So...who saw that coming?

by Jake Whitacre on Mar 3, 2008 12:05 PM EST in Game Threads

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Highest Plus/Minus: Antawn Jamison (+19)
Lowest Plus/Minus: Andray Blatche (0)

Sadly, I had no TV access last night so I had to follow this one GameTracker as it was happening. I couldn't recommend the experience any less if it was humanly possible, especially considering how great the win last night was. Despite that, I still have a few notes from the game though:

Did Steve go slightly overboard here? I'm going to say yes with some reservations. It was deflating sure, but you can't dilute the classic call of DAGGER!!! with shots that are impressive, but ultimately meaningless. We need a new word for these kind of shots. GUT SHOT!!! ?
I'll be the first to admit that I thought putting Songaila in the starting line-up was a bad move, but it's working far better than I anticipated. Of course, we're still dealing with a very small sample size right now but it's looked good for the first two games. Songaila has provided stability (read: he doesn't do anything great, but he doesn't screw things up either) for the starting 5 and Blatche has given the second unit a boost a la Manu Ginobili. Obviously, this move is about trying to get the most out of Andray which concerns me because I thought that putting him in the starting line-up was supposed to be the move that motivated Andray. The coaching staff can't just think of new ways to motivate AB every other week.
Thankfully, Oleksiy doesn't need any of that rotation motivation to get going, he just needs to see this and he's good to go. If you think it wass just a mere coincidence that the Wizards went on a 19-0 run just minutes after Steve and Phil's "moment" you're kidding yourself.

Maybe I'm going out on a limb here, but I think that was the best win of the season. Sure, the wins over the Celtics were mighty impressive, but you have to remember that Rajon Rondo sat our the first game and was less than a 100% in the second game. Not to mention Caron Butler was still healthy in those games and neither one of them was decided by 17 (!!!) points.

The Wizards have another big game on Wednesday at home against Orlando who has a pretty firm grip on the Southeast division lead. I'm not saying that a win here would spark a run to take the division, but it sure couldn't hurt. Make sure you have your pencil and paper ready.

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I didn't have TV access either

But I listened to the game on the radio via the internet on the NBA Audio League Pass.

http://www.nba.com/broadband/alp_schedule.html

It's free and you can choose which feed to listen to. Listening to that plus GameCast isn't a horrible experience. I would recommend it if you can't get it on TV.

by Aldo on Mar 3, 2008 12:43 PM EST reply actions

Premature Dagger

I found Deshawn's three in the fourth quarter to be more of the "backbreaker" variety. Of course, Buck only doles out the BBs to Wizards opponents, it seems like.

by Bobtimist Prime on Mar 3, 2008 12:57 PM EST reply actions

Ah, Bulletsforever community

That's what I love about the BF crowd... comments like that just aren't appreciated by my IRL friends. (It's pen and paper, though. No erasing even!)

Totally agree about the dagger comment. It was a sweet shot and all, but if a shot that puts your team up 20 with 2 minutes left is a dagger, it's overkill for sure. I think the Hornets might have already put their reserves in by that point...

by sierradave on Mar 3, 2008 2:01 PM EST reply actions

Do the Wiz have CP3 batteries?

I know it is only 2 games and CP3 has had a MVP candidate type of season but man did he wilt down the stretch in the Wizards 2 wins over Nawlins.

The D was amazing in the 4th quarter during the 19-0 run, and even Twan was rotating.

I need to give Eddie some credit and even thought I think Darius plays too many minutes, Blatche is better off the bench.

What? They don't have TV in the D-League? Don't watch me, watch TV.

by Mac G on Mar 3, 2008 4:44 PM EST reply actions

Arenas cleared to practice

Ivan has the story on WI.

by bronco6778 on Mar 3, 2008 5:45 PM EST reply actions

Blatche

I went to the game and enjoyed it immensely. The Wizards answered every challenge. I love seeing a game where every single guy contributes. Andre Blatche is so tantalizingly close to being an excellent player. He's got outstanding court vision and in addition to the assists he got credited for, he made at least 2 other excellent passes that didn't get converted. He had a beautiful coast to coast layup. Unfortunately there were times where he handled the ball too much leading to an offensive foul or a turnover. The same mix goes for his defense. A great block followed by a dumb reach in foul.
I'm drooling at the thought of him establishing game to game and even quarter to quarter consistency. The raw skills are definitely there. I hope it all clicks soon.

by hotplate on Mar 3, 2008 9:09 PM EST reply actions