee in March….On to basketball tonight…..I just looked at Andray Blatche’s numbers since the trade—in seven games he is averaging 26.5 points and 11.7 rebounds per game.As maybe you heard in some of the practice interviews from yesterday–Flip Saunders is enjoying working with this group because he is seeing progress The team has also been responsive to challenges. The other night in New Jersey Saunders got on the team at half time about rebounding and in the second half to beat the Nets the Wizards did so by just getting after it on the boards.. Also noticing a chemistry in the front court between Blatche and Al Thornton…..Thornton is extremely aggressive to the basket and Blatche is able to use his tremendous skill. The challenge tonight is the Milwaukee Bucks and John Salmons has certainly fit-in since being acquired in a trade. The Bucks had won six straight before losing to Atlanta by four points…BLOGCAST—radio and blogging together—starts at 8:00 PM —with Flip Saunders comments—on the dial we have great radio stations from Cumberland to Lynchburg….closer to home our flagship is 106.7 FM THE FAN in Washington and in Baltimore 1370 AM…..and there is a LISTEN LIVE link on the right side of the BLOG
7:10 EST…Dave and Glenn checking in….Bucks go with a small lineup to create match-up challenges….Carlos Delfino will be in the front court with Luc Mbah a Moute..Andrew Bogut will be in the middle…and newly acquired John Salmons with Brandon Jennings in the back court….Wizards will have Randy Foye, Mike Miller, JaVale McGee, Al Thornton and Andray Blatche.
DAVE JOHNSON POSTGAME REPORT
Posted: March 3rd, 2010 under Wizards.
Comments
Comment from tyrone2000
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:34 AM
I thought the chemistry with Thornton, Blatche, and Howard was a lethal trio. With Gil and a center look out NBA! Come on back home Haywood…
Comment from dlts20
Time March 3, 2010 at 12:52 PM
These should be 2 fun games. The Bucks are playing as good as anyone in the East right now and they actually think they could get out of the 1st round depending on the matchup. They also think that the young beast defender Luc can shut down Blatche.
I wonder what is Skiles thoughts on double teams? Would he double Blatche? I say that because he’s left out of the post the past few games due to being doubled non stop. I think he shot so many jumpers and had so many drives last game that Im pretty sure him & the coaches will want him on the block more for this one, espically against an undersized player even though he’s pretty strong. I just think Blatche could kill him down there if there is no double. If there is then its still good because he’s a willing passer and a good one.
Skiles is a great defensive coach and most of them dont like to double but most of them also come up with good plans to stop guys like Blatche. I hope this is the game where NY shows up because he ususally plays well against them and hopefully Singelton is ready to go. That would be a boost
Comment from Jaba
Time March 3, 2010 at 12:56 PM
I haven’t given up hope that we might see Howard in a Wizards uniform next season. Still haven’t seen much of Mike Harris, and I’m starting to wonder if we ever will. Seems like Flip’s pretty high on Shaun Livingston, so he might be around until the end of the season. (Maybe he’s willing to play for us in the Vegas in summer).
Let’s see if we play well against the Bucks! Will try to stay up for the game! GO WIZARDS!!!!!!
Comment from millie mill
Time March 3, 2010 at 2:43 PM
I look for the Bucks go to Bogut early and often against McGee. I hope someone have been teaching McGee something about playing against big body centers. The Bucks will look for John Salmons to hurt Mike Miller. I don’t think they will match up a smaller Mbah a Moute (6-8) against Blatche (6-11). I think will see a lot of Blatche vs. Ilyasoua. The Bucks will play very hard these next two games against the Wizards because there next three games after playing us is against Cleveland, Boston and Utah. Losing four out of five of those games can hurt the playoffs chances.
Comment from maggicman11
Time March 3, 2010 at 3:44 PM
Bogut on McGee is going to be a problem if McGee doesnt hold his ground. Blatche should have a big game tonight, no one to hold him. Bucks will probably put Bogut on him on the defensive end just because that wud be their best chance of slowing blatche down. if so, we need to feed dray and have him attacking the rim! no jump shots. we will have to get Bogut in foul trouble while they are on defense so he cant kill McGee on Offense. and is it just me or shud we start seeing Singleton’s playing time slowing increasing
Comment from millie mill
Time March 3, 2010 at 4:08 PM
Come to think about it there are a few macth up problems in tonight’s game.
Foye vs. Jennings =
Miller vs. Salmons -
Thornton vs. Delfino +
Blatche vs. Mbah a Moute +
McGee vs. Bogut -
Both teams look completly different since the last time they played each other on Dec. 23, 2009
Starting line for Wizards:
Earl Boykins
Gilbert Arenas
Caron Butler
Antawn Jamison
Brendan Haywood
Bucks Starters:
Luke Ridnour
Charlie Bell
Michael Redd
Hakim Warrick
Kurt Thomas
Comment from dlts20
Time March 3, 2010 at 4:41 PM
I also think Thorton could go off tonight and despite what I said about NY, I think Ross could actually see more time this game with them having Stackhouse coming off the bench. I hope to see Livingston more this game. I think he should be ready now. He could be just what weve been needing. Things may start to get harder for Blatche but it could be cancled out by having a real PG like Shaun who can see over the D and get him some easier scores
Comment from gray16
Time March 3, 2010 at 6:23 PM
foye will need to knock down his open shots tonight, jennings will give him a couple
he will also need to do his best to keep jennings shooting a low percentage. (that shouldn’t be too hard)
javale will have his hands full tonight with the skilled bogut, who is like marc gasol, you know, the guy who lit up javale a couple games back. but if javale can play smart, and force bogut to catch the ball further from the basket than he did with gasol, he should do a better job. i also wouldn’t mind seeing some oberto on bogut at times, he should do well against another international player.
thornton is going to have an advantage tonight that he is going to need to do well with, as well as blatche. if both guys can shoot over 50% and they get their teammates involved as well, the wiz should win this.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 3, 2010 at 8:15 PM
7:10 EST…Dave and Glenn checking in….Bucks go with a small lineup to create match-up challenges….Carlos Delfino will be in the front court with Luc Mbah a Moute..Andrew Bogut will be in the middle…and newly acquired John Salmons with Brandon Jennings in the back court….Wizards will have Randy Foye, Mike Miller, JaVale McGee, Al Thornton and Andray Blatche.
Comment from wizards_fusion
Time March 3, 2010 at 8:44 PM
3 quick thoughts
a) no caron butler against bucks = no problem as long as andray continues to shine.
b) scott skiles = be prepared for in your face defense.
c) bucks are 18-9 at home, a very good record. but good team play can defeat this stronghold.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 3, 2010 at 8:50 PM
Glenn here: one thing about a Scott Skiles team: They play hard!! Wiz must play haerd to have a chance. Expect to see mbah Moute start out on Dray. Wiz have to play in front of Bogut< make them throw over the top into weakside d, watch for isos with Salmons, Buck have a ot to play for here tonight
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 3, 2010 at 8:53 PM
Glenn here again: I’d like to see Miller look for his shot more, even take some bad shots on occaision! Thorton needs to board, Bucks r 4th in NBA in Rebs, 5th on the off boards!
Comment from gray16
Time March 3, 2010 at 8:56 PM
man wizards vs bucks and maryland vs duke, two big games tonight
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:08 PM
bssketball everywhere
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:09 PM
Go Terps and go Wizards!
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:11 PM
Would love to see Miller have a big game as well, the reason he is not putting up more points is because he is playing to unselfish. With a shot like his, he needs to get a minimum of 12 shots a game. C’mon Mike, you’re better than that (in my Mark Jackson voice)
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:12 PM
Dray keep up this effort and energy and the numbers will take care of themselves!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:14 PM
good start for mcgee
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:16 PM
got to get back on defese
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:26 PM
bogut getting ball with bakc to basket that is a problem
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:27 PM
fabricio now in
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:28 PM
McGee came out blazing – making his presence know – very great!!! Foye w/the 3’s – great to see him ready in the 1st…. Gotta get Miller to take some shots…
GO WIZARDSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:34 PM
we are shooting 60 % but down by two turnovers hurt
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:36 PM
welcome back 2steps you led us to victory in new jersey
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:36 PM
just love seeing the combo of McGee, Blatche and Thorton, win lose or draw
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:37 PM
ross now on stackjouse
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:38 PM
Miller checking Stackhouse was a bad match up for the Wizards, looks like Boykins will go to work on Luke R…..
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:41 PM
Hey Dave & Glenelp the team win AND tick off a bunch of Jersey folks in the process! 
Now will the defense please PUT YA HANDS UP!!!!!
Comment from Jason C
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:42 PM
Whats up Dave and Glenn, been a while since I could catch a game with you guys.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:43 PM
hey jasonc welcome back
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:44 PM
let’s go McGee
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:44 PM
Stackhouse is on FIRE!!!!!!!!!!
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:45 PM
McGee with the dunk from Earl………
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:46 PM
21 Bench pts and counting for the Bucks, the story of the game
Comment from Jason C
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:47 PM
Thanks for the shout out guys, I think once mcgee stays at home on fakes, he’ll improve a lot.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:47 PM
14 assts for the Bucks 7 for the Wizards
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:48 PM
Glenn, what do you think it will take to get Nick Young or Mike Miller into the flow of this game?
Comment from Jason C
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:49 PM
Liking singleton hustling for boards too, haven’t had that since ruffin left.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:49 PM
How rude of me, first hello to all my fellow bloggers and Dave and Glenn!
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:50 PM
Singelton=Charles Jones with an offensive game
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:52 PM
Dray, pass the ball…….And Ross SHOT THE BALL
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:53 PM
This unit in thr game fo the Wiz, has no inside presence…..we are just launching jumpers
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:54 PM
great drive to the rack by Dray
Comment from neal
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:55 PM
I think Singleton is a graduate of the Ruffin-Songaila School of Basketball Defense. Damn the fouls, full speed ahead.
Comment from Jason C
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:55 PM
The perimeter D hasn’t been too bad, bucks just hitting their shots right now.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:56 PM
Miller and Young have the most consistent shots on the roster, yet neither one is consistent in the flow of the offense????
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:56 PM
have to get al thornton involved
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:56 PM
@Neal-that really was good 
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:56 PM
good call neal
Comment from Jason C
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:57 PM
Miller and Young should be setting up blatche in the post from the wings, Dray’s the only one who has been drawing double teams lately.
Comment from dlts20
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:57 PM
I wish Flip would let the Bucks prove that they can own us one on one before we start doubling and giving them wide open 3’s. I also wish Flip would stop always going to those lineups where there is only like one scorer on the floor which we always go down by like 8 when that happeneds
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:58 PM
@Jason-you are making my point, the offense needs to run inside out with Dray and McGee on the block, kicking it out to Miller, Foye and Young!!!
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:58 PM
great dunk by Singleton
Comment from dlts20
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:59 PM
Blatche also needs to get back on the block
Comment from Jason C
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:59 PM
Haha the famous Kurt Thomas scoul.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:59 PM
@dlts-preach, I totally agree with you
Comment from Jason C
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:59 PM
woops i meant scowl.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:00 PM
How many jumpers did we take in the 2nd qtr, WOW?
Comment from wizards_fusion
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:01 PM
why is Mike Miller trying to make moves with the basketball like he’s Kobe?
pretty ridiculous
Comment from Jason C
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:01 PM
get blatche touches, and less dribbling, we should be fine for the 2nd half.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:02 PM
yes at time too much dribbling in general
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:08 PM
It’s tough to get a good look at the basket when Earl wastes all but about 3 seconds dribbling around looking for his own shot and then throws someone the ball.
Coach, if you want to rest Randy, play Livingston. At least he’ll be able to see where he might pass the ball.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:11 PM
Not a bad game, have to play with a purpose (ie if you’re going to set a pick, the man with the ball has to wait and the person setting the pick needs to be set without sticking out the hindpots). Sam I am needs to talk to Foye about this, he doesn’t totally wait on the pick.
If AB is in the five position, why is he at the top of the key.
When NY beats his man and someone jumps out on him, someone else is open, he doesn’t have to shoot it. Extra passes = layups or better shots
It’s those lil things….but keeps repeating themselves. Moments of disarray will keep you fighting up hill a lot.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:12 PM
@gobbo-I agree that at times Earl tends to hold the ball too long, but explain to me why Miller is not shooting the ball? And why Young (on this roster) is not attacking the rim or getting into a flow?
Better yet, why Flip will not play through Blatche and McGee on the block and play a total inside out game, to free up out BEST shooters Miller, Young and Foye?????
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:13 PM
@dcbutler-I think your recap says it all
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:15 PM
26-12 Bench pts advantage Bucks, story of the game
Comment from dcbutler357
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:17 PM
Hey Bro, How are ya?
In other games, they’ve been focused, they have to execute, Flip can’t play the game for them, at this point. As far as Livingston, his 10 days will be over and he may not have had a good run ;-(
Half-timeis over, Here’s to a good second half
Comment from Jason C
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:17 PM
@dcbutler, I think at this point, blatche has more success starting from the high post area. His low post game isn’t as effective without the threat of him shooting a jumpshot.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:18 PM
Horrible possesion to start th qtr
Comment from dcbutler357
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:18 PM
Thanks for the shout-out guys
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:19 PM
Think we can win this game on jumpers alone? *not*
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:19 PM
If Jennings ever gets a consistent outside shot, look out NBA, man
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:20 PM
still too mnay dribbles….not moving off the ball
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:21 PM
it goes to what we have lacked the entire season, without a point guard we will continue to see this typle of play…………
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:23 PM
Miller 1 for 3 in the 3rd qtr, are you serious???
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:26 PM
frustration for McGee on that drive
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:26 PM
real struggle on offense
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:27 PM
Miller is HORRIBLE….sit him NOW
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:27 PM
miller passing up shots
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:28 PM
How in the name of Gene Shue can Milller (the best shooter on the roster) pass up shots?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:29 PM
guards really under pressure
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:29 PM
What a hustle play by Jennings, a lax pass by Blatche to Foye, and Foye not giving the energy and effort, horrible unforced error.
Comment from gray16
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:30 PM
from what i’ve seen in the last couple of minutes (just turned on the game) looks like the team isn’t playing as a team right now, and the bucks are outworking and outsmarting the wizards
looks like the wizards are flustered and just not making wise decisions
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:32 PM
If Miller passes up one more shot, bench him…….
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:33 PM
Dave and Glenn, th Bucks are playing good defense, however I will disagree a tad, this is also bad execution on the Wizards, and not looking to expolit match ups.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:34 PM
I love Singleton, however no way he can match up with Bogut
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:35 PM
Young passed up an open look on the 3pt line…..before the tech!
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:36 PM
Did Al Thorton post a video on you tube making remarks against the Wizards? Could that be the reason he cannot get back into this game? lol
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:36 PM
giving out techs like chips… *I think I like it better when we get down double digits in the 2nd & climb out v. what I am seeing now…. we will come back, but it will be harder at this point…..*
Comment from dcbutler357
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:36 PM
I’m expecting a run to be made, once they figure it out….
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:38 PM
Thanks for the shout Dave, yes Glenn I know that Singleton wont back down however he is to small and light in the waist to bother anything that Bogut wants to do on the post
Comment from dcbutler357
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:39 PM
Mike Miller is making too many mistakes, I would rather see foye and let the 10 day guy come in
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:39 PM
Miller again passing up a shot, ok what’s really going on? Please dont tell me its about being among the leaders in FG %?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:39 PM
great hustle singleton
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:40 PM
Mike Miller you are a 2\3 combo that refuses to shoot the ball, you need to sit next to Flip and watch the tape of this game with the coaches!
Comment from dcbutler357
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:40 PM
This team is trying to do more than what they are physically able to do, put foye in with singleton please!!
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:41 PM
My head is starting to hurt…. we need FIVE players out there…. I think I am counting three right now…*
THANK YOU LIVINGSTON…
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:41 PM
Bucks 27 Wiz 14 in bench pts
Comment from dcbutler357
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:41 PM
Amen DJ and Glen, in regards to the guard situation.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:42 PM
We are out if sync……..
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:43 PM
out of sync sorry, and yes guard play has been an issue all year however…..this game however you can really see it
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:44 PM
Nick Young is playing with ZERO confidence, and when he misses he looks to the bench to see if he is going to get the hook
Comment from dcbutler357
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:44 PM
wow, get this 36 seconds over with
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:45 PM
Livingston, that was his fault….he did not come to the ball ….CRAZY
Comment from gray16
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:45 PM
oh my goodness, the wizards are playing horribly
Comment from dcbutler357
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:46 PM
I wish they had time to look at this game on film, before the fourth quarter….
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:47 PM
@dcbutler-you took the words out of my mouth, and again why no Al Thorton?
Comment from gray16
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:47 PM
that looked like a high school team facing the bucks out there
they didn’t know what to do
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:49 PM
credit Skiles, expoliting the Wizards not having a PG on the roster
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:50 PM
Livingston has no lift in his legs, twice he could have challenged the shot yet he let the Bucks score un-contested
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:51 PM
Bucks 6\13 from 3 pt land
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:52 PM
7 for 14 from 3, and counting for the Bucks
Comment from gray16
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:52 PM
the zone is getting destroyed
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:54 PM
you called it jeff malone
Comment from dcbutler357
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:54 PM
Okay, now let’s see how we respond for the rest of the game.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:54 PM
So if one team is using a trap or pressure to force turnovers and change tempo, what do the Wizards do?
Hey Coach they have done this the entire 2nd half yet we have not come up with a play or line up to handle it, lets see who gets the blame? HMMMMMMM
Comment from datonypony
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:55 PM
This one looks bleak, but FIGHT ON WIZ
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:58 PM
Wow, the Bucks put it on cruise control and are letting the Wizards nack in the game. I am sure Skiles is going ballistic on the sideline!
Comment from dcbutler357
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:59 PM
Like Glen and DJ said, Livingston has settled them down.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time March 3, 2010 at 10:59 PM
Plenty of time left….
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:00 PM
Blatche so far 18pts 7 rebs 3 assists
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:01 PM
livingstin playing well
Comment from dcbutler357
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:02 PM
I think we can stop worrying about McGee, he’s getting better each game.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:02 PM
Again Stackhouse and Salmons (and he is on the bench will seal the deal)
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:03 PM
I agree DcButler…. What do we need to do stop stackhouse?
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:03 PM
@dcbutler-I love to see McGee just olay and not think, not worrying about getting pulled by the coach, like Blatche as well. If only Slick was showing the same…….
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:03 PM
Livingston has no lift!!!
Comment from dcbutler357
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:04 PM
The bucks are not a team that is going to beat themselves, with the mistakes we’re making, this is going to be over real soon.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:04 PM
Yes here comes the nbdl Stand out!
Comment from Jason C
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:05 PM
guard play killing us.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:05 PM
Well I will say it game over, at the 4:05 mark……..Bucks win
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:06 PM
WHY NO AL THORTON I HAVE YET TO GET AN ANSWER TO THIS?
Comment from gray16
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:06 PM
really hope this isn’t the real wizards and what we were seeing before was just a glimmer of hope
because this team right here tonight is playing like the worst team in the league
Comment from dlts20
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:07 PM
Is this EJ’s pick & roll defense? It looks like weve never seen a pick & roll before and most of there stuff has been basic but were not even close to stopping it
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:07 PM
Glenn thank you, you are SPOT on with your comment about not having a true PG (not a combo)
Comment from dlts20
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:07 PM
BTW, did Thorton play tonight? Man
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:08 PM
@dlts20-its like keeping a secret (re: Thorton) speechless on that one
Comment from dcbutler357
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:09 PM
I wish livingston would be handed the point(on a regular basis), to see if he would lead the team(telling people where to go, etc)
We have witnessed a team ready for the playoffs. lets see how we respond against them Friday.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:11 PM
see you on the post game, thanks again for being such a great blogcast and Dave and Glenn with the call tonight
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:13 PM
5 blks for Bogut with 15 pts
Comment from dcbutler357
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:14 PM
Wizards faced a deep/balanced team and couldn’t handle it
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:15 PM
Mcgee stepped up tonight… got into foul trouble though, but he gets a thumbs up…
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:15 PM
1 800 636 1067 for post game
Comment from dcbutler357
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:16 PM
A team like milwaukee, we need two McGees and two blatches to match their length, and at least one true PG.
Once McGee or Blatche goes out, our inside game is ghost.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:17 PM
Wow!! Did McGEE just throw the ball in the hoop….LOL…He’s going to be a beast one day…
Comment from dlts20
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:23 PM
I cant believe the coaching staff is letting Blatche get away with playing on the perimiter so much. I dont care how much he is getting doubled. He looks totally different from the guy who played in like the first 3 games. Even when he’s making post moves now they are not aggressive when at 1st he was going hard in the post. Now he just wants to settle for the J or face up from far out. I dont care if he’s shooting a good percentage or not. Get him on the block more, to learn if anything else. This is what this time of the year is for on bad teams. We already know what he can do out on the floor but his post game is where I want to see consistenty.
Whats making me mad is that he’s playing weak or smaller guys like Lram, Gibson on the Bulls, Yi, and Gallo on NYK but he’s taking them all outside instead of on the block. Then on the block he is always slow instead of making quick strong moves. You dont alwyas have to wait for the double and you can make powerful moves. Everything doesnt have to be a fadeaway. Why would the staff allow him to be outside so much?
Comment from dlts20
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:25 PM
Yet against Al Jefferson, Love, Kmart, Nene, and Bargs he was beasting inside
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:32 PM
Consistently horrible play by Miller + terrible point guard play by Earl + totally stupid coaching by Coach Saunders = LOSS. Saunders lost the game in the 2nd quarter.
Coach, they are going to double-team ‘Dray EVERY TIME. It might be a good idea to devise an offense that has some movement and also puts a good shooter on the wing or in the corner on the ball side so that there are open players where ‘Dray can throw the ball.
Coach, Earl is just looking for numbers (remember AJ and CB). Don’t give him any minutes.
Coach, Miller is a horrible passer and a terrible ball-handler. He can shoot 3’s…THAT’S ALL HE CAN DO. If you can’t get him open to shoot 3’s, sit him down. He got 5 rebounds because he doesn’t play defense…he just goes to the boards for the rebound.
Livingston could be our point guard next year. The guy can play. Give him time NOW. Play him at the point, Randy at the 2, Thornton at the 3, ‘Dray at the 4 and McGee at the 5. Winning combination!
Comment from dcbutler357
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:34 PM
That’s part of AB’s learning curve. Double-teaming him should teach him to hit the open man until they have to honor everyone, If we don’t know how to exploit other teams, we will respond in this manner.
I’ll just wait to see how we do Friday. If Miller doesn’t adjust, what’s the point of keeping him for next year?
Comment from dcbutler357
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:37 PM
btw-MD and Duke are tied at the half 47
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:46 PM
@dlts20 – ‘Dray follows what the coaches call. If they tell him to get in the low block, he goes there. If they tell him to set the high screen, that’s what he does. It’s not a matter of the coaching staff ALLOWING him to play on the outside, it’s where they tell him to be.
Of course, it’s different from the first few games when Blatche had his way in the block. With his quickness and skill-set, he can probably beat most inside players one-on-one 95% of the time. Now he’s double-teamed almost every time he touches the ball. Coach Saunders has to get some movement in the offense when ‘Dray gets the ball in the low post. There has to be a cutter; there has to be an exchange of perimiter players that puts a good shooter on the ball-side wing or ball-side corner so that ‘Dray has a target for an outlet pass from the double-team. If we can get some scoring on kick-out passes from the double-team, we’ll soon see less double-teaming. Coach seems to have used up all his cuts for his “Low-post basketball Offense 101″ course because we don’t seem to do any of those things.
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:54 PM
I hope that Coach Saunders wasn’t resting ‘Dray and Foye in the second quarter in anticipation of the tough schedule the Wiz face in the coming weeks. He lost the game when he took them out.
The remainder of this season has to be played one-game-at-a-time. We have to go all out every game..there is nothing to lose. Let the younger guys play heavy minutes; let the fouls fly until they foul out. Earl, Oberto and Miller should not see another minute unless we have only four other players available.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time March 4, 2010 at 12:03 AM
MD UP BY SIX WITH 20 SECONDS LEFT
Comment from dcbutler357
Time March 4, 2010 at 12:04 AM
OKC getting blown out by Denver ;-(
Comment from dcbutler357
Time March 4, 2010 at 12:05 AM
LOL… .1 Seconds left and the fans are at the edge of the court…LOL
Comment from dcbutler357
Time March 4, 2010 at 12:08 AM
Vasquez may have sewn up Acc player of the year March Madness!!!
Comment from ChenierFan
Time March 4, 2010 at 12:33 AM
A few observations…
1) Javalle did a decent job of defending in the post. He is getting better.
2) Terrible ball handling tonight (no kidding)
3) Was Al Thorton a DNP tonight, or did I see him on the court? He needs to learn to pass the ball. Does he have a problem with Javelle?
4) Nick has to set himself on his shots. At the start of the year I thought he would play his way into a starting 2-guard, but now he is losing minutes to Quinton and Shaun.
5) Like Gabbo, I would like to see an 8 minute span of Shaun, Randy, Mike (or Al) Andray and Javalle. Shaun may be getting his timing back.
6) The refs need to give Andray a more respect. He is getting manhandled each time down the floor.
Comment from HardCoreFan
Time March 4, 2010 at 12:42 AM
Not a good game for the Wizards tonight. But the MD/Duke game was sooooo good. It was really great seeing MD beat Duke!
Looking forward to the Wizard paying back the Bucks on Friday. I’ll be at the game cheering for our “New Wizard.”
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time March 4, 2010 at 9:03 AM
I was only able to see the first half last night. 
When we look at a guy who is on a 10-day contract and say “he could be our point guard next year” we’re sort of in a fantasy basketball world. Ditto for being better coaches from the blog than Flip Saunders from the sideline.
I agree we should be playing the young guys til their tongues hang out — esp. JaVale, who can really use the exposure and experience. Nick’s not developing, and I no longer think of Dray as a “young guy” even though he’s only 23
Comment from neal
Time March 4, 2010 at 3:20 PM
I am so disappointed in Young. When he came to us he had such a sweet shot, which he could get off about any time he wanted. But he never learned to be the complete player and now he seems to have lost his confidence and can’t shoot either. Well, we have him for another year. Maybe he’ll fool us and blossum late.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time March 4, 2010 at 4:03 PM
Why be disappointed? Nick wasn’t all that good player even in college.
For a reality reminder, you might want to check how good the guys taken 16th in the draft have been over the last 10-12 years. The answer? Not very.
From 2001 forward: Kirk Halston, Jiri Welisch, Troy Bell, Kirk Snyder, Joey Graham, Rodney Carney, Nick, Mareese Speights, James Johnson.
Johnson doesn’t look like he’ll be anything, Speights has gifts but hasn’t done anything yet, and the rest of them are journeymen at best — about 1/2 are out of the league altogether.
That’s what you get at 16.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time March 4, 2010 at 5:51 PM
The draft has been around since the 40’s if not sooner. Why are we harping on pick #16?
Also, it depends on the system you have in place, some players will flourish in one system and tank in another.
I really don’t think it matters what number you are, I think it depends on what the team needs and how they utilize their pick. Look at all the second round drafts that are stars, there have been second round players that are all-stars or play integral parts in their teams success, so the pick number doesn’t matter, what matters is how you use it and who you pick AND LOTS AND LOTS OF LUCK!!
When was the last time someone that we drafted someone and they stayed with us their whole career? Heck, over the past twenty years we really haven’t done too much to even want to remember, what we did in the draft or on the floor. 1978/79 we went to the finals, since then what have we REALLY done, draft or otherwise, with the 1st pick, 16th pick or no picks at all…LOL…
Comment from dcbutler357
Time March 4, 2010 at 5:52 PM
Just remember, Tap is our scout, he’s liable to have us picking up a hockey player…lol…
Comment from neal
Time March 4, 2010 at 6:25 PM
I’m disappointed in Miller too. If he can’t/won’t score he’s not worth his $9.8M. Since he’s 30 yrs. old he’s likely to be over the hill anyway when we are again in competition. I don’t expect him to be around next year.
It’s beginning to look like the new face of the ownership is Bob Pollin. I guess that means it’s more likely EG will stay. And I think that means it’s more likely Arenas will be bought out of his contract.
To protect Foye we’d have to make a qualifying offer of $4.8M. So far I don’t think he’s worth that.
I think we could have only two returning guards: Young and Ross. Big change from a couple of months ago when we had about a dozen.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time March 4, 2010 at 7:52 PM
Miller has had an excellent season; I continue not to understand why the only stat anyone wants to look at is ppg. Mike Miller shoots a high %, rebounds, assists, etc. An all-around excellent player.
On the other hand, is he in the second half, the downward half, of his career? Yes, of course. No he won’t get another $10m/year contract. But, he will be available at a reasonable price.
Player salaries in general are going to go down next year; that’s obvious. And Randy shouldn’t have his option picked up. Agreed about that.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time March 4, 2010 at 7:56 PM
Robert Pollin as the face of the franchise? Well, yes, for now. But ownership seems likely to change. Ted Leonsis presents a lot of confidence that he’ll wind up buying the Wizards, and I sure hope he does.
It would be *very expensive* to buy out Gilbert Arenas. He is owed over $80m. He doesn’t have to take a buyout. Why would he?
Can he be traded? Obviously, the first issue is what sentence he receives. We don’t really know anything until we know that.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time March 4, 2010 at 8:00 PM
If ownership changes soon, as I’ve written before, so does management, and Ernie goes. TL will want to bring in his own management team.
If ownership doesn’t change soon, we’re in some kind of limbo for the draft and next season’s team.
With Gilbert we have seven guys under contract. Obviously, we’ll be in the FA market to some extent. With some luck we also won’t be giving away draft choices.
Comment from neal
Time March 4, 2010 at 8:16 PM
Well Tom, I retract most of what I said. Miller is shooting almost 55% from both distances and almost 84% from the line. I keep reading bloggers complaining about the turnovers, and I know he’s always been high in those along with a lot of assists. If you’ve got time and inclination I’d like to know how he compares in assists/TO with the rest of the team.
I didn’t realize Leonsis was confident he’ll wind up buying the Wiz. I thought the parties were at a standoff and Bob Pollin is sounding to me like he’s enjoying his position. Not many people get such an opportunity.
Yes, it would be hugely expensive to buy out Arenas. But if EG stays and the blood is really bad between the two I imagine he’d be willing to take the majority of that $80M and go on down the road. I don’t think $ is the only thing that motivates him at this point.
As you say, the next step in this saga is the sentence. But indications are that regardless of that the Wiz aren’t going to try to void the contract for “moral turpitude”.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time March 4, 2010 at 8:42 PM
I’m sure he’d take most of the $80m to be free and sign elsewhere — he’d net a nice profit on that transaction!
But, the Wizards aren’t going to write a check like that! This is a business.
Whatever mess we’re in, it’s on Ernie’s watch. The guy running the show is responsible, neal — that’s the way it works. I can’t see him having a future as our GM.
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time March 4, 2010 at 10:25 PM
@ Tom M. – WADR, I had great hopes for Miller, but he has had a horrible season. His injury may have taken a big toll, but the game he brings night-to-night hinders the Wizards opportunity to win. His defense is poor; his passing is horrible; he can’t get himself open for a shot that he likes. His value, or lack thereof, can not be measured statistically. He is a drain on the team. His only contributions are a few defensive rebounds (that he gets because he cheats off his man on defense) and a couple (possibly) of three-pointers each game. What he contributes is MUCH less than what he takes away. Don’t be fooled be his displays of hustle coming toward the bench when there is a timeout. pure BS. He will not be here next year. He should get very few minutes each game.
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time March 4, 2010 at 10:33 PM
If the Pollin’s keep the team, EG will remain the GM and Saunders will remain the coach. Even though I have been critical of Coach Saunders’s rotations and game-time coaching decisions, I believe that he is a very good teaching coach. I hated EG’s decision to both make THE LOTTERY COACH the head coach and then, this year, to keep him in the organization, but EG has also made some good decisions. If the Pollin’s remain as owners, keeping EG and Coach Saunders would not necessarily be a bad decision. Both have had to deal with serious adversity this year and both are excellent basketball people.
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time March 4, 2010 at 10:44 PM
I’ve about had it with bloggers who write that they either didn’t watch the game, or only watched part of the game and then want to post a blog as thought they have some sort of intuitive knowledge that doesn’t require having seen what they are talking about.
You really have to watch the games to understand what is going on and to be able to knowledgeably comment on the games and the team. Taking a look at the stats and then pontificating about your analysis of those stats is an affront to the folks who see what is going on night-to-night.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time March 4, 2010 at 11:03 PM
LOL….That’s not one of the rules to blogging…LOL
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time March 4, 2010 at 11:11 PM
@dcbutler357 – WORD and AMEN!
Comment from tyrone2000
Time March 5, 2010 at 7:49 AM
I ‘d watch the game and blog and people on this blog would claim that I wasn’t watching cause they disagree with my blog…LOL…It is crazy…Bring back Gil
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time March 5, 2010 at 9:15 AM
Now don’t get cranky w/ me, Gotabig!! Even tho I *did* get cranky w/ you “pontificating” over Flip’s coaching decisions — lets have a truth. Esp. since it’s obvious that we enjoy each other here!!
Note that the win-loss record is a stat, the game score is a stat, and ppg — which everyone quotes like the Bible — is a stat. Still, I don’t think a dispute about Mike Miller is worth our time. It’s really just an exchange of opinions; i.e. there’s no way to resolve it.
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Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time March 3, 2010 at 9:01 AM
Bucks in Milwaukee tonight at 8:00.
BIG thumbs up for ‘Dray.
Go Wiz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!