2-6
by Mike Prada on Nov 10, 2009 10:01 PM EST
in Recaps
44 comments
I really just think they ran out of gas tonight. Miami's 5-1 and they rock at home. It's tough to go in and win there with so few healthy guys.
But man, what was up with the turnovers? Could it be that Gilbert Arenas messed up his own rhythm and his teammates' by deciding to play 20 minutes before the game started? I dunno, I think it was more than they ran out of gas and just couldn't win a tough road game without three major weapons -- Foye, Miller, Jamison. But you have to wonder what compelled Arenas to change his mind so late.
Anyway, here's hoping Foye is okay, Jamison and Miller are back next game and this all gets fixed.
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Anyone know why Gil was arguing with the ref so much at the end?
"We don’t have any rearview mirrors in our car,"- John Harbaugh
by purpleonblack86 on Nov 10, 2009 10:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I'm guessing
Because Gil felt that Wade got a (few) favorable call(s) from the refs, and Gil felt he didn’t receive the same call(s) a few times tonight.
by bigrm18 on Nov 10, 2009 10:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It Wasn't the Ref's Fault
That Gil couldn’t hit the broadside of a barn with the basketball tonight, although he could have built one with all of those bricks he was laying. He should stop complaining and relearn how to make shots, which he’s clearly forgotten how to do over the last several games. He can’t even make a free throw. Something is clearly wrong with him, and I think the problem lies way above his sore calf.
"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier
by cuppettcj on Nov 10, 2009 11:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Stevenson
Okay, I pretty much focused on Stevenson the whole time he was in tonight. This is what I saw:
1. He has slow feet. I never realized this before.
2. He’s so bad on offense now that his man gets to rest. DWade was expending no effort on D when guarding him.
3. He’s a good passer and has good hands.
4. Stevenson is a very smart defender (never thought I’d use the word smart to describe DS) – he funnels his man to help and positions himself well off the ball. Given his slowness afoot, he’s actually wise to play off his man as far as he does.
5. He falls for fakes too often. Jab steps freeze him and pump fakes get him off balance.
6. He plays with great effort on defense.
7. He doesn’t defend the post very well (because he falls for fakes)
8. Because he has to give his man so much space, and because he falls for jab steps, his man can frequently get good looks on jumpers one-on-one. Sometimes he anticipates a jumper and contests it well, but not often.
Overall I’ll have to say he’s an average defender. He’s not a stopper by any stretch of the imagination. McGuire has better tools (more length and athleticism, much quicker feet). He definitely bothered Wade more. Too bad he’s just as much (if not more) of a liability on offense.
by steadyhand on Nov 10, 2009 10:10 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
You underestimate the importance of #4.
I’m no big DS fan, but he does this very well, very consistently, and it’s an under-appreciated and somewhat rare skill.
by RamV on Nov 11, 2009 12:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I loved Dom’s D on Wade and Beasley. Would loved to have seen him get a few more minutes in place of D-Steve.
My swag was phenomenal.
by se7en on Nov 11, 2009 2:21 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hard to argue with much of this
He was a much better weapon when he could knock down the open jumper. Now, he isn’t making teams pay for leaving him alone sometimes on the perimeter.
by Matt K. on Nov 11, 2009 2:21 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Whats wrong with Gil?
soooo…. i’m not one for rumors and hearsay, but I saw some gossip about Shaq cheating with Gil’s fiancee. If this is true, and i hope its not, I can imagine this messing with the dude’s head. I by no means want to turn this great blog into a rumor machine so let me know if I’m out of line here.
by corruptparty on Nov 10, 2009 10:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Gil had 12 turnovers.
The optimist would say that that means he’s trying hard to become an effective distributor.
The realist would say something else.
by satchmore on Nov 10, 2009 10:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
The crazy thing
Was all the unforced turnovers! The backcourt violation, the ridiculous pass outta bounds to blatche, the fumbles and dropped balls etc… Dude just looked sloppy…
by DynaMix on Nov 10, 2009 10:15 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Such things can happen if you decide you're going to play 20 minutes before the game
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Nov 10, 2009 10:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That might be true
But knowing Gil, he could have decided to play all along.
by bigrm18 on Nov 10, 2009 10:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
GIl
I missed the game but, I think Gil’s bad play is probably a function of playing a ton of minutes for the first time and frustration with injuries. I can’t imagine what the guys where going through when Foye got injured. Gil is being asked to do a lot for us after not playing for two years. He doesn’t have a chance to feel his way through because the teams need Agent Zero (maybe more) to weather this storm and its probably just asking too much. All the starters played almost 40 minutes and I know Blatche and Haywood are not ready to play that much.
by forthepeople on Nov 10, 2009 10:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously
Even with all of the injuries, Gil has a much higher level of talent around him than he has ever had as a Wizard, and probably ever. Being asked to play a lot of minutes and do too much was never a problem for Gil before the injury.
"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier
by cuppettcj on Nov 10, 2009 11:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i'm hard on gil generally
but give him some time
by DarrellWalkerFan on Nov 11, 2009 2:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Or if your mind is somewhere else
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
by Rook6980 on Nov 10, 2009 10:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Deshawn’s plus/minus was -25, YIKES!
"You taught me a lesson, I was going to give someone the benefit of doubt, and I almost did, then something said, no don't, don't, its not for you, its not my thing" Larry David,
by Mac G on Nov 10, 2009 10:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
million dollar jumper, 10 cent head
Its very early in the season here, but so far save for two games, arenas has looked like damaged goods. Im hoping that thats not the case, and that the Wiz get on a roll here soon.
by Poname84 on Nov 10, 2009 10:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Come on, he's mostly looked good
This was his worst game of the season. Besides tonight, he’s done a lot of very good things.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Nov 10, 2009 10:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I guess i'm being a little hard, and Gil has been hurt for 2 years...
Its clear that he still has much of the same athleticism, but his head is different story. The careless turn overs, the arguing the call at the end of the game, not to mention his seemingly unwillingness to become a better defender and a better leader. All thats necessary to be a considered a great player.
by Poname84 on Nov 10, 2009 10:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
1. Who cares about him arguing the call?
2. He’s playing better defense than in the past. Not perfect, but better
3. Not sure where you get the idea that he’s unwilling to become a better leader. You do realize the silly stuff is gone, right?
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Nov 10, 2009 10:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Very good points...But
1. He should worry more about his turnovers and the complete falling apart of the team in the second half than complaining about a call like that at the end of a game.
2. Okay, he has been playing better D. But Arenas should be one of the Wizards best defenders at this point in his career.
3. I sure hope so, but tonite pre game it looked like the silly stuff is still there
by Poname84 on Nov 10, 2009 10:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Why are arguing with a ref and "thinking about his turnovers" mutually exclusive??
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Nov 10, 2009 10:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Good Point...
I think that his focus should be somewhere else than arguing with the refs at the end of the game down by 12. Arguing with the refs at that point is fruitless and reeks of being a sore loser.
by Poname84 on Nov 10, 2009 10:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He Looked Like Crap the First Time We Played the Heat Too
Not to mention his abysmal performance against the Cavs. He had a terrible shooting game against the Suns, too. Poname84 is right, other than for a couple of games, Arenas has been a professional bricklayer this season.
"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier
by cuppettcj on Nov 11, 2009 12:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
On a side note
How did Blatche look? Was he matched up with Beasly most of the night?
I think Beasly is a great measuring stick to figure out what we have with Blatche.
by forthepeople on Nov 10, 2009 10:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
B v B
Blatche outplayed him. But he got help from Haywood.
The players left it all on the court. Overall, we wuz outmatched.
Time to sign Iverson to a contract given all of the fallen lumber.
by Izman on Nov 10, 2009 10:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
This season really typifies a Bullets Fan's Experience
We are always tortured as Bullets fans. Our team can be stacked with talent only to be disproportionately struck by the injury bug. Our team can play its guts out only to run out of gas. Our team can stirringly rebound from a demoralizing start to the season with great energy only to let mental mistakes cost us the game. Our team can keep a game close the entire way only to let it go at the end and make it look like a blow out.
Everyone will assume that Miami destroyed us in this game because of the final score. Everyone will start bashing Ernie for a failed off season while ignoring our incredibly bad luck. Everyone will write off our season.
What is important is that all of us actually realize that this game was really positive. We somehow managed to play with great defensive intensity and battle a pretty good team without 3 of our key rotation players. Being a bullets fan has always been an exercise in staying positive, and until I see this team healthy I am going to try not to give up on that.
by Manimal Smith on Nov 11, 2009 12:24 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I really hope Flip has a back up plan
Because it is glaringly obvious that Gilbert although an excellent basketball player is no PG. You have to ask the question is Gil making the players around him better? From my observation Blatche actually seems to be the best passer on the team. Even a bad PG having a bad game doesn’t have 12 turnovers.
It just seems like when every thing is going our way we play in Flips system and we put up points. As soon as we hit a rough patch we just abandon all hints of a game plan and resort to jacking up jumpers or in butlers case taking three men on in a baseline move.
Now we get to see if Flip really is a good coach because he needs to come up with a system that recognizes this teams strengths.
by ccrun1800 on Nov 11, 2009 1:25 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
What's Wrong with Gils
When it was tied at 73, they should have kept running it through and to Caron. From what I saw, he had the intensity. Why was Gil looking to Stevenson? Uggh.
Gil looks lackadaisical. It’s starting to scare me. Something’s wrong.
I was at the Phoenix game on Sunday. He looked listless.
by Legislator on Nov 11, 2009 1:29 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
He doesnt like the system hes in
Gil is a scorer first and a passer well thats somewhere on down the line. Not to say he is not good at it but thats just not what his game is based on. He is not in his comfort zone being forced to be a distributor first in Flips system. Alot of the stuff Gil is being asked to do now by Flip does not come automatic to him. He is forced to think about it. I think the lackadaisical attitude u mentioned is actually indecision. On EJ system GIL wasnt shoe horned into the PG role. Hopefully as he spends more time in Flips system alot of his decision on whether to drive,pass, or shoot will become more natural and look so forced and indecisive/lackadaisical.
by ccrun1800 on Nov 11, 2009 1:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Correction
My header should read Gil is not comfortable in this new system.
by ccrun1800 on Nov 11, 2009 1:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Be patient guys
A lot of impatient, angry fans on here. I understand the sentiment, but be patient.
Realize that Gil hasn’t played, basically, in 2 years, and this is a brand new system, where he has so much more responsibility in making split-second decisions, with a couple new guys.
Realize that it’s tough in a lineup where Caron is struggling to produce, D-Steve can’t shoot well, Blatche loves jumpers, Oberto is an offensive liability (at least for scoring), and Haywood doesn’t have any great post moves. Things will come with time. We can see in several of the games they lost (Hawks, Cavs, and tonight) that they looked great to begin with, then lost rhythm. There’s a lot to be somewhat optimistic about. They would lead by over 10, and just lose it mentally. We have weapons. It will take a bit of time.
If they can keep learning, learn to stay more consistent (not to mention get Miller and Jamison back) which many of you HATERS DON’T REALIZE HOW IMPORTANT THEY ARE (sorry, the whining and impatience of so many of you is wearing on me :)), and learn more about their offense and each of their roles in it, they can play like they did in the first quarter or so, where they develop these large leads, and perhaps KEEP THEM once they get all their guys back and develop more.
Without Jamison, Foye, and Miller – I thought our guys did pretty well tonight (in some cases, fantastic – see the ball movement in that first half? Compare that with our complaints over the last couple of games, and how stagnant their offense had looked) and as Prada said, they were gased, and Gil made too many mental errors. Again. Look at this with perspective, and be freakin’ patient. It’s the least we can do as fans.
My swag was phenomenal.
by se7en on Nov 11, 2009 2:33 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
Also Realize
That his fiancee has been cheating on him with Shaq, and he probably just found out about this recently. That would mess any guy up. Once he gets his head screwed on straight again, he should bring his game back to where is was. Us Wizards fans can only hope.
"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier
by cuppettcj on Nov 11, 2009 8:21 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes I agree-
Though a caveat is I didn’t see the game last night. Like se7en says, It’s going to take a while to adjust to a new system, we have been hit with injuries again, two of our starters didn’t exactly play last season, we have new players to fit in and find the chemistry with as well. We also have the tradition of starting off very slow – this part I don’t like. The one thing I am worried about is Gil – he just seems so off and I actually think it’s more mental than anything. I never thought I would say this given how annoyed I used to get with him – but I miss the trickster. I almost feel like he’s trying to be someone he’s not and that is creating a ripple affect on his game too. But surprisingly, I have faith we can get it together.
by ooba on Nov 11, 2009 9:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I dunno
I think Gil’s been okay – not great, and not as good as before, but not bad either. He’s still not all the way back yet, and he’s got the biggest adjustment of anyone to make in the offense. He’d also be doing a lot better if he just hit more free throws.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Nov 11, 2009 9:56 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Not saying Gil is bad-
Just that something seems off – and I’m not sure that it is all physical. I agree he is not doing badly at all – just kind of hit or miss right now. But he doesn’t quite seem comfortable out there to me.
by ooba on Nov 11, 2009 10:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Lets stop the woe is us routine
yes the wizards stink coming out of the gate. But i think they are still learning the offense, Lets have Flip do a roll call of ipod touches (loaded with the plays) that are still accounted for. It seemed like the team was not running the offense at times well when they needed a good look.
Also I don’t like Gilbert deferring in the last 2 minutes, he’s paid to take the final shot or at least have the ball in his hand.
One good take away was Gilbert’s fresh haircut…
by rzawrecktah on Nov 11, 2009 10:07 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
it seems like their just watching movies and listening to music on their ipod touches because right now watching the wizards play basketball is like watching nick cannon play basketball against lil bow wow.
by o dat boy good on Nov 11, 2009 7:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The standup comedian thread belongs in the FanPosts
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Nov 11, 2009 7:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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