Bullets Forever - Wizards vs. Hornets: Washington wins, 109-101 over Charlotte"Ain't No Luck"https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48097/BulletsForever-fv.png2015-12-20T16:32:00-05:00http://www.bulletsforever.com/rss/stream/103910292015-12-20T16:32:00-05:002015-12-20T16:32:00-05:00Was Saturday night a sign of a future name change?
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<figcaption>Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>It's too soon to say that a name change is imminent, but the Wizards found a good balance on how to do that Saturday night.</p> <p>Saturday's Wizards throwback game against the Charlotte Hornets had an undeniable Bullets vibe to it.</p>
<p>The most visible change was the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2015/9/30/9427205/washington-wizards-unveil-new-baltimore-pride-alternate-jersey-for">"Baltimore Pride" uniforms</a> that share many design elements that the then-Baltimore Bullets' uniforms had from 1969-73:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">New background photo, where we pay homage to the Wizards' past and look forward to the future :) <a href="https://t.co/SZnMcqICn3">pic.twitter.com/SZnMcqICn3</a></p>
— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletsForever/status/678654909441527809">December 20, 2015</a>
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<p>The retro-ish uniforms and the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/videos/2015/12/19/10628846/michael-adams-chris-whitney-bernie-bickerstaff-wizards-game-honor">recognition of Bullets/Wizards alumni </a>Michael Adams, Chris Whitney, and Bernie Bickerstaff weren't the only throwback things we saw.</p>
<p>The Wizards' Twitter and Facebook pages highlighted the Baltimore Bullets' logo:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Wizards went into Bullets mode on their Twitter tonight <a href="https://t.co/fweyt3PyRU">pic.twitter.com/fweyt3PyRU</a></p>
— Albert L. (@aleeinthedmv) <a href="https://twitter.com/aleeinthedmv/status/678432864854278144">December 20, 2015</a>
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<p>and we also saw the scoreboard display the home team as the "Bullets" for the first time since ... 1997.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Love to see the name on the scoreboard <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletsForever">@BulletsForever</a> <a href="https://t.co/CldlIGMpRY">pic.twitter.com/CldlIGMpRY</a></p>
— Nick (@nbilka) <a href="https://twitter.com/nbilka/status/678362823584555008">December 19, 2015</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Baltimore Bullets are up on the jumbotron. <a href="https://t.co/888dml4m9C">pic.twitter.com/888dml4m9C</a></p>
— Arnaud Gelb (@ArnaudGelb) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArnaudGelb/status/678367937347117056">December 20, 2015</a>
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<p>The bottom line: This is the biggest tribute the Wizards have paid to the Bullets name since ... they were the Bullets. It's also part of a gradual process the Wizards made to re-embrace their past.</p>
<p>In 2010, Leonsis launched his <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/wizards/news/teds101.html">101 Signs of Visible Change at Verizon Center</a>. Sign #31 was to change the team name, which he put "under consideration." However, if Leonsis wanted to change the name, it would have to be done gradually.</p>
<p>There were a couple other signs that could help facilitate a name change and were easier to do. Sign #7 was to "Re-engage with alumni for more participation; launch alumni program" and Sign #28 was to change the Wizards' colors to red, white, and blue.</p>
<p>Since then, the Wizards launched their alumni organization in 2010 under the direction of Bob Dandridge. They also changed their colors and uniforms to a red, white, and blue scheme in 2011 with many design elements similar to the Bullets' of the mid-1970's and early 1980's. For example, the home and road jerseys are striped at the front and the Wizards' alternate DC logo has a hand similar to the shooting hands of the Bullets'. Those uniforms have been well received by fans since they were released.</p>
<p>Even with these changes, the Wizards haven't actually had a Bullets night per se, except for <a href="http://www.nba.com/wizards/1978-bullets-championship-team-reunite-wizards-game" target="_blank">one in 2013</a> to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the 1977-78 NBA championship team. But after some time, sometimes a more distinct move has to be made -- which is what Saturday's game was.</p>
<p>I know that many of you would like to see the Wizards officially change their name back to the Bullets. And some of you may be wondering if it's more than just a coincidence that the Wizards unveiled their first throwback night of the 2015-16 season with a game against the Hornets. After all, they did just that a couple of seasons ago after the New Orleans Hornets changed their name to the Pelicans.</p>
<p>If you want my two cents on a Wizards' name change, I've said it before, and I'll say it again: <b>The Wizards shouldn't change their name, simply to satisfy those who yearn for the past. </b></p>
<p>Despite their storied past in the 1970's, I remember the Bullets as one of the worst NBA teams for much of the early to mid-1990's. That also happens to be around the same time when <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2015/12/3/9842920/we-are-the-children-of-susan-o-malley">Susan O'Malley was more interested marketing the visiting team</a> in order to sell more tickets.</p>
<p>To be fair, I have some positive memories of the Bullets. The first sporting events I ever went to with my parents were Bullets games at the Capital Centre in Largo, Maryland. And I remember that they were in some catchy music videos in the 1990's. For example, Naughty By Nature made a Bullets version of "Hip Hop Hooray" in the 1993-94 season:</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WYv2qqysGq4" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>And who can forget the "You Da Man" Happy Holidays video from the 1994-95 season?</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Mhqs1ZLbw78" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>Though the videos are cool, there wasn't much to write home about when I was in elementary and middle school when it came to the Bullets' performance on the court.</p>
<p>The best basketball I've seen from this franchise in my lifetime was when the team was named the Wizards, whether it was during Gilbert Arenas' heyday in the mid-2000's or in the last few seasons under the reign of John Wall.</p>
<p>When, not if the Wizards become a championship caliber team, I don't think there's going to be as many calls for the Wizards to change their name. At that point, people will associate the Wizards name and brand as something people will take more pride in than they do now.</p>
<p>That said, I really liked how the Wizards presented their throwback game on Saturday and they should continue to have more of them.</p>
<p><b>As a matter of fact, when will the Wizards wear those Baltimore Pride jerseys again? It will be on Bullets Forever Night on January 16 when they play the Celtics. <a target="_blank" href="https://groupmatics.events/#/event/BulletsForever">Here's a link</a> for you to get tickets and early entry to the game! We want a good turnout and the deadline to buy the tickets is on January 2, 2016, so get them now!</b></p>
<p>Do you think the Wizards are striking the proper balance between paying respect to their old name while still maintaining their current moniker? Let us know in the comments below!</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2015/12/20/10630352/wizards-bullets-throwback-night-name-change-direction-nba-2015Albert Lee2015-12-20T10:00:03-05:002015-12-20T10:00:03-05:00Wiz vs. Hornets postgame links and roll call
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<figcaption>Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We gain ground in the tough Southeast Division.</p> <p>The Wizards won 109-101 over the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday. John Wall led all scorers with 27 points and 12 assists. He's getting back into the super-scorer we saw earlier this month, so that certainly makes me feel pretty excited! Kelly Oubre scored 8 points, and made both of his three point attempts tonight in his first career start since Otto Porter was unable to play.</p>
<p>As for the Hornets, five players scored in double figures. Kemba Walker led their team with 18 points but took 18 shots to get there. The most effective player for Charlotte was backup guard Jeremy Lin who scored 15 points on 6 of 13 shooting. He also dished 7 assists and grabbed 6 rebounds for an all around great performance.</p>
<p>Let's get to the video, the links, roll call, and pancakes.</p>
<h4><b>Postgame Video</b></h4>
<p>Randy Wittman's postgame press conference is above or <a href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/randy-wittman-postgame-12-19-15" target="_blank">click here</a>. Below, you can find links to other postgame player interviews:</p>
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<strong>More</strong>: <a href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/garrett-temple-postgame-12-19-15" target="new">Garrett Temple</a> <a href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/jared-dudley-postgame-12-19-15" target="new">Jared Dudley</a> <a href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/john-wall-postgame-12-19-15" target="new">John Wall</a> <a href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/kelly-oubre-jr-postgame-12-19-15" target="new">Kelly Oubre</a>
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<h4><b>Links</b></h4>
<p>Let's get to the recap roll:</p>
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<strong>More</strong>: <a target="new" href="http://wizofawes.com/2015/12/19/john-wall-washington-wizards-beat-charlotte-hornets-109-101/">Wiz of Awes</a> <a target="new" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/wizards-bend-but-dont-break-hold-off-hornets-as-john-wall-scores-27/2015/12/19/bbf5904e-a5c4-11e5-9c4e-be37f66848bb_story.html">The Washington Post</a> <a target="new" href="http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/basketball-washington-wizards/talk/hobbled-wall-logs-42-minutes-hits-wizards-biggest-shot">CSN Washington</a> <a target="new" href="http://www.atthehive.com/2015/12/19/10628256/charlotte-hornets-turnovers-cause-loss-to-washington-wizards-101-109">At The Hive</a> <a target="new" href="http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article50721955.html">Charlote Observer</a>
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<p>With the Wizards wearing throwback jerseys tonight, there was certainly a lot of homage paid to the Bullets name since the Wizards' Twitter page and the video screen indicated that. The Wizards also honored Michael Adams, Chris Whitney, and Bernie Bickerstaff last night -- a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/videos/2015/12/19/10628846/michael-adams-chris-whitney-bernie-bickerstaff-wizards-game-honor">video recap </a>of that is here.</p>
<h4><b>Roll Call</b></h4>
<p>53 users commented 623 times in our first half, second half, and postgame threads as of 12:20 a.m. ET on Sunday, December 20, 2015. Here's where you stack up:</p>
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<thead>
<tr>
<th width="20">#</th>
<th>Commenter</th>
<th># Comments</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Hands11">Hands11</a></td>
<td>112</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BEALiever">BEALiever</a></td>
<td>68</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/NatP">NatP</a></td>
<td>53</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/wizardsfan2139">wizardsfan2139</a></td>
<td>51</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Rice2012">Rice2012</a></td>
<td>37</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Bobby%20Marley">Bobby Marley</a></td>
<td>33</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/novadada">novadada</a></td>
<td>32</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>8</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/elliotlevy2">elliotlevy2</a></td>
<td>26</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ARendon6">ARendon6</a></td>
<td>23</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>10</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Illmatic12">Illmatic12</a></td>
<td>19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/PeDroDr">PeDroDr</a></td>
<td>16</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>12</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Max%20Zamphirescu">Max Zamphirescu</a></td>
<td>14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/12AaronJones21">12AaronJones21</a></td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>14</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/LRaydellMundo">LRaydellMundo</a></td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Hector12">Hector12</a></td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>16</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/.hambonejackson">.hambonejackson</a></td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/mdd1970">mdd1970</a></td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>18</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ts35">ts35</a></td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/rvWizPH">rvWizPH</a></td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>20</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/TheBackCourt">TheBackCourt</a></td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>21</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/WizardsFan">WizardsFan</a></td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>22</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/jaffejoe">jaffejoe</a></td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>23</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Wizards%20Khalifa">Wizards Khalifa</a></td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>24</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/MeToo">MeToo</a></td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>25</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/TilltheBitterEnd">TilltheBitterEnd</a></td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>26</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Bullets%20Fever">Bullets Fever</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>27</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/CharGrayJ">CharGrayJ</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>28</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Albert%20Lee">Albert Lee</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>29</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/LRJ">LRJ</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>30</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/little%20stevie%20colter">little stevie colter</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>31</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/WhyKnotUs">WhyKnotUs</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>32</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/John%20Wall%20Stan">John Wall Stan</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>33</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Rook6980">Rook6980</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>34</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Quick%20Ain't%20Fair">Quick Ain't Fair</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>35</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ThatOneGuyCpr">ThatOneGuyCpr</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>36</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Knowledge92">Knowledge92</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>37</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/MC-Sneaks">MC-Sneaks</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>38</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DCnhokies">DCnhokies</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>39</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/L.W.">L.W.</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>40</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Lossless">Lossless</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>41</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/MarTrey">MarTrey</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>42</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JW2BB3">JW2BB3</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>43</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/yop32">yop32</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>44</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ATGjellybean">ATGjellybean</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>45</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/MisterWu">MisterWu</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>46</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BackScreenLob">BackScreenLob</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>47</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/goodtimes1999">goodtimes1999</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>48</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/17squall">17squall</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>49</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/oneiroi">oneiroi</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>50</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/batmanwithprep">batmanwithprep</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>51</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/k0vi86">k0vi86</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>52</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/mrudolph30">mrudolph30</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>53</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/hotplate">hotplate</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4><b>Notable comments</b></h4>
<p>I never thought of the Wizards' sleeved jerseys looking like soccer kits, but John Wall does have a good physique for a soccer player now that I think about it:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="wall" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DXAgKslE9f_55k852huMREaeyew=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/5841385/6d146f66-aeeb-4e35-ba01-0197717e8e45.0.jpeg">
</figure>
</p>
<p>When teams win, I feel that showing a GIF of Robert Sacre is appropriate too:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="sacre" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TZpRsR-zwo3t7TPRmncefqc8UKk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/5841387/8cc9014d-a21f-4555-8be0-2825ba8d3334.0.jpeg">
</figure>
</p>
<h4><b>Your Sunday Food Deals!</b></h4>
<p>The Wizards led 28-27 after the first quarter so you get a free Egg McMuffin at McDonald's for breakfast (or lunch or dinner) today! The Wizards also scored over 100 points in the win, so you get a #WIZ50 at Papa John's! Just order online and you'll get your pizza or wings or a bunch of cookies for half price!</p>
<p><b>Pancake spotlight: Chocolate Chip Pancakes</b></p>
<p>I have a sweet tooth. I love chocolate chip cookies. So why not have them on pancakes?</p>
<p>Here's one video recipe I found via 4 Ingredients' YouTube channel. From 1:16-1:25, the host Kim does a random dance, which I sooooo don't get. But whatever, I'm hungry. I want my pancakes!</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eyr-oqN20WQ" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>Enjoy your Sunday food binge everyone! See y'all Monday for the Kings game.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2015/12/20/10628960/wizards-vs-hornets-postgame-video-links-roll-callAlbert Lee2015-12-20T08:00:04-05:002015-12-20T08:00:04-05:00Watch Wall continue his December to Remember
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pE9TV0G2FHAkXTltbOqqPEUwzww=/0x0:2298x1532/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48396063/usa-today-9005992.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>That's my All-Star!</p> <p>As you are well aware, John Wall had a <a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2015/12/13/10029350/john-wall-december-2015-nba-statistics" target="_blank">strong start to December</a> despite the Wizards' slower than expected start to the 2015-16 season.</p>
<p>On Saturday, he continued his December to Remember with a 27 point, 12 assist, 4 rebound, and 3 assist performance in Washington's <a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2015/12/19/10628322/washington-wizards-charlotte-hornets-final-score-nba" target="_blank">109-101 win </a>over the Charlotte Hornets. Relive the glory by watching this highlight reel featuring his three-point shooting and nifty corner-three assist making skills in the video embedded above (via FreeDawkins' YouTube channel).</p>
<p>Speaking about the line "December to Remember," sorry Lexus for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dti3txoCbbA" target="_blank">using your pitch line</a>. But now that I think about it, maybe Lexus could be the <a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2014/10/28/7083741/john-wall-adidas-foot-locker-shoe-commercial-the-process-championship" target="_blank">next step in "The Process"</a> after Wall hits it big as a used car salesman sometime in the distant future, if you know what I mean.</p>
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<p>But seriously, I won't mind seeing Lexus sponsor Wall. He'd make a good fit as a brand ambassador in my humble opinion.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2015/12/20/10629068/video-highlights-john-wall-wizards-vs-hornets-nba-2015-december-to-remember-lexusAlbert Lee2015-12-19T23:54:00-05:002015-12-19T23:54:00-05:00Video: Adams, Whitney, Bickerstaff honored Saturday
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<p>It's always great to see past players and coaches come back to root for the good guys here in D.C.</p> <p>The Wizards wore their sleeved "Baltimore Pride" jerseys during their <a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2015/12/19/10628322/washington-wizards-charlotte-hornets-final-score-nba" target="_blank">109-101 win</a> over the Hornets Saturday for #WizThrowback night. The Wizards name has only been in use since 1997, and there isn't too much history to write about just yet. So, as you might expect, they unveiled a retro Baltimore Bullets logo on their Twitter page:</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Wizards went into Bullets mode on their Twitter tonight <a href="https://t.co/fweyt3PyRU">pic.twitter.com/fweyt3PyRU</a></p>
— Albert L. (@aleeinthedmv) <a href="https://twitter.com/aleeinthedmv/status/678432864854278144">December 20, 2015</a>
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<p>They also showed the Bullets logo on the video screen:</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Love to see the name on the scoreboard <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletsForever">@BulletsForever</a> <a href="https://t.co/CldlIGMpRY">pic.twitter.com/CldlIGMpRY</a></p>
— Nick (@nbilka) <a href="https://twitter.com/nbilka/status/678362823584555008">December 19, 2015</a>
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<p>The Wizards also honored past players and coaches with Michael Adams, Chris Whitney, and Bernie Bickerstaff getting recognized.</p>
<p>Adams is the most decorated of the three as he played three seasons in D.C. from 1991-94. In his first season, Adams earned an appearance in the 1992 All-Star Game after scoring 18.1 points, and 7.6 assists a game that season. After his playing career ended, Adams was an assistant coach for a number of teams including the Vancover/Memphis Grizzlies (2000-2002), and the Maryland Terrapins men's basketball team from 2005-2007. He also was the Mystics' head coach in 2004.</p>
<p>Whitney was an 11-year veteran where he spent the majority of his career for the Wizards from 1996-2002, and once again in 2003-04. His most successful season was in 2001-02 when he started 81 of 82 games, averaging 10.2 points and 3.8 assists per game.</p>
<p>Bickerstaff is a longtime basketball coach who has spent time in head coach roles in both the NBA and college ranks for multiple teams. He was an assistant for the Bullets from 1973-1985, which included their 1978 NBA championship season. He was also the Bullets/Wizards' head coach from 1996-1999 which included their 1997 playoff berth when they played the Chicago Bulls.</p>
<p>It's cool to see Wizards and Bullets alumni come back to Verizon Center for games, and even better when they get to see a hard-fought win like we saw tonight. Welcome back, gentlemen!</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/videos/2015/12/19/10628846/michael-adams-chris-whitney-bernie-bickerstaff-wizards-game-honorAlbert Lee2015-12-19T21:56:03-05:002015-12-19T21:56:03-05:00Recap: Wizards sting Hornets, 109-101
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<p>Wizards sting Hornets behind 27 from Wall and a career-high 21 from Temple</p> <p>John Wall scored a game-high 27 points as the shorthanded <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Wizards</a> sting the shorthanded <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.atthehive.com/">Hornets</a>, 109-101. <span>Garrett Temple</span> scored a career-high 21 points on an effective 7-9 shooting while <span>Jared Dudley</span> scored 19 points on 7-10 shooting.</p>
<p>With Otto Porter missing tonight's game due to a thigh injury, Kelly Oubre Jr. got his first NBA start. The rookie was solid tonight logging eight points and five rebounds in 22 minutes of action. Oubre got in a bit of foul trouble that forced him to the bench but overall, a good performance.</p>
<p>The Hornets were without <span>Michael Kidd-Gilchrist</span> (recovering from surgery) and <span>Al Jefferson</span> (suspension) tonight. The Hornets started hot, hitting on 5-11 from three-point range in the first quarter.</p>
<p><span>John Wall's</span> hot streak continues to roll along as Wall logged 27 points with 20 coming in the first half. Temple scored 12 of his 21 points in the first half including this three-pointer at the end of the first half to give the Wizards momentum heading into halftime:</p>
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<p>The Wizards ended the third quarter on a 16-6 run to stretch the lead to 11, 86-75. But you knew it wouldn't be smooth sailing.</p>
<p>The Hornets went on a 16-2 run to cut Washington's lead to one, 101-100 with just minutes to play. But John Wall hit a key jump shot from the elbow and set up Gortat for a hook shot in the lane as the Wizards would pull away and win, 109-101.</p>
<p><b>Wizards get into the paint: </b>The Wizards scored 22 points in the paint in the first half and 40 for the game. <span>Kemba Walker</span> and <span>Jeremy Lin</span> could not stay in front of Wall as he was able to get to the hole without much resistance and really, anywhere on the court he wanted. Garrett Temple was aggressive getting out in transition. <span>Ramon Sessions</span> was able to slice through the Hornets defense and get to the hole. And let's not forget about Gortat who got off to a slow start missing his first four shots but went 7-12 the rest of the way with most of his damage coming in the painted area.</p>
<p><b>Garett Temple and Jared Dudley come up big: </b>Dudley went 7-10 from the field (3-5 from three-point range) for 19 points and nine rebounds. Temple was even more effective going 7-9 from the field (2-3 from three-point range) for 21 points. After posting an odd stat line in the first quarter (0 points, 5 rebounds, and 0 assists), Dudley got going in the second quarter knocking down three of his first four shots. In addition, Dudley knocked down two three-pointers at key moments in the second half tonight. Temple was very aggressive, especially in transition. Temple scored six of his 21 points on transition layups and got to the line, connecting on 5-7 from the charity stripe.</p>
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<p><b>Hornets get into the paint/crash offensive glass: </b>The Hornets scored 26 points in the paint for the first half and 50 for the game. The Hornets, the worst offensive rebounding team in the league snagged 18 offensive rebounds. As a result, they had 14 more shot attempts than the Wizards. This was due to a variety of reasons; lack of hustle from the Wizards, not boxing out on defense, and many times, Wizards players were leaking out while the shot was up assuming another player would gather the rebound. Additionally, Kemba Walker and Jeremy Lin didn't have too much resistance when driving to the hole tonight. This game had the potential of being a blowout but the Wizards gave the Hornets too many second chance opportunities which prevented it from getting out of hand.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2015/12/19/10628322/washington-wizards-charlotte-hornets-final-score-nbaAlan Jenkins2015-12-19T21:16:00-05:002015-12-19T21:16:00-05:00Wizards vs. Hornets postgame thread
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<figcaption>Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Wizards pulled through with a 109-101 win despite a number of injuries to many players on the roster. John Wall scored 27 points in the win and is getting back into his prime December form.</p>
<p>Talk about the game's outcome here! Recap's coming shortly.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2015/12/19/10627000/wizards-vs-hornets-postgame-threadAlbert Lee2015-12-19T20:02:14-05:002015-12-19T20:02:14-05:00Wizards vs. Hornets second half GameThread
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<figcaption>Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Wizards are leading 59-53. Let's see if we can continue a strong performance into the second half for a win.</p>
<p>The game continues.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2015/12/19/10626996/wizards-vs-hornets-second-half-gamethreadAlbert Lee