Bullets Forever - Wizards vs. Grizzlies: Washington beats Memphis 100-91, wins third straight"Ain't No Luck"https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48097/BulletsForever-fv.png2015-12-24T08:00:05-05:00http://www.bulletsforever.com/rss/stream/104198612015-12-24T08:00:05-05:002015-12-24T08:00:05-05:00Wizards vs. Grizzlies links and roll call
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/C8Z5E158_7VZswj9Gv6U40rmHNI=/0x0:3436x2291/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48431705/usa-today-9015425.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Let's review Wednesday's win one more time.</p> <p>Is it safe to say that the Wizards have gotten the monkey off their back?</p>
<p>They <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2015/12/23/10662600/washington-wizards-memphis-grizzlies-nba-recap-garrett-temple">won 100-91</a> over the Grizzlies on Wednesday. They're now on a three-game win streak with as much momentum as they've had since the beginning of the season to be honest with you. John Wall scored 14 points and dished another 14 assists while Garrett Temple had his third straight 20 point game.</p>
<p>Let's look at some videos, links, roll call, and food you get on this Christmas Eve.</p>
<h4><b>One week left before the deadline to get tix for BF Night at Verizon Center!</b></h4>
<p>Okay, I lied. An announcement before the videos.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://groupmatics.events/#/event/BulletsForever">Click here</a> to get tickets for the Wizards' game against the Celtics on January 16. I'll be there. Same with a number of other folks!</p>
<p>Deadline is midnight on January 2, 2016! That date is non-negotiable!</p>
<p>If you have issues with this system, email me at aleeinthedmv AT gmail DOT com.</p>
<h4><b>Videos</b></h4>
<p>Randy Wittman's press <a href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/randy-wittman-postgame-12-23-15" target="_blank">conference is above</a>. Other players' videos are below:</p>
<div class="read-more">
<strong>More</strong>: <a href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/garrett-temple-postgame-12-23-15" target="new">Garrett Temple</a> <a href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/marcin-gortat-postgame-12-23-15" target="new">Marcin Gortat</a> <a href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/john-wall-postgame-12-23-15" target="new">John Wall</a> <a href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/jared-dudley-postgame-12-23-15" target="new">Jared Dudley</a>
</div>
<h4><b>Links</b></h4>
<p>Below's your recap roll:</p>
<div class="read-more">
<strong>More</strong>: <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/balanced-wizards-shake-off-grizzlies-for-third-straight-win-100-91/2015/12/23/71faa958-a924-11e5-bff5-905b92f5f94b_story.html" target="new">The Washington Post</a> <a href="http://wizofawes.com/2015/12/23/washington-wizards-win-third-straight-over-memphis-grizzlies-100-91/" target="new">Wiz of Awes</a> <a href="http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/sleep-walking-griz-fall-to-wizards-100-91-2798c15f-35a1-41d4-e053-0100007f3409-363431931.html" target="new">The Commercial Appeal</a>
</div>
<p>We also have a couple of highlight links to share with you. First, Marcin Gortat <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2015/12/23/10662318/marcin-gortat-gary-neal-alley-oop-washington-wizards-memphis-grizzlies">made this sick alley-oop dunk</a> in traffic from a Gary Neal pass. And in case you forgot, John Wall is a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2015/12/23/10662560/john-wall-washington-wizards-block-matt-barnes">great shot blocker</a>.</p>
<h4><b>Roll Call</b></h4>
<p>As of 1 a.m. ET on Christmas Eve 2015, 61 users commented 825 times. Here's how you did:</p>
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
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<tr>
<th width="20">#</th> <th>Commenter</th> <th># Comments</th>
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</thead>
<tbody>
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<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/wizardsfan2139">wizardsfan2139</a></td>
<td>89</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/qthaballa">qthaballa</a></td>
<td>68</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BEALiever">BEALiever</a></td>
<td>64</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/NatP">NatP</a></td>
<td>59</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/WhyKnotUs">WhyKnotUs</a></td>
<td>57</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/CharGrayJ">CharGrayJ</a></td>
<td>49</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/PeDroDr">PeDroDr</a></td>
<td>47</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>8</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/novadada">novadada</a></td>
<td>33</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ddavisxx10">ddavisxx10</a></td>
<td>29</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>10</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/TilltheBitterEnd">TilltheBitterEnd</a></td>
<td>29</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Lossless">Lossless</a></td>
<td>26</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>12</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/cheergirl">cheergirl</a></td>
<td>26</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ChillVillain">ChillVillain</a></td>
<td>24</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>14</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/wync">wync</a></td>
<td>20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Nolan%20Howell">Nolan Howell</a></td>
<td>17</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>16</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SmileyAllMighty">SmileyAllMighty</a></td>
<td>16</td>
</tr>
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<td>17</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/MisterWu">MisterWu</a></td>
<td>15</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>18</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Illmatic12">Illmatic12</a></td>
<td>15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Russellgood2573">Russellgood2573</a></td>
<td>15</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>20</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/batmanwithprep">batmanwithprep</a></td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>21</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/rvWizPH">rvWizPH</a></td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>22</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Bobby%20Marley">Bobby Marley</a></td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>23</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/TheBackCourt">TheBackCourt</a></td>
<td>7</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>24</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/chn">chn</a></td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
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<td>25</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Hypemaster">Hypemaster</a></td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>26</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/John%20Wall%20Stan">John Wall Stan</a></td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
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<td>27</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/L.W.">L.W.</a></td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>28</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DCnhokies">DCnhokies</a></td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>29</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Albert%20Lee">Albert Lee</a></td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>30</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/wiz20">wiz20</a></td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
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<td>31</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Jordo">Jordo</a></td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>32</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Demj">Demj</a></td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>33</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/MeToo">MeToo</a></td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>34</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/mdd1970">mdd1970</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
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<td>35</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/17squall">17squall</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>36</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Rice2012">Rice2012</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>37</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DrJ6">DrJ6</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>38</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/hotplate">hotplate</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>39</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BayAreaBullet">BayAreaBullet</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>40</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/MC-Sneaks">MC-Sneaks</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
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<td>41</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Knowledge92">Knowledge92</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>42</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BackScreenLob">BackScreenLob</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
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<td>43</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/yop32">yop32</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>44</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/djnnnou">djnnnou</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>45</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Redwolf333">Redwolf333</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>46</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/swaggyP">swaggyP</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>47</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/abala">abala</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>48</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SamPotasz">SamPotasz</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>49</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Houseofguards">Houseofguards</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>50</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/izaballa">izaballa</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>51</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/TerpsDMV3">TerpsDMV3</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>52</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/oneiroi">oneiroi</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>53</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/endos2000">endos2000</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>54</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Robert%20Flom">Robert Flom</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>55</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/gavalon55">gavalon55</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>56</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/TryTheBeal!">TryTheBeal!</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>57</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Izzy.Bae">Izzy.Bae</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>58</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DCallday">DCallday</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>59</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/MarTrey">MarTrey</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>60</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/richkam14">richkam14</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>61</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/WizardsFan">WizardsFan</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4><b>Notable Comments</b></h4>
<p>Garrett Temple has turned heads, but how about Kelly Oubre?</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="comment" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aWJiQMeSKrDupqI4BMEWBDBLGHw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/5852451/91e70b49-8027-4f3b-859d-fdfe52cf7aaf.0.jpeg">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Of course, we had some great comments during the game as well, such as this succinct take on how we should take the game as a whole:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Jb1CH3ctnI_pBeh6ugv-YvBecfY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/5852453/0d5a655a-c519-42d3-b377-622385dc8a79.0.jpeg">
</figure>
</p>
<h4><b>Food</b></h4>
<p>The Wizards led 25-18 after the end of the first quarter so you get a free Egg McMuffin at McDonald's with your Mobile App.</p>
<p>They also scored exactly 100 points, just enough to give you 50 percent off your pizza at Papa John's with an online order. WIZ50 is your magic code.</p>
<h4><b>Pancake Spotlight: Goelong Goelong</b></h4>
<p>I didn't expect a win so quick, but I won't complain. And let's head down to South America for our next pancake.</p>
<p>The Goelong Goelong (pronounced as who-long who-long in Dutch) is a Surinamese coconut colored pancake. According to Dutch lifestyle blogger Shavida van Poelgeest, these <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" target="_blank" href="http://shavida-missladiva.blogspot.nl/2015/07/goelong-goelong-surinamese-pancakes.html">pancakes are traditionally popular</a> at parties.</p>
<p>Below is a video from van Poelgeest's YouTube channel. The recipe in her blog calls for red food coloring which makes them pinkish, but they can be other colors too.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pt9-IhMHszk" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>Enjoy your food, and I wonder if there are flights that can take me directly to Paramaribo so I can try these pancakes where they originate.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2015/12/24/10662920/wizards-vs-grizzlies-postgame-links-and-roll-callAlbert Lee2015-12-23T22:07:42-05:002015-12-23T22:07:42-05:00Recap: Wiz win 100-91 thanks to 20 from Temple
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3b76MQM9QBto_d1BPZRXBrXmq3c=/0x0:4594x3063/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48431133/usa-today-9015316.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>As <span>Garrett Temple</span> goes, the <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wizards</a> go. At least over the past three games.</p>
<p>Once again, Temple scored 20 points as the Wizards got revenge and beat the Grizzles, 100-91. <span>Ramon Sessions</span> was not far behind scoring 16 off the bench, and <span>John Wall</span> who notched his 14th double-double of the season with 14 points and 14 assists.</p>
<p>The Wizards have won three straight games and have held their last two opponents under 100 points after letting the prior 10 opponents score 100+ points.</p>
<p>The new and improved pace portion of the pace-and-space offense was on display as the Wizards scored nine transition points in the first quarter. The Wizards ended the quarter on a 7-2 run behind six assists from Wall as the Wizards enjoyed a 25-18 lead after one.</p>
<p>The Wizards used an 11-0 run in just 1:30 to stretch the lead to 16, 36-20 early in the second quarter.</p>
<p>Ramon Sessions came in and did what he does best, get into the painted area and get to the foul line. Sessions ended the night 5-6 from the charity stripe and had no problems slicing through the <a href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Grizzlies</a> defense.</p>
<p>The third quarter had quite the entertainment factor. <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Heat</a> checks from Humphries, step back threes from Temple, and even a 12-foot floater from <span>DeJuan Blair</span>.</p>
<p>The Wizards used a 16-2 run punctuated by a Humphries three-pointer from straight away to stretch this lead to 22 at one point and lead 81-65 after three.</p>
<p>The Wizards were pretty careful with the ball tonight but committed too many turnovers including two straight to start the fourth quarter. This resulted in transition buckets for the Grizzles as they were able to cut the lead to 7, 90-83 at the midway point of the fourth quarter.</p>
<p>That would be the closest they get as Temple and Wall hit timely three-pointers late as the Wizards pulled away and won 100-91.</p>
<p><b>Pace and Space: </b>The Wizards executed the pace-and-space offense to a T tonight. <s>The UNLV Running Rebs</s> The Wizards got out of the gates early with nine fast-break points in the first quarter. Led by Wall, the Wizards pushed the ball for layups and open threes in first quarter. For the rest of the game, there were far fewer opportunities to push the ball.<b> </b>As a result, the ball was swinging from side to side opening up driving lanes, and the Wizards were making the correct pass like this one:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-video" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dudley finds Gortat underneath! Nice look! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WizGrizz?src=hash">#WizGrizz</a> <a href="https://t.co/jKXhJatopH">pic.twitter.com/jKXhJatopH</a></p>
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) <a href="https://twitter.com/WashWizards/status/679830114729758720">December 24, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>The Wizards scored just three transition points the rest of the way (12 total) but the driving lanes were there all night for the guards as the team finished with 36 points in the paint. Most importantly, when the Wizards did push the ball, it was under control tonight. Most of their turnovers actually came in half-court sets.</p>
<p><b>3-Point Defense: </b>The Wizards give up an NBA-worst 41 percent from three-point range. The Grizzles came into this game 29th in the league shooting 32 percent from range; so something had to give. Lo and behold, the stats fell in favor of the Wizards as the Grizzles shot just 17 percent (3-17) from three-point range.</p>
<p>Rotations were crisper than usual, shooters weren't left wide open, and if only for one night; the percentages played to the Wizards' favor.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Garrett Temple continues to stay hot: </b>Temple scored a team-high 20 points tonight. Keep in mind, Temple hadn't scored 20 points in a game in his career; he's eclipsed the 20-point mark in three straight games now. He looks confident with his stroke, gets out and can finish very well in transition, and still brings it on the defensive end. Who knows if this run will fizzle out or if Temple is turning over a new stone. In the meantime, he's in the midst of the best 3-game stretch of his career at a time when the team needs him the most.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2015/12/23/10662600/washington-wizards-memphis-grizzlies-nba-recap-garrett-templeAlan Jenkins2015-12-23T21:37:44-05:002015-12-23T21:37:44-05:00Wall seals win with block on Matt Barnes
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qT_mC1i2gza11aMbiUavjhs5Tyg=/0x0:539x359/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48431063/Screenshot_202015-12-23_20at_209.23.10_20PM.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Throughout tonight's game, it felt like the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Wizards</a> were going to be able to do enough to keep Memphis an arm's length away, but in the final minutes, it looked like the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/">Grizzlies</a> might just have a shot to make it a game. After a bad pass from <span>John Wall</span>, <span>Courtney Lee</span> and <span>Matt Barnes</span> raced out to make it a 7 point game with just over a minute to go, but John Wall has a way of cleaning up his own mistakes:</p>
<p><iframe src="https://vine.co/v/iAAa9iZl9tp/embed/simple" width="600" height="600" frameborder="0"></iframe>
<script src="https://platform.vine.co/static/scripts/embed.js"></script>
</p>
<p>More importantly, he kept the block in play and out of the Grizzlies' hands, which effectively ended the Grizzlies' hopes of a comeback. Not bad for a guy who is playing through a slew of injuries.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">John Wall is Iron Man <a href="https://t.co/fxbCkI3bGQ">pic.twitter.com/fxbCkI3bGQ</a></p>
— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletsForever/status/679818730759696384">December 24, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
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<p>Not bad, John Wall.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2015/12/23/10662560/john-wall-washington-wizards-block-matt-barnesJake Whitacre2015-12-23T21:33:27-05:002015-12-23T21:33:27-05:00Wizards vs. Grizzlies postgame thread
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<figcaption>Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>ANOTHER WIN!</p> <p>John Wall scored 14 points, dished 14 assists, and continued to be a shot blocking machine among guard tonight:</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">John Wall <a href="https://t.co/UkH2w4I227">https://t.co/UkH2w4I227</a></p>
— Umair Khan (@UKhanNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/UKhanNBA/status/679849349397016577">December 24, 2015</a>
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<p>We got pizza too with the 100-91 win over the Grizzlies.</p>
<p>Recap's coming soon. Celebrate!</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2015/12/23/10655864/wizards-vs-grizzlies-postgame-threadAlbert Lee2015-12-23T20:11:55-05:002015-12-23T20:11:55-05:00Wizards vs. Grizzlies second half GameThread
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<figcaption>Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>This play kind of defines how this game's going for us:</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Did not expect to see Neal and Gortat team up for an alley-oop tonight. (via <a href="https://twitter.com/WashWizards">@WashWizards</a>) <a href="https://t.co/r6kic5nRNE">https://t.co/r6kic5nRNE</a> <a href="https://t.co/LGNKHEKsAo">https://t.co/LGNKHEKsAo</a></p>
— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletsForever/status/679826385582600193">December 24, 2015</a>
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<p>And we're also doing well from three! At the end of the day, 59-48 Wizards up at halftime:</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Halftime in DC, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wizards?src=hash">#Wizards</a> 59 - <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Grizzlies?src=hash">#Grizzlies</a> 48 Wall 9p-9a Dudley 9p Gortat 8p-6r Oubre 8p-6r Temple 8p <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WizGrizz?src=hash">#WizGrizz</a> <a href="https://t.co/tKjOQqjS4c">pic.twitter.com/tKjOQqjS4c</a></p>
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) <a href="https://twitter.com/WashWizards/status/679831396869894144">December 24, 2015</a>
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<p>24 minutes left in this one. Give me some cheap Christmas Eve pizza (maybe a Chick-fil-A sandwich too) guys!</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2015/12/23/10655842/wizards-vs-grizzlies-second-half-gamethreadAlbert Lee2015-12-23T19:46:05-05:002015-12-23T19:46:05-05:00Neal & Gortat connect on tough alley-oop
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<p>Of all the combos on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Wizards</a> I'd expect to combine for an alley-oop, <span>Gary Neal</span> and <span>Marcin Gortat</span> is near the bottom, but they combined for a really impressive one here:</p>
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<p>You have to give credit to Neal for seeing a crease to make a play here, but Gortat really made this play happen by snagging the pass and throwing it down in a tight space.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Gary Neal tosses it up, Marcin Gortat throws it down. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wizards?src=hash">#Wizards</a> <a href="https://t.co/vokSO70HGo">pic.twitter.com/vokSO70HGo</a></p>
— Dan Roth (@DanRothDC) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanRothDC/status/679822662076657665">December 24, 2015</a>
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https://www.bulletsforever.com/2015/12/23/10662318/marcin-gortat-gary-neal-alley-oop-washington-wizards-memphis-grizzliesJake Whitacre2015-12-22T23:12:38-05:002015-12-22T23:12:38-05:00Preview: Wiz host Grizz looking for three straight
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<figcaption>Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Washington Wizards</a> are on a two-game winning streak after taking down the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.atthehive.com/">Hornets</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/">Kings</a> this week - and out for revenge against Memphis.</p>
<p>It's been a crazy month of December for the Wizards, who came into Monday night's game with just nine available players ... but they are pushing through adversity.</p>
<p>The last time these two met in Tennessee - December 14 - the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/">Grizzlies</a> picked apart the Wizards, shooting 56 percent from the field and 67 percent from beyond the arc. They also made more free throws and had more rebounds, assists, and steals than the Wizards.</p>
<p>Hopefully, the Wizards can continue this mini hot-streak they have going, and get their first three-game winning streak together since the beginning of the season.</p>
<h3><b>Game Info</b></h3>
<p><b>When and Where: </b>Wednesday, Dec. 23 at 7:00 p.m. in the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.</p>
<p><b>Watch on: </b>Folks in the DMV can catch this one on CSN Mid-Atlantic, those in the Memphis area can watch on Fox Sports Southeast.</p>
<p><b>Listen on:</b> Radio party on WNEW 99.1 FM.</p>
<h3><b>Injury Report</b></h3>
<p><b>Wizards: </b><span>Gary Neal</span>, Nene and Otto Porter are questionable, while <span>Drew Gooden</span>, <span>Alan Anderson</span> and <span>Bradley Beal</span> are all out. <span>John Wall</span> has been battling a hurt ankle, and hurt his ribs on Monday's game, so he is listed as day-to-day.</p>
<p><b>Grizzlies:</b> Tony Allen Jordan Adams, <span>Jarell Martin</span>, and <span>Brandan Wright</span> are all out for Memphis.</p>
<h3><b>What to watch for</b></h3>
<h4><b>The three R's: Rebounding, rebounding, rebounding</b></h4>
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<p>The Wizards played pretty good defense Monday night against the Kings - holding them to 40.7 percent shooting from the floor and 31.8 percent from beyond the arc - they were out-rebounded 46-38. Let me correct myself ... The Wizards had 34 defensive rebounds to the Kings' 33, but were got beat to the glass offensively, 4 to 13. The Kings had a whopping 44 paints in the paint, even with big man <span>DeMarcus Cousins</span> shooting just 8-22.</p>
<p>In the last matchup with Memphis, the Wizards had 10 offensive rebounds and 26 defensive rebounds to the Grizzlies 6 offensive boards and 33 defensive boards. Yay, progress. However, they were still outscored in the paint by 10 points (36-46) and ended up losing the game by 17. Memphis led by double digits the entire second half of that game. The battle both for rebounds and for points in the paint is key for the Wizards to not get blown out again.</p>
<h4><b>More threes: Ya know, that shot from behind the arc</b></h4>
<p>The last game between the two was a weird one. The Grizzlies had just collapsed against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Miami Heat</a> the night before and questions were swirling around about their coaching situation. They were also and still are one of the worst-three point shooting teams in the league. The Wizards were also and still are one of the worst three-point defending teams.</p>
<p>Long story short, the Memphis made 10 of their 15 threes and the Wizards made 9 of 24. In last night's game against the Kings, the Wizards made 14- of 24 trey balls (58.3 percent) while holding Sacramento to just 7 of 22 (31.8 percent). We know where the Grizzlies players will be lining up in this game, and we hopefully know how the Wizards will be responding.</p>
<h4><b>Wall woes</b></h4>
<p>In the last matchup, <span>Mike Conley</span> got the better of the point guard matchup, with 24 points on 7 of 14 shooting (he was also 2-4 from three) in 37 minutes. Wall had a bad night, shooting 2 of 11 and 2 of 7 from three in 28 minutes of play. Conley was +16, while Wall was a team high -17. We all know Wall pushes through all sorts of injuries - and we love him for it - but it will be interesting to see how he fares in this one.</p>
<h3>Likely Wizards Killer: <span>Mario Chalmers</span>
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<p>To be honest, I'm only picking him because as a Miami native and also Heat fan, I miss him on the team. And it's Rio. And he makes me LOL. Oh, and because he had 12 points on 5 of 6 shooting in the last matchup ... All at times when the Wizards were just almost about to get back into the game.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2015/12/22/10652778/washington-wizards-memphis-grizzlies-how-to-watch-nba-previewKelly Cohen