Bullets Forever - Wizards vs. Knicks: Washington makes big comeback to win, 99-89"Ain't No Luck"https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48097/BulletsForever-fv.png2016-03-21T11:03:48-04:00http://www.bulletsforever.com/rss/stream/110307812016-03-21T11:03:48-04:002016-03-21T11:03:48-04:00Morris changed the Wizards defense for the better
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RbiKKiSj_VwOPXyzLadWVmKUmN0=/0x178:3403x2447/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49127437/usa-today-9197986.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Wizards showed us their best look with positional versatility last night on the defensive end to stifle New York's offensive attack and shut Carmelo Anthony down. </p> <p dir="ltr">More and more in today's modern NBA positional lines and roles have become blurred. Much has been made of the integration of a variety of roles on the offensive end.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Point guards need to be scorers and not just passers. Power forwards are playing on the perimeter now more than ever. The role of non-shooting big men has transitioned from playing with their backs to the basket to setting hard screens and diving to the basket from different angles.</p>
<p dir="ltr">But, often, we forget the game is played on both the offensive end and defensive end.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Just look at the <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Warriors</a>. Their roster is filled with players who can guard multiple positions and that unique setup is one of the many reasons why they'll be a force in the league for years to come.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Conversely, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Wizards</a>' lack of versatility has been a big part of their struggles this season. Teams have been able to take advantage of Washington's slow rotations, botched switches, and mismatches to pick up easy points. All of that has changed since the Wizards traded for <span>Markieff Morris</span> at the trade deadline.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Prior to the All-Star break, the Wizards allowed <a href="http://stats.nba.com/league/team/#!/advanced/?Season=2015-16&SeasonType=Regular%20Season&DateTo=02%2F17%2F2016&sort=DEF_RATING&dir=1">105.2 points per 100 possessions according to NBA.com's stats tool,</a> the 10th worst mark in the league. Opponents also posted a 52.6 percent effective field goal percentage against them, which was the <a href="http://stats.nba.com/league/team/#!/fourfactors/?sort=OPP_EFG_PCT&dir=1">second highest percentage allowed in the league.</a></p>
<p dir="ltr">Since the trade deadline, the Wizards are only allowing <a href="http://stats.nba.com/league/team/#!/advanced/?Season=2015-16&SeasonType=Regular%20Season&DateTo=03%2F31%2F2016&sort=DEF_RATING&dir=-1&DateFrom=02%2F17%2F2016">98.9 points per 100 possessions,</a> the third-best mark in the NBA behind the <a href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/">Atlanta Hawks</a> and <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">San Antonio Spurs</a>. There's a large improvement there, and a lot of it has to do with the acquisition of Morris along with better execution in their defensive scheme.</p>
<p>Many of the improvements were on display in the second half of Saturday's game against the <a href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Knicks</a>. Let's start by taking a look at Morris guarding <span>Carmelo Anthony</span>. The Wizards shifted him over to guard Anthony after <span>Otto Porter</span> struggled guarding Anthony in the first half.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 55.263%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/e/475n" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div>
<p dir="ltr">Even though Carmelo is having a below-average scoring season, he is still one of the best isolation scorers in the league. Conversely, Porter hasn't been stout defensively this season in isolation situations. He is allowing .98 points per possession <a href="http://stats.nba.com/playtype/#!/isolation/?dir=1&OD=defensive&Season=2015-16&SeasonType=Regular%20Season&sort=TeamNameAbbreviation">according to NBA.com's synergy tool.</a> Morris is only allowing .44 points per possession in isolation situations.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Although the sample of isolation plays defended is small, Morris is in the 98th percentile of players defending isolation plays in the league. Morris finds himself in the same percentile with post-up defense, allowing just .45 points per possession since coming to Washington.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 55.263%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/e/mspc" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div>
<p>Morris also was able to take on Anthony in pick and roll situations. He held his own, forcing him into bad decisions and shots throughout the second half. He was even able to keep up with Anthony after he rejected a Kevin Seraphin screen.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 55.263%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/e/vwng" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div>
<p dir="ltr">Even in today's NBA, most modern big men do not have the foot speed and balance to keep up with perimeter players in the pick and roll game. Carmelo Anthony may not be the fastest player coming off a pick, but usually he can still able to get by slower big men with ease. Yet as we see here, Morris has the foot speed and the strength to keep Anthony in front of him.</p>
<p>Morris was also able to move over picks as Anthony tried to screen him off as the ball handler. There aren't many players in the NBA at Morris' size who can do what he does on this play:</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 55.263%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/e/tzbs" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div>
<p dir="ltr">But the Wizards' defensive improvement also goes beyond Morris. The other major difference in the Wizards' defense over the last month is that their rotations are on target, which helps them beat the offense to the spots they want to get to.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Gortat moves out to the perimeter on the side pick and roll Anthony takes. He shows, blocks Anthony's path to the baseline keeps a wide stance to prevent a split with Morris covering the middle.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
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<p dir="ltr">Robin Lopez has an open space to dive here and Anthony makes the right play to beat the trap. Instead of waiting and keeping his dribble, he picks the ball up and throws it to where he anticipates Lopez will drop.</p>
<p dir="ltr">But Otto Porter, who has been a very good weakside help defender this season, rotates quickly enough to prevent an easy catch from Lopez.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qpZKYKP_Zo0Fbll5JvmvAHLq4Zw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6218157/PorterPosition.0.png">
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<p dir="ltr">This is the type of defense the Wizards originally planned on employing throughout the season, and now they finally have the personnel to employ it effectively. The Wizards have improved drastically on that end with Morris since the trade deadline with the exception of their five-game losing streak.</p>
<p dir="ltr">On Saturday, they were able to claw their way back into a game where they were down 18 points and turned things around with their defense in the second half. After a 5-12 start for Anthony, Morris held him to 2-9 shooting from the field and just six points the rest of the way</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Wizards may not be able to make the playoffs this season and are playing catch-up at this point, but this is a positive going into next season. They may have lost a first round pick for this season in the Morris trade, but that sacrifice may be worth it as this team transitions into the future.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2016/3/21/11272980/markieff-morris-positional-versatility-washington-wizards-carmelo-anthonyMichael D. Sykes, II2016-03-20T18:16:37-04:002016-03-20T18:16:37-04:00Nene did his John Wall impression vs. the Knicks
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tf_Z4OgDUdHsq9RpKbnWyKxZrMc=/119x57:878x563/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49127551/edd04618-16a7-46c3-b1a4-89557ebd5459.0.0.jpeg" />
<figcaption>CSN screenshot</figcaption>
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<p>Big men, especially those past the age of 30 aren't supposed to do THAT!</p> <p>Nene has proven to be an effective big man for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Wizards</a> when he's on the court. That you knew already</p>
<p>But I never expected to see him to steal the ball, drive full speed ahead on the fast break AND make a Eurostep along the way like I did on Saturday night when the Wizards defeated the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/">Knicks</a>.</p>
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<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-video">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He could... Go... All... The... Way! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoastToCoastNene?src=hash">#CoastToCoastNene</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WizKnicks?src=hash">#WizKnicks</a> <a href="https://t.co/WSsut6yBnY">pic.twitter.com/WSsut6yBnY</a></p>
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) <a href="https://twitter.com/WashWizards/status/711355505399111680">March 20, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p>We see <span>John Wall</span> make plays like this all the time. And even though the Big Brazilian has skills, I didn't know he had THAT in him!</p>
<p>With this play, Nene could be an early favorite to make the NBA Skills competition next year. He could even win the whole thing!</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2016/3/20/11273100/nene-fast-break-eurostep-layup-one-man-fast-break-wizards-vs-knicksAlbert Lee2016-03-20T03:00:02-04:002016-03-20T03:00:02-04:00Wizards vs. Knicks postgame links and roll call
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NcFaAw8I59Yyvsm7vleqn2L05fY=/0x304:2338x1863/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49123905/usa-today-9198015.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Reviewing Saturday's big win.</p> <p>The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2016/3/19/11270338/washington-wizards-new-york-knicks-recap-final-score-nba">Wizards defeated the New York Knicks</a>, 99-89 on Saturday. They've now won four straight games to keep their playoff hopes alive, and this win was certainly one of character considering that they were losing by 18 in the first half.</p>
<h4><b>Links</b></h4>
<p>Here's a recap roll from the night:</p>
<p></p>
<div class="read-more">
<strong>More</strong>: <a target="new" href="http://www.postingandtoasting.com/2016/3/19/11270358/wizards-99-knicks-89-scenes-from-a-game-with-an-absentee-second-half">Posting and Toasting</a> <a target="new" href="http://nypost.com/2016/03/19/the-2015-16-knicks-officially-losers/">New York Post</a> <a target="new" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/wizards-finally-find-answer-for-carmelo-anthony-clip-knicks-99-89/2016/03/19/ccde407a-ee0a-11e5-b0fd-073d5930a7b7_story.html">The Washington Post</a> <a target="new" href="http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/basketball-washington-wizards/talk/wizards-change-throttle-knicks-five-takeaways">CSN Mid-Atlantic</a> <a target="new" href="http://wizofawes.com/2016/03/19/washington-wizards-secure-comeback-victory-over-knicks-99-89/">Wiz of Awes</a>
</div>
<h4><b>Roll Call</b></h4>
<p>51 users commented 602 times in our <a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2016/3/19/11266752/wizards-vs-knicks-gamethread" target="_blank">first half</a>, <a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2016/3/19/11266868/wizards-vs-knicks-second-half-gamethread" target="_blank">second half</a>, and <a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2016/3/19/11266932/wizards-vs-knicks-postgame-reaction-thread" target="_blank">postgame threads</a>. Here's how you did:</p>
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
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<th width="20">#</th> <th>Commenter</th> <th># Comments</th>
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<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Hands11">Hands11</a></td>
<td>83</td>
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<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/qthaballa">qthaballa</a></td>
<td>70</td>
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<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JW2BB3">JW2BB3</a></td>
<td>61</td>
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<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/elliotlevy2">elliotlevy2</a></td>
<td>53</td>
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<td>5</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Chetho">Chetho</a></td>
<td>40</td>
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<td>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ARendon6">ARendon6</a></td>
<td>30</td>
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<td>7</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Rice2012">Rice2012</a></td>
<td>23</td>
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<td>8</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SmileyAllMighty">SmileyAllMighty</a></td>
<td>22</td>
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<td>9</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/novadada">novadada</a></td>
<td>21</td>
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<td>10</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/CantHandleTheTruth">CantHandleTheTruth</a></td>
<td>20</td>
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<td>11</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/batmanwithprep">batmanwithprep</a></td>
<td>20</td>
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<td>12</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Newjamarcus">Newjamarcus</a></td>
<td>18</td>
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<td>13</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Hypemaster">Hypemaster</a></td>
<td>15</td>
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<td>14</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BEALiever">BEALiever</a></td>
<td>12</td>
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<td>15</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/WhyKnotUs">WhyKnotUs</a></td>
<td>9</td>
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<td>16</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/.hambonejackson">.hambonejackson</a></td>
<td>9</td>
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<td>17</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/12AaronJones21">12AaronJones21</a></td>
<td>8</td>
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<td>18</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BmoreBulletsFan">BmoreBulletsFan</a></td>
<td>7</td>
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<td>19</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/WindyRindy">WindyRindy</a></td>
<td>7</td>
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<td>20</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Rook6980">Rook6980</a></td>
<td>7</td>
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<td>21</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/The%20Hoops%20Guru">The Hoops Guru</a></td>
<td>6</td>
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<td>22</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/KappakidToo">KappakidToo</a></td>
<td>5</td>
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<td>23</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Gators2015_BB3">Gators2015_BB3</a></td>
<td>5</td>
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<td>24</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/LRJ">LRJ</a></td>
<td>4</td>
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<td>25</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Quick%20Ain't%20Fair">Quick Ain't Fair</a></td>
<td>4</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>26</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/sublime1983">sublime1983</a></td>
<td>4</td>
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<td>27</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/EatBullets">EatBullets</a></td>
<td>4</td>
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<td>28</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/NatP">NatP</a></td>
<td>3</td>
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<td>29</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/oneiroi">oneiroi</a></td>
<td>3</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>30</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/fly4jx">fly4jx</a></td>
<td>3</td>
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<td>31</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/jensrules">jensrules</a></td>
<td>2</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>32</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/bartek.biadasiewicz">bartek.biadasiewicz</a></td>
<td>2</td>
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<td>33</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/rvWizPH">rvWizPH</a></td>
<td>2</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>34</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Perm">Perm</a></td>
<td>2</td>
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<td>35</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ChillVillain">ChillVillain</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>36</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/djnnnou">djnnnou</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>37</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/jayxelo">jayxelo</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>38</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ThatOneGuyCpr">ThatOneGuyCpr</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>39</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/WarsawKen">WarsawKen</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>40</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/nesby8">nesby8</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>41</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Nolan%20Howell">Nolan Howell</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>42</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Emelen90">Emelen90</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>43</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/John%20Wall%20Stan">John Wall Stan</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>44</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/TheBackCourt">TheBackCourt</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>45</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/garrybeee">garrybeee</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>46</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DCallday">DCallday</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
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<td>47</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ATrueNigerian">ATrueNigerian</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>48</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/willbull">willbull</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<tr>
<td>49</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/WizardsFan">WizardsFan</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>50</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Albert%20Lee">Albert Lee</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>51</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/AgentZeroFan">AgentZeroFan</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4><b>Notable Comments</b></h4>
<p>A lot of things are too good when there's a win.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="too good comments" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RYoq5oFxO0_BEBeuh7b-QeHA4Rs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6216711/462fb1c0-1882-4a13-a598-7599f725df12.0.jpeg">
</figure>
</p>
<p><b style="font-size: 1.25em;">Sunday food specials</b></p>
<p>The Wizards won, but no half priced pizza today with regular #WIZ50 code. However, you can still get 50 percent off your pizza because of the #TRYWIZ50 code.</p>
<p><b><i>We'll see you Monday night.</i></b></p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2016/3/20/11270928/wizards-vs-knicks-postgame-links-and-roll-callAlbert Lee2016-03-19T21:27:54-04:002016-03-19T21:27:54-04:00Recap: Wiz ride big 3rd quarter to victory
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lggJloDvzw4NsDOH8V7RUHDf6Gc=/0x0:4375x2917/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49123435/GettyImages-516577762.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rob Carr/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Washington Wizards</a> used an impressive third quarter, where they outscored the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/">Knicks</a> 33-13, to pick up their fourth straight win.</p>
<p>The decisive third quarter run came after a very shaky first half from the Wizards. <span>Carmelo Anthony</span> got off to a hot start and the Knicks were controlling the paint on both ends, not only with their rebounding but in how they were keeping the Wizards from penetrating to get easy shots. Save for a few fast breaks and mid-range jumpers from from <span>John Wall</span>, the Wizards' offense was virtually nonexistent, much like it was in the second half of their game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.libertyballers.com/">76ers</a> on Thursday.</p>
<p>To get back into things, the Wizards went back to what worked in the first half of that game on Thursday, feeding the ball to Marcin Gortat. After only getting two shot attempts in the first half, the Wizards fed him the ball on the first possession of the second half, and went back to him often. He scored 11 points on 6 shots in the third quarter alone to help spur the comeback and finished with 15 points on 10 shots and 11 rebounds.</p>
<p>Another key to the turnaround was <span>Otto Porter</span>. The Knicks dared him to beat them in the first half, and he didn't oblige, going 2-10 from the field in the first half. However, once the rest of the team got going, it helped Otto Porter get into a groove as well. He was 4-5 from the field in the second half and hit two key threes in the final minutes to put the game away.</p>
<h4><span>The Wizards finally found a Carmelo stopper, and his name is Markieff Morris</span></h4>
<p>The Wizards have struggled to find ways to defend elite wing players all season, and it looked like the Wizards were going to let Carmelo Anthony have another big night , based on how he started in the first quarter. But then the Wizards tried a new strategy, switching <span>Markieff Morris</span> on to Carmelo Anthony and putting Otto Porter on <span>Kristaps Porzingis</span>.</p>
<p>The move worked. Morris had the right combination of length, strength, and mobility to keep Anthony from getting to his sweet spots without requiring extra help. After coming out hot in the first quarter, Morris helped limit Anthony to 12 points on 14 shots in the final three quarter to help turn the tide.</p>
<p>It also helped that Porter was able to hold his own guarding Porzingis on the perimeter and on the block. For as much Porter has struggled defending smaller guys this season, he's been very impressive against the bigger, stronger players you would assume that he'd struggle against.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2016/3/19/11270338/washington-wizards-new-york-knicks-recap-final-score-nbaJake Whitacre2016-03-19T21:15:39-04:002016-03-19T21:15:39-04:00Wizards vs. Knicks postgame reaction thread
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<figcaption>Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Now we get to see how that snowstorm plays out...</p> <p>The only complaints about this game is that the Wizards were 1 point away from a #WIZ50. The other complaint is that we had a heart attack watching the horrendous first half.</p>
<p>Talk about the end here.</p>
<p>And #TRYWIZ50 tomorrow at Papa John's. You still get your pizza at half price tomorrow. It feels good to receive gifts every once in awhile!</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2016/3/19/11266932/wizards-vs-knicks-postgame-reaction-threadAlbert Lee2016-03-19T20:05:20-04:002016-03-19T20:05:20-04:00Wizards vs. Knicks second half GameThread
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<figcaption>Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Ugh.</p> <p>The action continues. I hope this team can turn it around (John Wall has 17 points) but I'm not holding my breath.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2016/3/19/11266868/wizards-vs-knicks-second-half-gamethreadAlbert Lee2016-03-18T22:29:56-04:002016-03-18T22:29:56-04:00Preview: Wiz host Knicks seeking 4th straight win
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<figcaption>Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The good thing about the Wizards clinching the tiebreakers over the Pistons and Bulls this season is that they no longer have to worry about any other factors influencing whether or not they'll make the playoffs. They don't have to worry about divisional records, how they performed out of conference, or even point differential. The only thing that matters is their final win-loss total.</p>
<p>So yeah, it might discouraging when the Wizards fall apart and only narrowly avoid defeat against a lowly team, like they did on Thursday night against the 76ers, but it counts just as much as if they had cruised to a 30 point victory.</p>
<p>The same logic applies as they head into a more difficult challenge Saturday night against the Knicks. Even though they're well out of the playoff picture, they've given the Wizards problems this season, winning when they played in Washington and only losing by 3 when they played at the Garden. Would it be nice if the Wizards put together a convincing win against a team they should be? Absolutely? Will an ugly, two-point win suffice? Yep.</p>
<h4>Game Info</h4>
<p><strong>When</strong> - 7 pm EST</p>
<p><strong>Where</strong> - Verizon Center in Washington DC.</p>
<p><strong>TV</strong> - CSN Mid-Atlantic</p>
<p><strong>Radio</strong> - 99.1 WNEW</p>
<h4>Injury Report</h4>
<p>Bradley Beal and Alan Anderson are questionable for the Wizards.</p>
<p>Lance Thomas and Tony Wroten are out for the Knicks. Jose Calderon is questionable.</p>
<h4>Most Likely Wizards Killer: Langston Galloway</h4>
<p>This month, Galloway is in a bit of a funk, he's only shooting 28.1 percent from the field in March, so he's due for a bounce-back game and Washington has been an outstanding place for people to break out of funks this season. Plus, Galloway has had previous success here (he scored 14 when the Knicks played in D.C. back in October) and he has a chip on his shoulder after <a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2016/2/10/10959008/washington-wizards-new-york-knicks-breakdown-langston-galloway">almost forcing overtime when they faced off last month</a>.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2016/3/18/11266528/washington-wizards-new-york-knicks-preview-how-to-watch-nbaJake Whitacre