Open Thread: Regular Season Game 58 vs. Chicago Bulls
by Jake Whitacre on Feb 27, 2009 10:44 AM EST
in Game Threads
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PrintChicago Bulls at Washington Wizards, Feb 27, 2009 7:00 PM EST
The Essentials:
Bulls (26-28) at Wizards (13-43)
7 p.m.
Verizon Center
CSN
This year:
December 6: Bulls 117, Wizards 110
January 9: Bulls 98, Wizards 86
Notable Bulls numbers this season:
17th in expected winning percentage (.458)
9th in pace factor (93.9 possessions per game)
19th in offensive efficiency/offensive rating (106.8)
17th in defensive efficiency/defensive rating (108.1)
Key Links: (drop any others in the comments)
Blog-A-Bull
By The Horns
Game Day Chicago
The Other Side: Bulls
| Tonight's Projected Starters | ||
|---|---|---|
| Wizards | vs. | Bulls |
| Player filling in for injured starter |
PG | Derrick Rose |
| Tough Juice |
SG | Ben Gordon |
| Player filling in for injured starter | SF | Luol Deng |
| The Last Man Standing |
PF | Tyrus Thomas |
| Player filling in for injured starter | C | Joakim Noah |
Dear Mr. President,
I know you'll be rooting for the Bulls tonight. You're a Chicago guy and you want to show your support for the new team. I get that. But as I'm sure you're well aware, you have a new address. Why not adopt your new home team as your own? I mean, it's not like these guys didn't help you on your way to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Who helped you out with your 3-on-3 basketball tourney in Indiana? Calbert Cheaney!
Who stumped for you just days before you won the election? Etan Thomas!
Who got a tattoo to commemorate your victory? Gilbert Arenas!
These men supported you when you needed it the most. Now at a time when things look bleak for the Wizards, they need your support. Would it be too much to ask to wear a Gilbert Arenas jersey tonight?
Sincerely,
JakeTheSnake
P.S. If you're still not going to root for the Wizards, could you at least send down an executive order so we can win the lottery this year? Thanks.
This is an open thread, so comment on the historic nature of having two black presidents in the same building at the same time.
GO WIZARDS!
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7 hours, 51 minutes -
til game time. I’m a little excited. Got my black presidents shirt on and ready to go.
Sucks for Larry Hughes
he was a couple of days away from meeting Obama
by morethesamewiz on Feb 27, 2009 11:23 AM EST reply actions
Tonight would be a good one to run
Looking at the Wizards’ 82games.com W-L profiles, the Wizards are 6-11 against teams that are top-10 in pace, which is twice as good as they play against medium- and slower-paced teams (35% vs. 18% each). Let ’em run, Tap.
I don't see why Taps doesn't let them run
It’s not like we’ve seen any coherent offensive sets being run on a regular basis.
After the Blatche to McGee assist
I’d pay good money to see them running again. How many other teams can play two borderline-seven footers and still beat you down the court almost every time? Especially if Crittenton, McGuire, and Young are in the line-up, this could be a really fun team to watch, and since it’s not like we’re winning anyways, entertainment should be the primary goal of the team right now.
by pantslessyoda1 on Feb 27, 2009 2:13 PM EST up reply actions
Hate to say it
But I think I’ve actually gotta root for Chicago tonight. Just this once, mind you. We don’t need the win, and President Obama deserves to see his team play well and get a W after a long week of good, hard work.
But I’m also rooting for us to make a real good game of it. Let’s see Derick Rose hit a pull-up jumper at the buzzer to win by one point, 103-102. Yeah, that would be ideal.
[/being a traitor]
by sierradave on Feb 27, 2009 11:53 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
I know you've all thought it or said it
but this would indeed be a perfect time for arenas to come back.
i too will be sporting my OBAMA/ARENAS ’08 shirt
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Feb 27, 2009 12:24 PM EST reply actions
I've been thinking this too
Especially after his comeback last year, which I believe a couple people on here called.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
I Was One to Call it Last Season
But that was after the medical staff cleared him to play. To the best of my knowledge, that has not happened yet 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
you're probably right -
but then again, would we hear for sure if he had been?
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Feb 27, 2009 3:45 PM EST up reply actions
Based on the Recent Cover Up
I would say probably not. I have talked to a guy going to the game tonight. He is in my carpool. He got box tickets from his boss at work. He says the rumor is that Arenas will play. I haven’t been able to confirm this other than the speculation occurring in the comments on this blog.
"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier
Also
There were some conflicting reports last season coming from Ivan Carter (from the Post) and Mike Jones (from the Times). Jones got the scoop that Arenas was cleared to play the weekend before he came back against the Bucks. Ivan heard it from an “inside source” (I guessed Arenas himself) that Arenas would not return against the Bucks. But Arenas could have played at that point any time he chose.
This potential comeback tonight is a little dicier to predict. There are no clues other than rumor and speculation.
"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier
Obama/Gil
So, I’m walking by the VC a few minutes ago and saw a lot of K-9 cops, some secret service and metal detectors being set up. I guess it’s on.
Does this also explain why Gilbert stepped up the practicing this week? As one of my friends pointed out, he loves (1) surprises and (2) the big stage (perhaps in that order).
That would be too nice
I don’t think it’ll happen (I’m expecting him back in late-March or at least in time for the Cavs game on April 2nd), but I guess I can dream, right?
by pantslessyoda1 on Feb 27, 2009 2:15 PM EST up reply actions
Otherwise why the level of secrecy about Arenas progress
It seems out of character for a classy organization like the Wizards to mislead their fans for a couple of weeks and shut out Ivan Carter and Mike Jones, just so that Gil and the team aren’t inconvenienced by questions about when/if he will return this season. How hard is it to repeat “no timetable for return” ad nauseam
by morethesamewiz on Feb 27, 2009 2:47 PM EST up reply actions
This is Not the First Time the Wizards Have Mislead the Fans Over Arenas
It seems out of character for a classy organization like the Wizards to mislead their fans for a couple of weeks and shut out Ivan Carter and Mike Jones, just so that Gil and the team aren’t inconvenienced by questions about when/if he will return this season.
From Yahoo! Sports Wizards Team Report:
And this is not the first time that lies have been fashioned to protect the player.
A few years back, when he was about to be served papers in a pending paternity suit in California—right before the team was set to play a nationally-televised game—the team concocted a ludicrous story that he had taken ill and would not be at the game. In reality, the Wizards flew Arenas to Houston ahead of the team.
"It’s a troubling pattern clearly," said an Eastern Conference scout speaking anonymously. "I mean, it’s insane that a player can have this type of protection for his missteps and the team is completely complicit. He’s not healthy, they gave him millions and millions and still this stuff goes on. God bless ‘em."
"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier
For those going tonight -
Doors are opening at 5pm instead of at the usual time of 6pm.
Go WIZ! GOBAMA!
And Gilbert, if you think you can bring it tonight, you go too!
We need to have some fun onf Fun Street!
Go Wiz
I am rarely in front of the computer during games. Glad to be able to join you guys tonight. Although I’d rather be at the VC for this one…
del negro or tapscott?
who do you take?
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Feb 27, 2009 7:11 PM EST reply actions
Go Obama!
(That was lame of Mike Wise to get a handshake as soon as Obama sat down)
hilarious - mike wise
schmoooozing
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Feb 27, 2009 7:16 PM EST reply actions
Obama's Looking Sharp
I thought he’d be in a box, good to see him on the floor.
That's why I like him.
He doesn’t seem like a luxury box kind of guy.
</anything that could be take politically>
The Washington Wizards: providing career scoring nights for unknown opposing bench players since 2004.
Taser!
Long two, but its good to seem him have the range.
The Washington Wizards: providing career scoring nights for unknown opposing bench players since 2004.
he's getting so much better at that shot
and free throws as well. hopla has not been totally ineffective this season
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Feb 27, 2009 7:20 PM EST up reply actions
He's the one coach we have who's worth a damn.
The Washington Wizards: providing career scoring nights for unknown opposing bench players since 2004.
Is Obama going to pump the Bulls or Wiz up more?
Early indications are the Wizards.
If it were earlier in the season
I bet a bunch of guys like Sprewell and Webber and PJ Brown would’ve signed 10-days with the Wizards in order to play in front of OBama
Let's see them keep it up for both halves.
The Washington Wizards: providing career scoring nights for unknown opposing bench players since 2004.
You know who I don't like? Luol Deng.
Discuss.
The Washington Wizards: providing career scoring nights for unknown opposing bench players since 2004.
That's part of it.
He’s also really overpaid and overrated. I don’t think anyone’s ever turned being the 3rd option on a mediocre team into so much money.
The Washington Wizards: providing career scoring nights for unknown opposing bench players since 2004.
What'd he say?
The Washington Wizards: providing career scoring nights for unknown opposing bench players since 2004.
That's fair
He’s probably overpaid, but he averages about 15 points and 6 rebounds, shoots a good percentage from the field (45 percent), and actually plays defense. There are definitely worse players less deserving of money.
With that said, I’m not a fan of his either.
That's true.
Cough. Mike James. Cough.
But people will defend Deng’s contract.
The Washington Wizards: providing career scoring nights for unknown opposing bench players since 2004.
Also, I'd take Kobe over Deng any day.
That STILL boggles my mind.
The Washington Wizards: providing career scoring nights for unknown opposing bench players since 2004.
Since Obama's in the house
They got Eddie Jordan feeding instructions to Tapscott through an earpiece
I don't have a problem with Michelle,
but I like that Barack didn’t feel pressured to take her. He is here for the basketball.
no joke -
it’s cool but a little scary. no doubt they have it covered
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Feb 27, 2009 7:35 PM EST up reply actions
I was thinking about that myself
I guess I just always imagine the pres surrounded by dudes with ear pieces. Last I saw he was sitting next to a 7 year old and an empty seat…
you know the wizards aren't going to guard him
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Feb 27, 2009 7:37 PM EST up reply actions
How did that little kid get the best seat in the house?
"...at some point, when u r screaming for more minutes for Pecherov, you have to ask yourselves this question: 'If you keep adding more pineapple to a 'Papa Johns Pizza with Pineapple', when does it become a Papa Johns Pineapple with Pizza???'"
by Gilbert4SpaceJam2 on Feb 27, 2009 7:34 PM EST reply actions
Hilarious
This from Ivan Carter: “Nick Young will sport a bald look however. Apparently he messed up while doing something with the clippers and had to shave it off. He was getting killed in the locker room before the game.”
Not suprised one bit.
First quarter thoughts
Of all the players to be energized by Obama, who would’ve thought it would be Darius Songaila.
I love that they’re pushing the pace, even more than Chicago is. Love it. But then it seems like they stopped for some reason.
How does Butler end up matched with Brad Miller on two consecutive plays?
Europe loves Obama
but part of the lead is that chicago was just a little cold
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Feb 27, 2009 7:43 PM EST up reply actions
Jinx!
You owe me a coke.
The Washington Wizards: providing career scoring nights for unknown opposing bench players since 2004.
Who's on top, son?
The Washington Wizards: providing career scoring nights for unknown opposing bench players since 2004.
Yeah, it actually is.
Man, I guess it WAS at the same time.
The Washington Wizards: providing career scoring nights for unknown opposing bench players since 2004.
Nick's feeling it tonight.
Ben Gordon better watch out.
The Washington Wizards: providing career scoring nights for unknown opposing bench players since 2004.
Thats what I'm wondering
Could he come onto the bench in the fourth quarter and come into the game for a couple minutes?
by morethesamewiz on Feb 27, 2009 7:49 PM EST up reply actions
When he came back last season
Did he start? I seem to remember he showed up a few minutes later….
Did I make that up? Entirely possible…
looks like the guy next to obama
is enjoying a cool one. is that the ex-duke guy?
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Feb 27, 2009 7:56 PM EST reply actions
When McGee can sink that little hook....
He’s gonna be scary.
The Washington Wizards: providing career scoring nights for unknown opposing bench players since 2004.
McGee!
The Washington Wizards: providing career scoring nights for unknown opposing bench players since 2004.
WOW!
The Washington Wizards: providing career scoring nights for unknown opposing bench players since 2004.
Executive Order #4362
Javale McGee must stay in the game
by morethesamewiz on Feb 27, 2009 8:12 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
ok - stick with me here -
i was nervous when pech came in. world leader in the audience – leslie neilsen on the bench for chicago – i thought we might have a naked gun situation where pech plays the reggie jackson role
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Feb 27, 2009 8:13 PM EST reply actions
Nick loves the fadeaway
It’s like the guy on the baseball team who slows down his run so that he can make a diving catch
The more I watch McGee
the more I think he might be a PF.
It’s nice to see Pecherov in the game this early, but he has to do more than just wait for the rebound to come to him.
Also, NY should have driven to the rim probably three more times than he has.
mike james Mike James MIKE James MIKE JAMES!!!!
18:40, Tapscott what the deuce, Obamas in the building, he’s seen enough, lets not try to bailout this veteran ballhog’s career in front of the President.
Not terribly sure that's because of us.
The Washington Wizards: providing career scoring nights for unknown opposing bench players since 2004.
Chicago's the 9th best 3pt shooting team in the league
.379
by morethesamewiz on Feb 27, 2009 8:32 PM EST up reply actions
Nevermind
he just got back to his seats, was visiting the Pollins in their box
by morethesamewiz on Feb 27, 2009 8:37 PM EST up reply actions
Haha
When he shoots well, I like him okay. The other 95 percent of the time, not so much.
by morethesamewiz on Feb 27, 2009 8:49 PM EST up reply actions
He's the latest in a long line of Butler and Jamison killers
by morethesamewiz on Feb 27, 2009 8:50 PM EST up reply actions
Did anybody see the "This or That" on the jumbotron?
Me thinks it was malfunctioning. Question for Caron Butler was “Godfather or Scarface?” and it played a bunch of random choppy Butler soundbytes “G-Wiz” “Dancing with the Stars” etc. that I think was the Verizon staff playing the wrong clips several times.
If Obama wanted a good game
He should have promised the winner of tonight’s game a White House visit, instead of giving it to the Bulls upfront
by morethesamewiz on Feb 27, 2009 8:54 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Fountain of Wisdom or Thanks Coach
After Nick Young lost the ball out of bounds, Tapscott pointed at his head and said “Play smart.”
Seeing Andray react to foul calls
Allows me to imagine his reaction to being busted by an undercover officer
hahahahahahahaha
"...at some point, when u r screaming for more minutes for Pecherov, you have to ask yourselves this question: 'If you keep adding more pineapple to a 'Papa Johns Pizza with Pineapple', when does it become a Papa Johns Pineapple with Pizza???'"
by Gilbert4SpaceJam2 on Feb 27, 2009 9:06 PM EST up reply actions
mcguire is a really good passer
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Feb 27, 2009 9:06 PM EST reply actions
Is Gil at the game?
You’d think if he were injured he would come to the game, just so he could meet Obama afterwards. Well unless he wanted to make a SURPRISE ENTRANCE midway through the 4th. Or not, whatever, its all good
sheeed
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Feb 27, 2009 9:17 PM EST up reply actions
who are these guys?
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Feb 27, 2009 9:15 PM EST reply actions
Let's give McGee some PT
7 minutes in front of the first black President. That’s something I would remember if I were McGee, thats a slap in the face, a kick in the groin, a poke in the eye.
Up 20 w/ 3 minutes to go
Give the dood some run!
Getting buckets since 2003.
by Icantfeelmyface on Feb 27, 2009 9:21 PM EST up reply actions
I don't think Tap realizes
the level of douchedom he’s reached.
by morethesamewiz on Feb 27, 2009 9:23 PM EST up reply actions
statistically, we actually do see it fairly often
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Feb 27, 2009 9:25 PM EST up reply actions
27 points and 11 boards (5 offensive) in 30 minutes?
by antawnjameson on Feb 27, 2009 9:27 PM EST up reply actions
i mean that's a good night
and he usually plays more minutes. but 20 and 10 is the norm
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Feb 27, 2009 9:27 PM EST up reply actions
It would be more fair to ask
Why don’t we see:
Songaila 6-6 12 points
James 14 points
Balanced scoring from 8 guys in double figures
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
Fair enough. I concede the pont.
Some of Jamison’s statements this year have just rubbed me the wrong way. He’s been quick to criticize the young guys and not without some cause. It seems fair to ask why a team with two self-declared all-stars hasn’t been able to grind out a few more wins. He talks a lot about giving 100 percent. Do we see that level of effort from him (and Butler) every night? Sounds like the consensus around here is yes.
by antawnjameson on Feb 27, 2009 9:39 PM EST up reply actions
i see where you're coming from
it could be hard to take criticism from antawn when he’s such a poor defender, and the team is as bad as they are. but, to their credit, i really don’t think he or butler have been guilty of mailing it in much at all. i’ve actually been pretty impressed with their attitudes.
they are relying on a bunch aof young guys to help them out, which doesn’t happen that often, which is fine, they’re still learning. but at the same time i totally get their frustration, and their venting every so often.
also, maybe it’s worked – team is definitely better since the all star break
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Feb 27, 2009 9:47 PM EST up reply actions
Haywoods all smiles over their on the bench
He and Butler and Songaila are having a blast over there
WHAT A SHOT by McGee
that was crazay
"...at some point, when u r screaming for more minutes for Pecherov, you have to ask yourselves this question: 'If you keep adding more pineapple to a 'Papa Johns Pizza with Pineapple', when does it become a Papa Johns Pineapple with Pizza???'"
by Gilbert4SpaceJam2 on Feb 27, 2009 9:26 PM EST reply actions
8 players in double figures
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Feb 27, 2009 9:28 PM EST reply actions
Not only do the Wiz blow them out,
but they do it the classy way, by taking the 24 second violation.
UNDEFEATED
…with Obama in the building.
"...at some point, when u r screaming for more minutes for Pecherov, you have to ask yourselves this question: 'If you keep adding more pineapple to a 'Papa Johns Pizza with Pineapple', when does it become a Papa Johns Pineapple with Pizza???'"
by Gilbert4SpaceJam2 on Feb 27, 2009 9:30 PM EST reply actions
Starbury 4-5 8 pts in 9 minutes
and Rondo 17 assists
by morethesamewiz on Feb 27, 2009 9:38 PM EST up reply actions
Minutes Watch
Taser played 39 minutes
Butler played 36 minutes
Mike James played 35 and a half minutes
Jamison played 29 and a half minutes
NY played a little over 26 minutes
Blatche played just under 23 and a half minutes
Songaila played 21 and a half minutes
Crittenton played 12 and a half minutes
McGee played 10 minutes
Pecherov played a little over 6 minutes
Come back any time, Mr. President.
not bad
like to see more critt and more mcgee – but you can’t complain with the results.
maybe early foul trouble for antawn is a good thing.
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Feb 27, 2009 9:36 PM EST up reply actions
As much as I call for McGee to play more
I think for a win, this is close to optimal. I’d like to see Mike James play less, but most of the gripes with McGee’s playing time is that he’ll play five minutes in a loss. If the Wizards are going to play this well, I’m overall okay with this distribution.
Also, I think Taser played the most minutes one other time, but it’s been awhile.
most fun game in an otherwise downer of a season
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Feb 27, 2009 9:37 PM EST reply actions
Bright Side
After tonight, it’s safe to say that the worst is behind us. What a game, the Wizards playing one of their best games in recent memory (8 players in double figures for the first time since 1993) in front of the first basketball playing President of the United States. Its unclear whether Thomas or Stevenson will recover, but here’s what we know. Our young players are developing into solid role players and starters. Arenas and Haywood are coming back. Everyone else is healthy. We are getting a high draft pick which will either bring us a top college player or a solid player through trade package of our pick and an expiring contract. And we will be hiring a new coach. The Wizards are coming back with a vengeance.
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