Wizards Vs. Clippers Recap: Washington Falls In One Heck of a Rugby Match
by Sean Fagan on Feb 16, 2012 1:09 AM EST
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PrintThe Wizards pushed this one about as far as they could until the wheels came off in the fourth quarter of a 102-84 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. Fatigue, lack of execution and a night of getting dinged up finally proved to be too much for the team on the night. However, the key word is that previous sentence is "team." For the third consecutive night the Wizards played like a cohesive unit, and while I wouldn't say they were a mid-tier team as of yet, they are approaching a point where they have a puncher's chance in most games.
The good news is that these type of games move us out of the spotlight as the laughingstock of the league and allow the team to develop out of the spotlight of the mainstream media and derision of national pundits. Maybe everyone can focus on the Pistons for a bit and allow JaVale to develop his post game in peace and quiet.
Mike related this to me and I thought I would pass it along: the Clippers really take on the personality of Chris Paul, who is Isiah Thomas-like is his ability to needle opponents. The rest of of the Clippers take on CP3's personality, constantly jawing and harassing their opponents, which makes for a chippy and disjointed game. Of course, a team that also employs Kenyon Martin, Reggie Evans and Caron Butler doesn't need much more help in the toughness department as there is always an extra little shove or leg waiting for you in the lane.
What this means is the team that executes normally wins, and Chris Paul is the king of executing an offense. The fact that, for the majority of the game, the Wizards were able to fight through that provocation demonstrates a surprising amount of growth under the brief tutelage of Randy Wittman. This was not the same team that rolled over and played dead when the Clippers came to D.C., and I think the Clippers were annoyed that the Wizards put up so much resistance on the second game of a back to back.
Ultimately, though, a little more resolve is needed. That fourth quarter was ugly. Some additional notes:
- JaVale McGee has really turned it on the last few games. The play that everyone will remember will be him busting DeAndre Jordan's nose on a block, but he defensive positioning and hustle were incredible tonight. It will be interesting to see if the asthma medication revelation turns out to be key to his development, because since that point he has been the McGee that everyone expected at the outset of this year.
- Trevor Booker played Blake Griffin about as close as you are allowed to within the confines of the NBA star system. He forced Blake out to 10-12 feet and allowed Griffin to settle for his less than reliable jumpshot. Unfortunately, he also picked up some pretty ticky-tack fouls, which had him sitting during a crucial period of the game.
- The Clippers will bump you and bump you until they break you out of any offensive pattern. The fourth quarter was a sloppy mess, with the Wizards failing to execute any sort of organized offense. Wittman took several well timed timeouts, but Wall and the others starters were visibly exhausted as the game entered its waning moments.
- The Wizards front line (with the exception of McGee) was manhandled by the Clippers tonight. On a night where the Wizards desperately needed Jan Vesely, he picked up too many cheap fouls on Blake Griffin and Co. This lead to entirely too much Kevin Seraphin and Rashard Lewis, the former who was outmatched, and the latter who had no legs.
- Shooting guard is going to be a problem going forward, as its impossible to set a punishment/reward system for two guys who always look for their own shot. Wittman was forced to keep Nick Young in the game in the hopes that a some point he would get going, which never happened. Jordan Crawford came out hot and then everything descended into hero ball. Without a viable third option, Wittman has no way to discipline either player in game for the mistakes that were made.
- I always liked Randy Foye. So there.
That's all for tonight. I will see you all tomorrow.
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so funny.
I’ve liked Ted, but that traditional media vs blogger comment was just too calculated. And uninformed.
My favorite Randy Foye moment from when he was a Wizard
by Marine4Life51 on Feb 16, 2012 10:15 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
It was just nice to see everyone on the team smile for a change
Especially Antawn. That was a horrible season.
by Marine4Life51 on Feb 16, 2012 10:47 AM EST up reply actions
When Foye hit that three last night
I told the guys into my television, “Let him shoot at will. He’s made his quota for the game.”
Back on the JaVale wagon I go
I'm not going to think of something extra witty or clever to say, I don't want to convince you to see things my way, I just have 2 words for you: JEREMY LAMB
I'm not there yet
There isn’t a game that goes by without him pulling at least three or four boneheaded moves. His play just makes me want to scratch my eyes out sometimes.
I especially hate it when he goes for a block and because of that gives up the rebound to the offense.
by Marine4Life51 on Feb 16, 2012 10:16 AM EST up reply actions
I am going to let it get to about 10-15 games after getting his new medicine
As someone who suffers from athletic asthma, I could see that being the cause of he loafing. If he keeps this play up for a long enough stretch I will buy into the reasoning and be back on the wagon.
by Maroon and Black on Feb 16, 2012 12:43 PM EST up reply actions
Look on the bright side guys
We don’t have to deal with team again until next year
by oakhillswag on Feb 16, 2012 1:14 AM EST via mobile reply actions
I wouldn't put the emphasis on SG Tonight
SF was the real catastrophe. Singleton went scoreless. Lewis only put up 2 points. JV played some at SF and had 3 points.
I really want Singleton to play better, since I had a lot of faith in him coming out college, but man, he’s starting to look really lost out there.
The issue is NY bring nothing else when his shot isn't falling.
Singleton is starting to scare me though. Seems a few games in a row it has gone
-Missed 3
-Looks for own shot a few times
-gets yanked for good
I am officially 100% on the Harrison Barnes bandwagon. I don’t like our SG situation, but at least Nick brings some scoring in bursts and Craw has the potential to be coached up. But my god the SF situation is Mo “I go iso son” Evans, The zombie corpse of Rashard, and Singleton who just looks lost. I think even a trade deadline move might make sense there.
by Maroon and Black on Feb 16, 2012 12:47 PM EST up reply actions
this is actually a key issue
Our best draft pick thus year is struggling hugely. He obviously has the ability, but something is getting in the way.
These rumours of him being ostracised by the tram need to be looked into fast before it becomes serious.
by BballBrit on Feb 16, 2012 3:05 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
There was rumor that Singleton was tuned out by his teammate, making him an outcast
A BF member (sorry, don’t remember who) said he heard that on 106.7 the Fan. The announcers said they had heard this from a team insider and that they never see any teammates talking to Chris either.
I haven’t seen anything about it in the media though, so I dunno.
Who won? Who lost? Who cares?! The NBA is Back! - David Aldridge
What seems to be the officer, problem? - Randy Marsh
by Dutch Hoopfan on Feb 16, 2012 6:18 PM EST up reply actions
Rebounds and bench play
I keep feeling like no one is helping JaVale enough on the boards. I know Booker led the team tonight but it often seems as if JaVale is going up for the rebound against 2 or 3 players from the other team while our other players are off in the distance somewhere.
I know a change needs to be made then again Turaif should be back soon and Dray is till rehabbing but neither is in the long term plans so I wonder what is going to be done there.
The other obvious issue is no one being able to do anything off the bench aside from Crawford. Vesely comes in and does some good things but with a lack of general talent on the roster, it isn’t enough. Mainly i think Singleton needs to make a bigger impact. In which way I dont know because I really dont understand his game
I'm not going to think of something extra witty or clever to say, I don't want to convince you to see things my way, I just have 2 words for you: JEREMY LAMB
Mack would have more impact if he got more minutes. That one is on whitman because he plays well when he is in
certainly doesnt jack up shots
by les boulez bomber on Feb 16, 2012 1:21 AM EST up reply actions
As much as I enjoy watching Wall
I think he’s been playing a few too many minutes lately. 41 minutes tonight., 41 minutes last night, and 39 minutes 3 days ago.
I’d actually like to see his minutes down to about 38, and give those 3 minutes to Mack.
But hes so fun to watch right now!
Agreed in all seriousness though. 41 is way too much for a team this young and this far out of contention. It does seem to be helping Wall though…he is finally looking like a franchise guy even with the extra burn
by Maroon and Black on Feb 16, 2012 12:48 PM EST up reply actions
Seraphin got 4 fouls in 7 mins...jeez
Book held his ground against big baby Blake. Jan really needs to bulk up. Vale didn’t get embarrassed like last time though. Sing has be struggling and still picking up dumb fouls. Mack should get some more minutes on this long road trip. We should be able beat the jazz, we were just winded down the stretch.
you cant win them all
but this one felt extra hard for some reason… maybe becuase i really dont like some of the players on the clippers or that they were given a bunch of generous calls from the refs, or maybe its because i think if a couple more plays went our way we could have stole this one… idk but it kind of hurts more than just another loss. we held our own for almost the whole game untill the last 5 minutes but i saw some heart and passion and fight in our boys and thats something we barley saw before these last 2 weeks (5 games in paticular). if we keep this up we will see more wins coming our way. the clips are a good team that beats other good teams, i hope the guys dont beat them selves up to much about this one
by no more kwame's in dc on Feb 16, 2012 1:35 AM EST reply actions
was up close at the game
McGee, at least tonight, was no comparison to Jordan. Such a better player. And Jordan got a big contract.
by arijordan on Feb 16, 2012 1:40 AM EST via iPhone app reply actions
were you sitting behind steve and buck?
they showed a couple on comcast a few times that were sitting right behind them?
by no more kwame's in dc on Feb 16, 2012 1:42 AM EST up reply actions
Not sure I agree with that
I actually thought they looked like the same player out there, only Jordan sticks to the basics and seems more confident. That said, that reverse dunk JaVale had in the second half was pretty damn cool. What did you see that made you think there was a big difference between the two? I saw some great oops and blocks from Jordan, and not a single knucklehead play.
by Unselds on Feb 16, 2012 10:20 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
When does Javale lack confidence? lol
I'm a Wizards fan. We've been trying to tell you about Lebron for years. Hated the man before it was cool.
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by returnofswagger on Feb 16, 2012 12:17 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
I liked Javale's improvement over the last few games
but i hate hate hate his chemistry with Wall right now. There were a few blatant instances where Vale just would not listen to what was Wall was directing out on the floor
Its games like these
…that make me wish Wittman would play Mack off the ball, with Wall, rather than giving those minutes to an ineffective Young or Crawford.
The Washington Wizards: providing career scoring nights for unknown opposing bench players since 2004.
by mamemimo on Feb 16, 2012 2:08 AM EST via mobile reply actions 2 recs
I like that idea
Ideally, I’d like to see Mack come in at the 2 and bring the ball up, then let Wall initiate the offense when it’s not a fast break situation so he can be the point but not have to worry about full-court pressure and take a breather.
I know we look a lot worse when Wall isn’t in there running things but it seems like he’s getting winded at the end of games playing all these minutes.
As long as they compete, I am OK with it
That said, Singleton may need some psychological counseling. He is not in a good place for whatever reason and the team needs him to be upbeat and contributing.
Someone needs to help Jan understand about the fouling thing. 5 in 13 minutes won’t cut it and he needs to be taught how to use his energy in a more efficient way if he is to benefit the team. I got the sense that a foul-free Vesely might have helped keep this game within reach longer.
Is suspect Wall got too many minutes because Randy kept thinking the game was still winnable when that was no longer the case.
Would love to see a win in Utah.
by khrabb on Feb 16, 2012 4:50 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Agree with so many points you mentioned.
The team in general foul too much. They need to learn how to avoid making stupid fouls. And these fouls take their minds and competiveness away in a sense.
I feel at some point in the 4th quarter, there was still a chance to steal the game.(where they pulled to 9) The 3s from CP3 killed the final hope.
Hope they play a good game in Utah. Move the ball and grab rebounds.
Didn't the 2nd half,
but I heard that the officiating was bad, just like it was in the 1st. I hate the Clippers and especially Blake Griffin. I can’t say it enough, but I hate Blake’s flopping and whining. And Chris Paul is the biggest flopper in the NBA.
FLOP CITY!
Formerly know as iNFamous SWaGG
The officiating was bad
but it was bad BOTH ways….
Definitely NOT like the Orlando game when the Wizards simply got robbed.
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
Schedule
This year’s compressed schedule has been hardest on the league’s old players. It must be absolutely brutal on the refs.
Probably goes something like this:
Ref: {Blows whistle}
Players (all): What? What’s the foul? Who’s it on?
Ref: {Gasp, wheeze} (Aside: I don’t know. I just blew my whistle to stop the game and try to catch my breath.) {Wheeze, gasp} Foul on Vesely! (Aside: He’s a rookie. Plus, he causes too many turnovers, both ways, which means I have to run too much.) {Wheeze, gasp}
The Wiz went chest to chest with a bully.
They seemed really pissed to be unable to claw their way to a win. Good to see that.
Everyone seems to be getting scrappy, energetic, and unafraid. Even Javale. Wonder what Blatche will look like in this context. It’s gotta be a coincidence that they’re developing team toughness while he’s sidelined. Right?
Great game. Don’t care about the W and L at this point if the team is competing like that.
by MR on Feb 16, 2012 7:25 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
It’s gotta be a coincidence that they’re developing team toughness while he’s sidelined. Right?
lol, not in my eyes
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I don't care what Ted says about you guys.
I think you’re top notch! Especially blogging for free. Been there, done that… on top of a full time job. It’s not easy.
by gbkdc on Feb 16, 2012 8:04 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Perhaps there is a reason Singleton slipped to 17th? Not such a slam dunk pick afterall?
I dont know….he was awful last night, not sure what to make of it.
How stunning has this whole asthma revelation been?? After the last Clips game BF was littered with comments from folks laughing at Javale and calling a Deandre a “man” while mcgee is a “boy” etc etc….how ya like me now says Javale? The trade Mcgee talk probably needs to revert back to the “how much will we have to pay to retain him” discussion.
My take on this all along is that we need to assess Javale after a full season
I’m hopeful that he’s going to be consistent now. I also hope that his issues were medical and that medication has solved them. But before signing a long term high-value contract, I’d like to know whether we’re getting the Javale of the past week and the start of the season, or the guy in between, or some combination thereof.
Javale of late is, in my mind, worth the money. But he needs to be the Javale for most of the rest of the year for me to be comfortable about that.
by Elvin_is_my_Elvis on Feb 16, 2012 9:31 AM EST up reply actions
I still hold my reservation.
Simply because dude only got like what 6 rebs or something and there were still times Jordan manhandled McGee. Now that I say that he did have a good game offensively and he competed which we questioned when Jordan went Howard on McGee in DC. I would like to see more cause honestly you look at the last four games and you look at his competition. Everyone knows MIAMI biggest weakness is fast athletic PG’s (Wall) and C (McGee), Detroit well is Detroit and who they have at Center (Monroe) who by the way is probably better suited at the 4, Portland I can admit I was inspired with his play against 40yr old Camby, and then last night against Jordan he held his own, but again dude had like 6 reb I think I am not sure. So as of right now I give McGee a C+ that’s fair grade it’s slightly above average kind of like his competition the past week, I would like to see what he does against a young stud frontline like Utah, and see what he does against a motivated Cousin’s when he comes to play against McGee and Wall. It’s only been a week no need to break the bank just yet.
by p.robb87 on Feb 16, 2012 10:36 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The energy and the competitiveness I've seen out of this team for the last week has been remarkable
I even had my lady sit and watch the Portland game with me and she was like “this is the first time in years it’s fun watching them play.” I don’t know how much of this is Flip-Relief and how much is Wittman, but I like it.
I also think it has to do with Blatche’s extended absence, but not sure how to quantify that.
Regardless, last night there was plenty of fight in this team, but too many turnovers and too much sloppy play in the lane during the third quarter, when the game truly got away from them.
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by Bullet Nation in Exile on Feb 17, 2012 11:34 AM EST up reply actions
Can't touch Blake I guess
Instant foul call. Did that piss anyone else off last night or was it just me?
by MajornvrMinor on Feb 16, 2012 8:17 AM EST via mobile reply actions
only applies for pariah teams like us
by thewiz06 on Feb 16, 2012 8:40 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I can not beleive
he did not get a single T last night, spent the whole game yelling at the refs.
by WDCCTID on Feb 16, 2012 9:42 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
No kidding
It’s not like they were being tech-averse. At one point I felt like he was going to go after the ref. And BG kept yelling at him for 2 plays.
by MR on Feb 16, 2012 1:01 PM EST up reply actions
Meanwhile, Wall has to be among the league leaders in T's
He is racking them up like they are turnovers!
Who won? Who lost? Who cares?! The NBA is Back! - David Aldridge
What seems to be the officer, problem? - Randy Marsh
by Dutch Hoopfan on Feb 16, 2012 6:23 PM EST up reply actions
gotta say I dislike him second only to LeBron these days
"The hibachi is coming to a city near you. I’m cooking chicken and shrimp, but if you want to throw a double team my way, filet mignon gets cooked too" — Gilbert Arenas
by rememberthehibachi on Feb 16, 2012 10:29 AM EST up reply actions
Yes that was really annoying
Glad we at least tried to take advantage by sprinting down court when he was busy complaining or posing after scores.
The way they have been playing
puts a smile on my face. last night was a frustrating game, but such a better frustration than watching them get blown out. for the first time this year I can see them playing like a team and taking a step toward being a good team. I will take that.
Also I can not remember a team that pushes and plays cheap but complains more than the clippers. they act like the anointed future kings of the NBA.
Rebounding and turnovers sealed this game in my opinion
It’s true that we couldn’t execute, but the wiz couldn’t execute for most of the 4th quarter because they kept on coughing up the ball or giving it back to the clips.
This was a really good game — we competed until fouls forced key players out, and the lack of a bench made the key starters worn down tired. You can’t make shots and defend or rebound when you are dog-tired, which is what we were. We had them through part of 3 quarters. And you can’t win with no front court bench competency and a void at 2 starters’ positions: SG and SF.
Wall, Booker/Ves, and McGee can BALL, dudes. They looked like a really good team for a while. But Ernie has a lot of work to do — and right now I really don’t think front court starters are our problem. We need a better bench on the frontcourt, but first in line is competent starters at SG and SF. Crawford, Nick, and Singleton would be just fine for most teams as key players off the bench.
Pretty awesome photo of Javale going for the block
Front page recap pic
by mogoman on Feb 16, 2012 10:55 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Gives the illusion McGee's one arm is as long as Reggie Evan's wingspan.
and the obvious Sistine chapel, Michelangelo allusion.
Maybe it was the late hour.
Wizzies have already exceeded my expectations on this road trip.
They got worn out in the fourth and so did I.
Team is playing with focus & energy.
I don’t care if they lose like this.
Singleton’s is rushing his shot but he plays sound D (mostly).
He can’t guard Griffin.
Vesley can’t guard Griffin.
Seraphin can’t guard Griffin.
Lewis can’t guard Griffin.
Not many others in the league can guard Griffin.
Say what you will but he’s a load.
The ex Wizzies killed us.
Booker can guard him.
The other guys you mention are (in order) SF, rookie, center, and old.
by MR on Feb 16, 2012 1:03 PM EST up reply actions
I loved this game.
We played hard. We were on the second game of a back to back on the road. The team showed plenty of fight.
One thing though that I want to say. Can we stop calling for people to get injured or get flagrant fouled? I saw it on the game threads, and it seems kind of classless.
The people at ClipsNation didn’t respond well to it either. We’re better than that, and they definitely started to develop a superiority complex because of the comments (as in their community is better than ours when we know that’s not true). I am all for hard fouls, but injuries and flagrants are other things entirely…
by DCSportsAllDay on Feb 16, 2012 11:31 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
I'm glad we drafted Vesley.
I was glad then and I’m still glad now. He has so much potential and is going to be a very good player. The box score isn’t showing how much he contributes as of now, but by the end of the year he will have better numbers along with his unmeasurable assets (height/defense/energy/etc.).
Obviously, he has work to do; he need to cut down on the fouls improve his shooting and gain some muscle, but this is the perfect season to do so.
Skins rule
by Horcasitas4 on Feb 16, 2012 12:54 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I think next year will be REALLY telling for Jan
If he can add 15-20 lbs this year, and hopefully another 5-10 after next year, without losing explosion and speed (which…frankly I am not sure his build will be able to handle) then he can become a solid energy 4-5, with minimal time at the 3. A guy with high BB IQ who excels at P&R defense, knows where he is supposed to be and is a disrupting force on Defense could be a really valuable asset.
In order to be a regular contributor , he will need to figure out how to play offense. He looks SO awkward with the ball…doesn’t have soft hands, etc etc. Even when he catches them and goes up to dunk from the paint, he just looks like he isn’t comfortable having the ball. That should be priority #2 after building his body into real NBA 4 size though.
by Maroon and Black on Feb 16, 2012 12:59 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I felt really good about this one
If the Wiz keep playing like this, they will often live-and-die by whether or not Craw and Young hit any of their shots, but thats life for now. As long as we keep seeing Wall play at a higher level, JVM keep playing hard, and Booker do booker things, I will be happy.
by Maroon and Black on Feb 16, 2012 12:55 PM EST reply actions
Consistancy from the SG's
30 points one night and the 2 combine for 10 of 33 the next.
Those two need to play better -- every night.
Did anyone else notice that nice assist Nick got to Vesely for a dunk?
Stood out cause it was his only one of the night.
Vesely’s game is kinda weird. He looks like he’s lost at times but always gets to where he should be on both ends of the floor.
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