Open thread: Regular season game 29 vs. Houston Rockets
by Jake Whitacre on Dec 29, 2008 2:51 PM EST
in Game Threads
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PrintWashington Wizards at Houston Rockets, Dec 29, 2008 8:30 PM EST
The Essentials:
Wizards (5-23) at Rockets (20-11)
8:30 p.m.
Toyota Center
CSN
This year:
November 21: Rockets 103, Wizards 91
Notable Rockets numbers this season:
5th in expected winning percentage (.638)
23rd in pace factor (90.2 possessions per game)
10th in offensive efficiency/offensive rating (107.8)
5th in defensive efficiency/defensive rating (103.6)
Key Links:
The Dream Shake
Clutch Fans
Carnival of the NBA #62
Starting Lineups:
Wizards
PG: Mike James
SG: Caron Butler/Nick Young
SF: Dominic McGuire
PF: Antawn Jamison
C: Andray Blatche
Rockets
PG: Rafer Alston
SG: Luther Head Tracy McGrady
SF: Shane Battier
PF: Luis Scola
C: Yao Ming
Tonight's Lines
Wizards at Rockets: Rockets by 13
Over/Under on Total Scoring: 189
Welcome to the gauntlet: Boy, it sure was nice to play a team with a worse record than us on Saturday wasn't it? Well, don't get used to it, because this next stretch of games is absolutely brutal. In case you haven't been checking the schedule lately, here's a look at the Wizards next five games:
There's tough, and then there's playing 5 of the 9 best teams in the NBA in a nine day stretch with four of those games coming on the road.
Injury watch: We still don't know yet if Caron Butler will be available tonight after spraining his ankle on Thursday. Dave Johnson is reporting that Caron didn't practice yesterday but he could play tonight after missing Saturday's game. Hopefully you all have all your digits crossed, because I don't think I need to explain what happens to the team's chances if Caron goes out.
At least it won't be on national TV this time around: The last time these two teams faced off the Wizards came out with one of their best performances of the season and with nine minutes left in the game they had a nine point lead. Then in the final nine minutes the Wizards were outscored by 21 and lost by a dozen.
But hey, that looks pretty mild compared to some of the collapses we saw yesterday, am I right?
The trade winds are a-blowin': There are some rumors going around about a possible trade between Houston, Milwaukee, and the Lakers. I don't have any thoughts on the trade itself, but I bring it up because if it were to go down before the game tonight, it would leave Houston shorthanded tonight, which plays into our favor. I wouldn't bank on it happening, but it's something to keep an eye on.
This is an open thread, so don't be afraid to celebrate when we make a shot.
GO WIZARDS!
[UPDATE] Caron is out for this one and the Rockets are getting McGrady back tonight. That's a bad trade-off.
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None of the above
I’m partial to Mark Madsen dancing.
It’s nice being resigned to losses for these next five games so that I don’t get my hopes up. Of course, knowing the Wiz, they’ll keep it close into the fourth quarter in at least one of those games only to collapse late. D.C., baby!
Yeah
I meant to say Mark Madsen, the Eddie Johnson video messed me up.
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
by Jake Whitacre on Dec 29, 2008 7:39 PM EST up reply actions
These days
a five game losing streak isn’t bad if we can have a chance during the 6th game.
by MR on Dec 29, 2008 8:22 PM EST up reply actions
Who's ready for a ton of Etan Thomas and Juan Dixon!
And none of Javaris Crittenton or JaVale McGee.
(raises hand).
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
OhboyOhboyOhboy!
Where do I sign up?
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
by Jake Whitacre on Dec 29, 2008 8:38 PM EST up reply actions
Caron's still out
Who’s shocked?
(doesn’t raise hand).
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Someone get Ed Tapscott on the training staff!
We could’ve used this kind of thinking last year:
Ed Tapscott on Butler about an hour before the game: “He said he wants to go but I advised him: ’don’t be a hero.’ I don’t want him to turn a two or three game thing into a 10-game thing. So, if it’s good, fine. If not, get it healthy.”
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
So basically he's reiterating what the trainers said
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Yes
But he communicates it better.
(Because as we all know, Ed Tapscott is a great communicator. Or so I’ve been told.)
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
by Jake Whitacre on Dec 29, 2008 8:43 PM EST up reply actions
Anyone Watch "Sports Science" on Comcast Today?
They claim that science proves that Stephon Marbury can break someones ankles.
Really?
On the court or by kicking Donnie Walsh legs until he gets a buyout?
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
by Jake Whitacre on Dec 29, 2008 8:47 PM EST up reply actions
Looking forward to D-Mac on T-Mac
D>T
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Nick Young caught some of JaVale's pump fake diseason
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
God Nick's getting killed
Why even bother putting him in that position. No better way to kill someone’s confidence.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Well, yes, but that's established
And it’s what D-Mac is for.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Actually
It was pretty bad rotation. MJ just got lucky getting his hand on the ball.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Who transplanted Gilbert Arenas into Mike James?
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Houston did
You don’t eff with Mike James and get away with it. You’re next New Orleans.
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
by Jake Whitacre on Dec 29, 2008 8:52 PM EST up reply actions
Wow
This new Chipotle song isn’t as bad as I thought, but it’s still pretty bad.
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
Yeah
We could use her on the team.
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
by Jake Whitacre on Dec 29, 2008 8:55 PM EST up reply actions
Where is Antawn?
Now’s when we need him.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Buck, not everyone travels all the time
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
NY
Why lean/fade on every freaking jumper? He needs to clean up his fundamentals. It’s unfortunate, because he has great release, rotation, and arc – it’s the body control that is lacking.
Getting buckets since 2003.
by Icantfeelmyface on Dec 29, 2008 9:01 PM EST reply actions
I don't think the coach is teaching him
Or he just won’t listen
by the white prez on Dec 29, 2008 9:01 PM EST up reply actions
I dont think its that bad
when he is shooting off the dribble – because it helps him gain space. But there is no need to do it for a set shot or jumper off of a pass. Straight up and release. Do it.
Getting buckets since 2003.
by Icantfeelmyface on Dec 29, 2008 9:08 PM EST up reply actions
Right
What I’m saying is he’s shot too many shots off the dribble over his career, thereby developing bad habits. Those take a while to fix.
I’m being optimistic here, because it definitely is really annoying like you said.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
I'm plesantly surprised about JaVale being in
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Yeah
I’m afraid this is a trick or something.
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
by Jake Whitacre on Dec 29, 2008 9:03 PM EST up reply actions
Why is Antawn shooting our technical foul shots?
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Because he's a veteran
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
by Jake Whitacre on Dec 29, 2008 9:03 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I don't like that James always misses the rolling man
He missed JaVale earlier, and even then, he missed Jamison.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
I imagine that if he had that court awareness
he wouldnt be on his ninth team.
Getting buckets since 2003.
by Icantfeelmyface on Dec 29, 2008 9:09 PM EST up reply actions
Ron Artest on Darius Songaila
Okay……
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
What is Houston's offense right now?
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
This is definitely an odd lineup
Dray, Darius AND Etan? It’s working I guess.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Oh snap
Someone needs to foul Chuck Hayes right now.
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
Songaila
Rockets TV guy after Songaila’s early 2nd quarter post hook
“Songailas got a post game. He’s one of those guys you have to double team when they get the ball in the paint.”
Who is that? Clyde Drexler?
And that’s funny.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Whoever it is
He’s slightly annoying. Just slightly.
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
by Jake Whitacre on Dec 29, 2008 9:14 PM EST up reply actions
Toward the end of the first half
with the Wiz up by 12 (?) Drexler says “The Rockets are letting them hang around”. Hang around? Up 12 is a bit better than hanging around.
hahaah
i love when other team announcers have no clue. Marv Albert thought D-Macguire was a 2 guard
by the white prez on Dec 29, 2008 9:14 PM EST up reply actions
See, this is kind of annoying
Young’s getting taken out presumably for bad shot selection and stuff, but what do you expect when you put him out there with DeShawn, Darius, Dray and Etan?
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
I'm not saying Nick needs to keep jacking or anything
I’m just saying you make life difficult for him when you place him with a bunch of low-usage guys. That’s always been the issue. If you want him to develop better shot habits, place him with high-usage guys. That way, you can legitimately say to him, “Listen, stop shooting. These guys who are more efficient than you need more shots. Pick your spots better and you’ll get better shots playing off them.”
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Steph Curry
Davidsons playing College of Charleston on ESPNU if you’re interested (Ch 302 on digital cable)
He can't play worse than he did against Purdue
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
by Jake Whitacre on Dec 29, 2008 9:17 PM EST up reply actions
And playing Blatche at SF is odd
I know Eddie T is searching, but the longer you keep this lineup out, the more its novelty wears off. It’s beamt to be temporary.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Oh my god
DeShawn’s shot.
Predictably, we suck on offense with this lineup.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
At the same time, we are good on defense
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Blatche
He started jogging back on defense immediately after the ball left his hands on his dish to Stevenson for the three. Who does he think D-Steve is? Did he not consider the chance that there might be an offensive rebound for the taking?
Blatche's a wing in this lineup
So he’s part of the transition D rotation. Etan and Darius are the ones who should be on the glass.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Though I wasn't watching so carefully on that possession
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
They thought they were playing the Dakota Wizards tonight
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
by Jake Whitacre on Dec 29, 2008 9:21 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe our defense is decent tonight?
It sure seems like it – but maybe I’m delusional.
Getting buckets since 2003.
by Icantfeelmyface on Dec 29, 2008 9:22 PM EST up reply actions
I'd like to say yes
But I don’t think so. Yao and T-Mac were out at the same time, leaving chuckin Ron Artest as the only guy who could score.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
I dunno...
I’ve been wondering for a few games if our defense hasn’t progressed since jordan left, maybe it’s just bad teams we’re playing…but something seems different
by five by five on Dec 29, 2008 9:31 PM EST up reply actions
We were 30th in defensive efficiency before the Cleveland game
Now we’re 27th. Not exactly murderers row.
But we are getting better.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
http://www.knickerblogger.net/stats/2009/d_de.htm
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Rick Adelman = NOT PLEASED
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
Pech
Why haven’t we let him play in the d-league? I think he would benefit more from that than from being inactive the whole season. The Wiz haven’t believe much in the D-league though, but this seems like a perfect case for using it.
Agreed
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
by Jake Whitacre on Dec 29, 2008 9:25 PM EST up reply actions
I think Blatche went there a while ago
by the white prez on Dec 29, 2008 9:25 PM EST up reply actions
That's a run killer
Why is Antawn shooting that shot? I thought Arenas was the only one who took bad shots.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Strike while the iron is hot
This won’t last forever.
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
Houston's missing wide open threes
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
So why doesn't Crittenton play a little more?
I know he hasn’t really done anything, but it’s not like he’s out there falling all over himself.
I agree
Like his physical defense on McGrady.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Etan and Darius have done their job
There’s no need to stick with them. At least not Etan.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Critt
ESPN.com’s Neil Tardy:
“the 4-23 Wizards playing the 33-year-old James rather than Javaris Crittenton, the young point guard they recently acquired, you can see that this might not last, that perhaps Washington is showcasing James for a trade.”
That makes sense
But he can play the 1 or the 2 apparently. Stevenson shouldn’t be getting 30 minutes with Crittenton on the bench.
Why'd you even bother coming up court Darius?
Mike wasn’t going to pass that up.
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
That's a shooting foul?
Seriously?
Reminds me of that play Arenas made on Kirk Hinrich in 2007.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Ron just pulled a Gilbert
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
Nick Young
I don’t think he’s entered Ed’s palace yet.
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
That's what I meant.
I don’t know how I got those confused.
Booth
He was making out with the cheerleaders when all of that happened. It was an awkward moment when the team had to bring him back to the bench.
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
by Jake Whitacre on Dec 29, 2008 9:49 PM EST up reply actions
McGee
McGee’s avg’d 7.3 mpg over the last 7 games. Does anyone understand Tapscott’s “breaking up the season into segments” thing? I’m trying to figure out when one segment ends and the next begins, oh well.
Holy F
McGuire Was WIDE open F you James pass the ball you suck
by the white prez on Dec 29, 2008 10:04 PM EST reply actions
WE GOT A BLEEDER!
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
i wouldn't touch that blood
so many p-tutes
by the white prez on Dec 29, 2008 10:10 PM EST up reply actions
It's almost funny how livid the Rockets PBP guys are about the defense
We would take that kind of effort every day of the week.
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
Blatche 3 pointer
thats an important possesion, can we get a decent shot?
by the white prez on Dec 29, 2008 10:19 PM EST reply actions
3pts
We are 1-10 for 3pts tonight, and over the last 10 games we are last in the league with a team 31%
by morethesamewiz on Dec 29, 2008 10:20 PM EST reply actions
correction
we are 26th, i didnt have the right column view, the sixers are .last over the past 10 games with .246 from 3pts
on the season we are 27th with .319
by morethesamewiz on Dec 29, 2008 10:22 PM EST reply actions
It's not
And IIRC, that’s how the run started last time.
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
by Jake Whitacre on Dec 29, 2008 10:28 PM EST up reply actions
Rockets seem like they're trying to prove something
by putting this game away without their starters
Man
Basketball games are really hard to follow on radio.
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
Etans looked okay but only come up with 2pts and 3 rbds in 15 mins, how does that happen?
by morethesamewiz on Dec 29, 2008 10:45 PM EST reply actions
I'll take it.
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
by Jake Whitacre on Dec 29, 2008 10:48 PM EST up reply actions
Buckhantz can't belive stvenson hit a shot
by the white prez on Dec 29, 2008 10:47 PM EST reply actions
Stevenson in for his D
he actually playing McGrady well
by the white prez on Dec 29, 2008 10:50 PM EST reply actions
True
It helps that this is McGrady’s first game back from injury though.
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
by Jake Whitacre on Dec 29, 2008 10:50 PM EST up reply actions
dsteves a 54% FT shooter this yr. Mr 500 haha
by morethesamewiz on Dec 29, 2008 10:50 PM EST reply actions
Ha!
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
by Jake Whitacre on Dec 29, 2008 10:50 PM EST up reply actions
Well that didn't take long
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
It's times like this that I miss healthy Gilbert most . . .
who’s going to close this out for the Wizards?
I literally just kicked my own foot in anger
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
Taser seals it!
Holy crap.
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
Does Buck Need to say "no arenas and no haywood"?
by the white prez on Dec 29, 2008 10:56 PM EST reply actions
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
by Jake Whitacre on Dec 29, 2008 10:59 PM EST up reply actions
That's a joke thread
Except two really dumb posters (actually, just one) actually think it’s true.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
somehow blatche (-13) ended up with the worst +/- thats odd
by morethesamewiz on Dec 29, 2008 10:59 PM EST reply actions
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