Open thread: Regular season game 37 vs. Milwaukee Bucks
by JakeTheSnake
on Jan 12, 2009 4:16 PM EST
in Game Threads
74 comments
Milwaukee @ Washington
The Essentials:
Bucks (18-21) at Wizards (7-29)
7 p.m.
Verizon Center
CSN
This year:
November 5: Bucks 102, Wizards 104 (OT)
Notable Bucks numbers this season:
15th in expected winning percentage (.521)
13th in pace factor (91.7 possessions per game)
21st in offensive efficiency/offensive rating (105.2)
7th in defensive efficiency/defensive rating (104.6)
Key Links: (drop any others in the comments)
Brew Hoop
Bucks Blog
Bucks Diary
Gameday Milwaukee
Starting Lineups:
Wizards
PG: Mike James
SG: Caron Butler
SF: Dominic McGuire
PF: Antawn Jamison
C: Andray Blatche
Bucks
PG: Luke Ridnour
SG: Michael Redd
SF: Richard Jefferson
PF: Luc Richard Mbah a Moute
C: Andrew Bogut
Tonight's Lines
Bucks at Wizards: Bucks by 3
Over/Under on Total Scoring: 191
Just think, 37 years ago when these two teams were going at it, a NBA title was on the line. The Bucks had lost less than 20% of their games and the Bullets made it despite just finishing over .500 in the regular season. This time around, we've got one team that's just under .500 facing off against a team that's won less than 20% of their games this season. It's almost like we're watching a bizarro 1971 Finals. Just pretend Andrew Bogut is an Australian Kareem Abdul-Jabbar without the skyhook and that Darius Songaila is a Lithuanian Wes Unseld without the hair or rebounding rate.
3 games under .500 = 5th best team in the NBA. What? Hollinger dropped a bit of a bombshell last week when he put the Bucks 5th in his Power Rankings. While that was probably a bit extreme (they're back down to 13th this week) I'm kind of glad he put them that hight because the Bucks improvement this season has really flown under the radar and as Ziller explains, the Bucks are a team that's better than their record would indicate.
The big key to this year's turnaround has been their defensive improvement under their first year coach, Scott Skiles. After finishing dead last in defensive efficiency last year, the Bucks are currently have the 7th best defense in the league.
(Did I just subtly hint that the hiring the right coach can do wonders with a team's defense, even if the roster isn't loaded with defensive stoppers? Probably. But will Jake elaborate any further on that subject? Not today!)
Not to be confused with Mmm Bop: Another key to the Bucks success this year has been the play of Luc Mbah a Moute who looks like he'll be this year's second round steal, averaging 7.7 rebounds per game and 6.3 rebounds. You probably remember him from the first time that the Bucks and Wizards tangled, when he scored 17 points and pulled in 6 rebounds in the overtime win. Definitely someone to keep an eye on tonight.
Injury Watch: Antawn Jamison will be a game time decision after tweaking his knee on Saturday. Andrew Bogut looks like he'll be back in the starting line-up after missing time due to back spasms.
Quote of the night: "Be cautious. Really be aware of your surroundings, and know where both of the exits are. Watch out for the big girl. Everybody knows what that means. It's true, the big girl always wants to dance with you." Words to live by from Caron Butler.
Match-up of the night - Nick Young vs. Joe Alexander: This battle will not be waged on the ground, it will be found in the skies. As you probably know, Joe Alexander is one of three rookies vying for the final spot in this year's slam dunk contest. Milwaukee is pulling it all out to try and get Joe in the contest this year, coming out with a website devoted to the effort and some goffy commercials. As you know, we've got the site covered, but we're lacking on the commercial front (Call us Nick!).
Young averages about 10 more minutes per game than Alexander, which gives him more time to make his case on the court tonight, but it only takes one dunk to make a lasting statement.
Of course, this could all end up being moot if the rumored Conley for Ramon Sessions and Joe Alexander deal goes through.
We know drama: The Wizards and Bucks have had their share of wild finishes in recent years. After the jump, we'll take a look back.
10-5-08: The Wizards blow a 12 point lead in the 4th quarter and watch as the Bucks go on to win by 8 points in overtime.
4-2-08: Ramon Sessions introduces himself to the world.
1-27-08: The Wizards went on an 11-0 run in the final 1:40 of the game to force overtime, only to see the Bucks squeak out a three point win in overtime. Caron Butler had a career high 40 points in the win, but this was also the game where he injured his hip, leaving him sidelined for a month.
4-1-07: Caron Butler breaks his hand. Season over.
1-3-07: Hibachi!
12-5-05: Mo Williams introduces himself to the world.
1-14-05: Larry Hughes hits a lay-up with 0.7 seconds left to lift the Wizards to a 105-103 win.
This is an open thread, so if you can say Luc Richard Mbah a Moute's name 5 times fast, brag about it in the comments.
GO WIZARDS!
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Can anyone explain this trade?
how does it make any sense?
rockin' the crab dribble since 2009
by hibachi on
Jan 12, 2009 5:35 PM EST
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I think it's a cap room move
At least that’s the vibe that I’m getting from the Bucks blogs. Otherwise, I’m with you, not a good move for Milwaukee.
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
by JakeTheSnake on
Jan 12, 2009 5:42 PM EST
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why'd Milwaukee take on Jefferson and sign Bogut to a ridiculous contract
if they wanted to clear cap room?
rockin' the crab dribble since 2009
by hibachi on
Jan 12, 2009 5:55 PM EST
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Your guess is as good as mine
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
by JakeTheSnake on
Jan 12, 2009 6:13 PM EST
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In Milwaukee's defense
While both Bogut and Jefferson are limited players, those are closer to the types of players you spend your cap room on, not guys like Ramon Sessions. That money could have been spent more wisely, sure, but it’s not like Sessions is part of the “best PG in the East” discussion.
by Jon L on
Jan 12, 2009 6:24 PM EST
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The Bogut contract was fair value
He’s quite underrated and is an improving young center. Those don’t come cheap.
The Jefferson trade was the silly one.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on
Jan 12, 2009 6:51 PM EST
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Would you pay Bogut 15 mil?
rockin' the crab dribble since 2009
by hibachi on
Jan 12, 2009 7:19 PM EST
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He's not making 15 million
He’s making an average of 12 million a year. And that’s fair value.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on
Jan 12, 2009 7:30 PM EST
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I guess the number of quality centers has dropped off so much
that 12 million a year is fair value.
rockin' the crab dribble since 2009
by hibachi on
Jan 12, 2009 8:42 PM EST
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Nice reference to Hanson there
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
by Rook6980 on
Jan 12, 2009 5:47 PM EST
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Gotta throw it in where I can
Side Note: I blame the nation’s lower SAT scores on the repeated play of that song in 1997.
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
by JakeTheSnake on
Jan 12, 2009 6:19 PM EST
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can we call him mbogut now?
also – like the pre-game commenting on the site, means the fans, at least, are ready to go.
go wiz – they are SOOO due.
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on
Jan 12, 2009 6:41 PM EST
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Need to keep from falling behind in the 1st Quarter
If they can do that, and move the ball tonight, I feel good about the Wiz chances of getting a win.
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
by Rook6980 on
Jan 12, 2009 7:10 PM EST
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Agressive play by Blatche
a good sign
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
by Rook6980 on
Jan 12, 2009 7:13 PM EST
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mbad start for mbutler
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on
Jan 12, 2009 7:17 PM EST
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With less than 4 minutes left
it’s 15-13 Bucks. Yikes.
by Pryme on
Jan 12, 2009 7:25 PM EST
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Butler can't get ANYTHING going at all
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by Rook6980 on
Jan 12, 2009 7:26 PM EST
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way to not ride your vets too much
tapscott – 11 mins in 1st q. for jamison and butler
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on
Jan 12, 2009 7:33 PM EST
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only down 6 after the first period
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
by Rook6980 on
Jan 12, 2009 7:33 PM EST
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for a team lacking a true go-to scorer and a defensive anchor
it’s a bigger lead than it looks.
by Pryme on
Jan 12, 2009 7:36 PM EST
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this is the lineup i've been waiting to see
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on
Jan 12, 2009 7:39 PM EST
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young guys playing well... erased that 6 point defecit
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
by Rook6980 on
Jan 12, 2009 7:40 PM EST
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yeah, didn't see this coming
I was so expecting a 20-minute p/t performance from Etan tonight.
by Pryme on
Jan 12, 2009 7:41 PM EST
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As McGuire says "don't bring that weak sh@t in here Rookie"
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by Rook6980 on
Jan 12, 2009 7:41 PM EST
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seriously - these guys seem to compliment eachother well
still not sure about mcgee knowing what he should be doing.
what’s cool is that blatche looks like the leader (!!!!) with this unit
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on
Jan 12, 2009 7:43 PM EST
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The "Next" 3
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by Rook6980 on
Jan 12, 2009 7:51 PM EST
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might be time to start young
and get butler back to the SF spot.
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on
Jan 12, 2009 7:51 PM EST
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i'd love to never see mike james in a wiz uniform again
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on
Jan 12, 2009 7:54 PM EST
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I really like Crittenton's defense
Noticed over the last several games that he really tries to keep in front of his man – denying any penetration…. and he’s pesky as well, slapping at the ball (without fouling)…
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
by Rook6980 on
Jan 12, 2009 7:55 PM EST
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totally agree
he’s been really solid on D. he’s impressed me across the board, really. just no long jumpers, please. but he seems to know that.
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on
Jan 12, 2009 7:57 PM EST
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T-LUE!!!!!!
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on
Jan 12, 2009 8:01 PM EST
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Offense-defense substitutions?
What is this? Is Tapscott actually “coaching”?
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by Rook6980 on
Jan 12, 2009 8:05 PM EST
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not the best result, however
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on
Jan 12, 2009 8:06 PM EST
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LP appears to be blacked out
So I haven’t been able to actually see the game, but I’ve been following along. Like a lot of people who have already commented, I really like putting Crittenton with NY. Crittenton is a good rebounding guard who also seems like a solid defender and passer, and having them together allows NY to focus on scoring, which he seems to be doing.
So far a thumbs up for that part of the trade, I think.
by Jon L on
Jan 12, 2009 8:25 PM EST
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my LP is coming in just fine -
don’t understand sometimes how it works. lame.
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on
Jan 12, 2009 8:31 PM EST
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Looks like the Referees are going to even up the fouls
QUICKLY
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by Rook6980 on
Jan 12, 2009 8:29 PM EST
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sweet sassy molassy
young is on fire
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on
Jan 12, 2009 8:36 PM EST
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No one is going to complain about Nick using the same move repeatedly when it goes in.
by Aldo on
Jan 12, 2009 8:38 PM EST
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true - it's fine
until people adjust and stop it.
but, he’s bailed the wiz out by making big shots off bad offensive sets
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on
Jan 12, 2009 8:40 PM EST
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this feels a lot like
the charlotte game.
please please please just hold on, and get a win.
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on
Jan 12, 2009 8:47 PM EST
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awful stretch- bad offense, people dont know what they are doing
by WhaHuh on
Jan 12, 2009 8:54 PM EST
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Gotta love growing pains
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
by JakeTheSnake on
Jan 12, 2009 8:55 PM EST
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is that what it is?
i thought it was just a run-of-the-mill case of mike james pains
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on
Jan 12, 2009 8:56 PM EST
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He's still growing too
I have a feeling he’ll never stop growing.
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
by JakeTheSnake on
Jan 12, 2009 8:57 PM EST
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way too many
jump shots
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on
Jan 12, 2009 8:59 PM EST
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good idea
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on
Jan 12, 2009 9:03 PM EST
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You know what would be great right now?
A lay-up, a dunk, anything but a jump shot.
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
by JakeTheSnake on
Jan 12, 2009 9:03 PM EST
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question -
who kills the wiz worse? lebron james or mike james? at least we don’t have to deal with lebron every game
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on
Jan 12, 2009 9:04 PM EST
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Nick Young = Human Torch
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
by JakeTheSnake on
Jan 12, 2009 9:08 PM EST
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Where's Crittenton?
Come on Tapscott, get it together. Get Mike James out…..
by Matt K. on
Jan 12, 2009 9:09 PM EST
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ugh
some bad play – but also some bad luck with lose balls
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on
Jan 12, 2009 9:13 PM EST
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shiiiiiiiiiiitttttt
this gets do old
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on
Jan 12, 2009 9:15 PM EST
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so old i meant
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on
Jan 12, 2009 9:15 PM EST
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Minutes Watch
Jamison played a little over 38 minutes
Butler played 37 and a half minutes
NY played a little over 31 and a half minutes
Mike James played 30 and a half minutes
Taser played 27 minutes
Blatche played 25 minutes
Crittenton played 17 and a half minutes
Songaila played 14 and a half minutes
McGee played 14 minutes
Etan played just under 4 and a half minutes
by Jon L on
Jan 12, 2009 9:24 PM EST
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mike james played 30.5 minutes?
this needs to stop
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on
Jan 12, 2009 9:28 PM EST
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btw he went 2 - 12
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on
Jan 12, 2009 9:32 PM EST
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Jake = Starbury
Jake’s reference to Mbah a Moute “averaging 7.7 rebounds per game and 6.3 rebounds” reminds me of Stephon Marbury predicting that he would “average like 10 points, like 12, 13 dimes, like 2, 3 assists and about 4, 5 rebounds.”
"Now, obviously individual production does not unilaterally equal better team production, but there's a high level of causation."
by Vanilla Gorilla on
Jan 13, 2009 9:28 AM EST
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That video never gets old
Though I’m still trying to figure out the difference between a dime and an assist.
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
by JakeTheSnake on
Jan 13, 2009 9:40 AM EST
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Bogut...
Ate Songaila’s lunch repeatedly. Tapscott did nothing. He hasn’t figured out yet, apparently, that Song is a backup 4. Darius got killed on rebound after rebound, and Bogut shot right over him. Taps refuses to understand that Song is a 10 min/game player at the 4. Will he ever? My guess is no. Jordan never did, either, so why would Taps?
by YellaFella on
Jan 13, 2009 10:13 AM EST
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