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Wizards Vs. Knicks Final Score: Yuck

By Mike Prada
Apr. 13, 2012; New York, NY, USA; Washington Wizards head coach Randy Wittman on the sidelines during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE
Apr. 13, 2012; New York, NY, USA; Washington Wizards head coach Randy Wittman on the sidelines during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE

Ew. That's all there really needs to say about the Washington Wizards' 103-65 loss to the New York Knicks. Sadly, my duty dictates that I say more than just one word. So, here goes.

The Wizards' offense was just awful in this game. Actually, awful is too kind. Here are some other ways to describe the Wizards' offense:

  • Abominable
  • Appalling
  • Atrocious
  • Deplorable
  • Disgusting
  • Dreadful
  • Gross
  • Gruesome
  • Harrowing
  • Hideous
  • Horrendous
  • Horrific
  • Nasty
  • Repulsive
  • Offensive (ironic, I know)
  • Ugly
  • Unsightly
  • Depressing
  • Ghastly
  • Abhorrent
  • Heinous
  • Revolting
  • Shameful
  • Terrifying

Did I just Google "Thesaurus" and type in "awful?" Yes, I did.

There are so many problems, ranging from a lack of talent (no shooting, no post scoring outside of a Kevin Seraphin hook shot) to a lack of commitment to making things happen (poor play designs, screen-setting and cutting). The lack of talent is not really a problem that can be fixed with the existing parts, but the non-commitment to making things happen is frustrating. Too often, everyone stood around and watched Seraphin post up or John Wall or Jordan Crawford run pick and roll. It's as if players don't cut unless the play says so. That's a big problem. Players must understand that the only way to confuse the defense is to move, especially against a unit as sound as the Knicks'. The more threats you create for the defense, the tougher you are to guard. I don't understand how Randy Wittman allows this to happen.

Of course, Wall's own struggles are most concerning. Over his past 13 games, Wall is just 6-50 from 16-23 feet. That improved jumper we saw in February? Completely gone, along with any confidence in his abilities. I'm not sure how Wall can go from a nice stretch in February to a horrid stretch like this, but it's happened. His shooting motion is inconsistent, he doesn't follow through, he's not fluid and he jump-passes because he seems scared to shoot. That shot is going to need a lot of work this summer. Throw in some turnovers not caused by his shot, and he's in enough of a funk where I'm concerned about his long-term future. At a certain point, it goes beyond the factors that are beyond his control.

Then again, everything needs a lot of work this summer. The roster, the coaching, the players themselves -- lots needs to change. Hopefully, management, whoever it is, uses this game and many other blowouts this year as evidence of that.

That's all I've got. Vent nicely in the comments.