Open Thread: Playoff Game 2
by Jake Whitacre on Apr 21, 2008 2:00 PM EDT
in Game Threads
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PrintWashington Wizards at Cleveland Cavaliers, Apr 21, 2008 7:00 PM EDT
The Essentials:
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 2 (Cavs up 1-0)
7 p.m. (That's 2 a.m. if you're in Israel. Load up on the coffee.)
TNT
Key Links (drop any others in the comments)
Arenas will play through sprained wrist.
Wizards will continue to play physical, Brendan will continue to become Robert Horry.
Tough Juice is ready.
TrueHoop bullets from Game 1.
More evidence that Mike Brown isn't exactly the greatest offensive coach ever.
Tonight's Lines:
Wizards at Cavaliers: Cavs by 2
Over/Under on Total Points: 179
They say it doesn't really become a playoff series until somebody wins on the road. In order for this series to become legitimate, the Wizards are going to need to look back to what they did in '06 in this same game to make it happen. They have to set the tone early (by which I mean, do this, but make sure it's clean), hit outside shots, and take LeBron out of his element if possible. It won't be easy but at least they won't also have to worry about Drew Gooden going for 24 points on 11-12 shooting, and we don't have to live in fear of how Eddie is going to distribute minutes to Billy Thomas (now he's Cleveland's problem!) and Michael Ruffin.
As far as what else needs to change to put a W in the books tonight, just go back to the Game 1 recap. Here are some cool facts from tonight's game notes (it's a PDF!) in no particular order:
- Tonight will be the 26th time that the Wizards have played the Cavs in the last 3 years.
- Eddie Jordan was the 33rd draft pick in 1977, where he was chosen by, you guessed it, the Cavs.
- More coaching connections: Mike Brown was an assistant to Bernie Bickerstaff for two years in Washington and Cavs assistant coach Chris Jent was a player at Ohio State while the Buckeyes were being coached by Wizards assistant coach Randy Ayers.
- Since the creation of the Southeast Division, the Wizards have finished 2nd every season.
- Just in case you needed more proof that DeShawn was really bad in '07 playoffs (and in Game 1) his career playoff scoring high is 14 points. Adding insult to injury, that high came while he was with Utah.
- The Wizards played more overtime games than any other team this season.
- Which player had the single best rebounding performance against the Wiz this season? Dwight Howard? Marcus Camby? Tim Duncan? No, it was Nick Collison (21).
- Back to backs mean nothing to this team! They had a 9-11 record on the front end, and a 9-11 record on the back end.
- Guess which player had the best record as a starter this season. If you guessed Darius Songaila (9-4) you'd be correct.
- The player with the best one quarter scoring performance this season was...Roger Mason (17 in the 4th quarter against Seattle).
This is an open thread, so if you think taking LeBron's advice tonight would be a good idea, discuss it here.
122 comments
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Picks
Wizards
Over
Bullets Forever: Your home for blogging on the dumbest team in the history of civilization.
Gil Update
He’s got a wrap, lost some money, good to go tonight.
In other news, IC might want to take the story about the drinking game out. I sure don’t want want the best beat writer around to get the Michael Tunison treatment.
Bullets Forever: Your home for blogging on the dumbest team in the history of civilization.
Picks
Wizards.
Over.
Let’s go ‘zards!
"My only regret is that I have boneitis." - That Guy on Futurama
Go Wiz
i thought we’d win game 1.. and then we didnt. . so while its not absolutely necessary, we BETTER win this one.
evaflowin.blogspot.com
is it just me?
or does quicken loans arena seem a lot smaller than all the other Nba arenas when your watching on tv
Andray Blatche > Lebron James
by blatcheallstar09 on Apr 21, 2008 3:59 PM EDT reply actions
Picks
Wiz, Over.
We need Tough Juice to show up in this one.
The Washington Wizards: providing career scoring nights for unknown opposing bench players since 2004.
Go Wiz!
It’s after 2 a.m. in Jerusalem. I just got back from a night of partying, and I have to wake up in four hours.
I’m still staying up for this, though.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Jamison has come out strong
Love the start. Don’t love the second foul call on Haywood.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Or a Blatche O-board
Prompting Glenn Consor to say “he’s as good as any forward in the league” when he’s focused.
Right.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
wow...
lebron’s scoring average would be ten points lower if they didn’t allow him the tuck and run. absurd.
The T was just....
Gil’s shove was extra-curricular. Gotta remember that the refs probably want to keep this game on a short leash.
Varejao’s move on Andray was BS….but he was probably instructed to do just that.
MAKE YOU DAMN FTs!
this is eerily similar
this erasing of the six-point wizards lead is oddly similar to the 2nd quarter of gm 1 when a combo of bad calling and bad defense by the wiz led to an 11 point comback
Andray Blatche > Lebron James
by blatcheallstar09 on Apr 21, 2008 7:35 PM EDT reply actions
lebron
one poor note for him this series has been ft shooting
Andray Blatche > Lebron James
by blatcheallstar09 on Apr 21, 2008 7:35 PM EDT reply actions
free throws
I’m thinking about starting a poll: “what item in my apartment should I destroy in frothy-mouthed frustration over missed free throws and bad calls?”
by the way
I don’t think I’ve mentioned this yet, but Lebron James is a fucking Diva.
Well, what are our choices sierradave?
I vote for LeBron’s collection of porcelain angels in compromising positions.
Gilbert's clearly hurting
Very bad start, and that hurts.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
“Nice hands by Brendan Haywood”—Reggie Miller
My virgin ears have never heard that phrase before.
by Aldo on Apr 21, 2008 7:44 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Hah
If it was from anyone other than Reggie Miller, I’d feel better.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
They can't do anything without LeBron
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
BTW
This instant-update comment thingy is so hot.
And yes, for those who forget, I’m writing my dissertation on blogs. “instant-update comment thingy” is a technical term.
by sierradave on Apr 21, 2008 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
we better take advantage while lbj is on the bench
Andray Blatche > Lebron James
by blatcheallstar09 on Apr 21, 2008 7:46 PM EDT reply actions
By the way
We can recommend comments by clicking “actions.”
Just one of the new features on here.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Apr 21, 2008 7:47 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
WTF
Mason has missed two FTs? Huh?
And LeBron’s back in.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
uh oh
Andray Blatche > Lebron James
by blatcheallstar09 on Apr 21, 2008 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm a blazer fan
And I love gameday open threads over at Blazersedge, but since we didn’t make the playoffs, I feel like rooting for the Wizards.
Who is Songila? I don’t think I’d seen him play until Saturday and I’ve watched quite a few Wizards games this year.
If all I'm remembered for is being a good basketball player, then I've done a bad job with the rest of my life. - Isiah Thomas
He's emerged late in the season
He’s been a big contributor off the bench since about February. Before then, he wasn’t doing much, but since that point, he’s probably been our best reserve big man.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
thanks
he seems to have a good shot for a big
If all I'm remembered for is being a good basketball player, then I've done a bad job with the rest of my life. - Isiah Thomas
That's what makes him effective
He’s the perfect Princeton reserve big man. If he was a little taller and a bit better on the glass, he’d be Brad Miller, and he’d be a 12-million dollar a year guy.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
In night class how is gilbert doing
in a college night class was wondering how gilbert is doing and are the wizards playing better than last night
Corey
Gilbert's struggling
Picked up two quick fouls.
The score is up on the top of the blog … one of the new features here.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
It looked like
the ball hit the backboard before LBJ blocked it…should have been a goaltend
If all I'm remembered for is being a good basketball player, then I've done a bad job with the rest of my life. - Isiah Thomas
Caron needs to pick it up
That’s been the big problem thus far in the series.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
How long have you guys
had the SB update?
If all I'm remembered for is being a good basketball player, then I've done a bad job with the rest of my life. - Isiah Thomas
Wally is playing way too well
And we’re really struggling offensively. Why isn’t Gilbert in the game?
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Need to play like they want it
There are a whole lot of cute passes that are getting mishandled inside
Enough threes
That’s three in a row. Go to the rim.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
This reminds me
Of Game 4 of the 2006 series.
Hopefully the halftime speech is just as effective tonight as it was then.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
big z traveled
If all I'm remembered for is being a good basketball player, then I've done a bad job with the rest of my life. - Isiah Thomas
Kill the short spurts
I thought that having Gil in short spurts would help him keep his rhythm, which he never re-established when he entered in the second half, but it’s just not working. Now no one has any rhythm offensively.
Bullets Forever: Your home for blogging on the dumbest team in the history of civilization.
Geez this is awful
They’re making it way too easy.
Every play is within the first 10 seconds of the shot clock. They’re trying to score 14 points all at once. Calm down.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
How many times can Caron get hit
Before they call a foul?
Three, apparently.
Reggie Miller is right
Don’t worry about attacking the rim with your head down….run the damn offense.
Boo
I don’t like putting in Nick Young at all. Our problem is that we’re moving too quickly. We need our more disciplined players in there.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
I got to go
dream about Roy, Aldridge, and Oden… good luck.
If all I'm remembered for is being a good basketball player, then I've done a bad job with the rest of my life. - Isiah Thomas
On that note
It’s 3:15 in the morning. I need to be up at 6:30. We have an unbelievably long day tomorrow. I might have to call it a night.
Keep talking, and please get better Wiz!
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
The only thing worse than the Wiz right now
Reggie Miller. He makes me want to strangle my ears.
Bullets Forever: Your home for blogging on the dumbest team in the history of civilization.
credit at the half to Sir Charles
For the PA for Obama shoutout :-)
At least
Caps just got 1 goal back. I’m hoping not to see two huge deflating losses tonight.
Getting buckets since 2003.
by Icantfeelmyface on Apr 21, 2008 8:23 PM EDT reply actions
WOW a 15 minute drive does wonders
after my night class concluded the wiz were up 30-29 and i get home 15 minutes later and they are down by 13.
what happened?
Corey
No offensive flow.
At all. Whatsoever.
Bullets Forever: Your home for blogging on the dumbest team in the history of civilization.
by Jake Whitacre on Apr 21, 2008 8:39 PM EDT up reply actions
When did AD become our scoring option?
Bullets Forever: Your home for blogging on the dumbest team in the history of civilization.
even when they move it well
They just can’t seem to finish
fucking diva
Haywood puts a clean foul on him, he’s whining for a flagrant 2 and showing how he has a little ding on his arm
and they're ejecting him
let’s be clear, Varejao punched Blatche in the head earlier tonight, while he was in the air. That’s a flagrant 1, though.
and BH is gone
wow. what a terrible call. can we finally get fired up?
Getting buckets since 2003.
by Icantfeelmyface on Apr 21, 2008 8:45 PM EDT reply actions
Taser
I’m thinking Bron Bron has a glass jaw.
Our only hope is a steady procession to the foul line
only problem is we only get intermittent calls…
Getting buckets since 2003.
by Icantfeelmyface on Apr 21, 2008 8:48 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
and i guess defense would be nice too
Getting buckets since 2003.
by Icantfeelmyface on Apr 21, 2008 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions
NOOOOO
He was in the restricted area!!!! AND came out into AD.
FUCK this…..you gotta give the Cavs these kinda of calls with that lead?
Ben Wallace in the restricted area
But hey, that’s cool, it’s totally an offensive foul.
They’re up 20, refs. You could maybe think about calling it even.
Gil standing stone still
West runs into him and falls. Offensive foul. Let me know when this shit is over.
fair enough, I don't either
I nonetheless have decided to be pissed off at how the game is being called. I’m going to stick with that, I think it works for me :)
sweep the leg, johnny
Refs just called a light handcheck foul on Caron against Bron Bron. Honestly, send D-Mac in there, have him swat at the ball, fist closed, and ugly Lebron up a lot. we’re gonna lose the game, he oughta lose a tooth.
ovechkin scores on a breakaway
i’ve switched channels
watch the capsinstead
breakaway go-head goal by ovechkin!
Getting buckets since 2003.
by Icantfeelmyface on Apr 21, 2008 9:04 PM EDT reply actions
im jealous
I really really need that.
Getting buckets since 2003.
by Icantfeelmyface on Apr 21, 2008 9:06 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm really confused about this game
did we underestimate the cavs or overestimate the wizards? Or do we just not have enough heart today? Is it the refs? Someone enlighten me!
Getting buckets since 2003.
by Icantfeelmyface on Apr 21, 2008 9:19 PM EDT reply actions
is that more
of a run than the wiz have had all game?
Getting buckets since 2003.
by Icantfeelmyface on Apr 21, 2008 9:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Hey DeShawn....the ghetto called....
They wondered about you calling LeBron overrated and then said don’t come back.
These Announcers Suck
I hated Reggie when he was in the playoffs, and I hate him when he’s commentating on the playoffs.
They’re obsessed with Lebron, and Reggie’ assessment, suggesting that the Wizards are better without Gilbert…. Yeah, I’m gonna listen to some idiot who’s probably watched the Wizards 3 times all year. He doesn’t know freakin’ squat. I’m pissed off.
sorry guys
i had my skins sweatshirt on tonight. no wonder we played like some smelly shit that had been sitting in the sun for 7 hours. i’m so frustrated and embarassed by them.
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