Bullets Forever - Wizards vs. Mavericks: Washington remains winless after 107-101 loss"Ain't No Luck"https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48097/BulletsForever-fv.png2012-11-15T11:36:00-05:00http://www.bulletsforever.com/rss/stream/34096072012-11-15T11:36:00-05:002012-11-15T11:36:00-05:00Price expects to play vs. Jazz
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<figcaption>Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The Washington Wizards' point guard doesn't expect to miss any time after rolling his ankle against the Mavericks on Wednesday.</p> <p><a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Wizards</a> point guard <span>A.J. Price</span> said he doesn't expect to miss any time after an ankle injury took him out of the team's game against the <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dallas Mavericks</a> on Wednesday night. After the game, Price said that, barring a very serious diagnosis that isn't likely to come, he will play on Saturday against the <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Utah Jazz</a>. <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/wizards-vs-mavericks-washington-becomes-lone-winless-nba-team-with-107-101-loss/2012/11/14/4b958378-2ed4-11e2-beb2-4b4cf5087636_story_1.html">Via Michael Lee of the Washington Post:</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Price, who had been a backup for his first three seasons in Indiana but was thrust into a starting role with [John] Wall out because of a stress injury in his left knee, was moving around fine after the game without a limp. He said he would be ready when the Wizards take on Utah on Saturday at Verizon Center.</p>
<p>"If it ain't broke, I'm playing," Price said, words that could be a motto for his beaten down team.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The injury took place early in the third quarter when Price stepped on <span>Chris Kaman's</span> foot going for a rebound. He was re-taped and available to return to the game, but never went back in. Coach <span>Randy Wittman</span> instead preferred to play <span>Jordan Crawford</span> and <span>Jannero Pargo</span> at the point.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2012/11/15/3649758/aj-price-injury-washington-wizards-utah-jazzMike Prada2012-11-15T11:26:33-05:002012-11-15T11:26:33-05:00Links: Recapping another Wizards loss
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<figcaption>Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Links after yet another Washington Wizards loss, this time to the Dallas Mavericks.</p> <p><i>Today's links:</i></p>
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</p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Yup, another <strike>loss</strike> moral victory. Good guys team recaps from last night's Mavericks game. [Us | Washington Post (<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/wizards-vs-mavericks-washington-becomes-lone-winless-nba-team-with-107-101-loss/2012/11/14/4b958378-2ed4-11e2-beb2-4b4cf5087636_story.html">gamer</a>, <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wizards-insider/wp/2012/11/15/wizards-reserves-show-some-fourth-quarter-fight/">blog</a>) | <a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/nov/14/wizards-fall-dallas-now-nbas-only-winless-team/">Washington Times</a> | <a href="http://www.csnwashington.com/basketball-washington-wizards/talk/bench-almost-brings-wizards-back-0">CSN Washington</a> | <a href="http://www.truthaboutit.net/2012/11/dc-council-game-7-wizards-101-at-mavericks-107-sometimes-22-point-deficits-come-down-to-a-couple-plays.html">Truth About It</a> | <a href="http://wizofawes.com/2012/11/14/another-moral-victory-in-dallas/">Wiz of Awes</a> | <a href="http://dc.sbnation.com/washington-wizards/2012/11/14/3647944/wizards-mavericks-game-recap-final-score">SB Nation D.C.</a> | <a href="http://districtsportspage.com/washington-wizards-wrap-game-7-after-107-101-loss-to-mavericks-winless-wizards-stand-alone/12763">District Sports Page</a>]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">You have to watch the Jannero Pargo GIF in the Truth About It post. Cartier Martin is WIDE OPEN in the corner and he was on fire. What a horrible game-tying three-point shot attempt.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Recaps from the bad guys' side. [<a href="http://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2012/11/14/3648058/mavericks-vs-wizards-score-2012">Mavs Moneyball</a> | <a href="http://dallas.sbnation.com/dallas-mavericks/2012/11/14/3648060/mavericks-wizards-final-score-recap">SB Nation Dallas</a> | <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/mavericks/post/_/id/4692705/rapid-reaction-mavs-107-wizards-101">ESPN Dallas</a> | <a href="http://sportsblogs.star-telegram.com/mavs/2012/11/kaman-helps-mavs-to-107-101-victory.html">Fort Worth Star Telegram</a> | <a href="http://www.thetwomangame.com/2012/11/quoteboard-dallas-107-washington-101/">The Two Man Game</a>]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Postgame interviews from <a href="http://www.nba.com/wizards/postgame-video-channel">WashingtonWizards.com</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">John Wall still has no timetable for his return, and it's looking like the eight-week mark is optimistic. [<a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2012/11/14/still-no-timetable-for-wizards-point-guard-walls-return/">NBA.com</a>]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Meanwhile, A.J. Price <a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2012/11/14/3647756/aj-price-injury-washington-wizards">got hurt last night</a>, but <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/wizards-vs-mavericks-washington-becomes-lone-winless-nba-team-with-107-101-loss/2012/11/14/4b958378-2ed4-11e2-beb2-4b4cf5087636_story_1.html">he should play Saturday vs. the Jazz</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Chris Kaman, just being honest: "We didn't really deserve to win." [<a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/mavericks/post/_/id/4692715/3-pointer-we-didnt-really-deserve-to-win">ESPN Dallas</a>]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">At least Kevin Seraphin kicked ass in the fourth quarter. [<a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2012/11/15/3648348/mvp-of-moral-victories-analyzing-kevin-seraphins-clutch-play">Us</a>]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Jonathan Tjarks thinks Serpahin needs to start over Trevor Booker. [<a href="http://dallas.sbnation.com/dallas-mavericks/2012/11/15/3648384/mavs-vs-wizards-an-empty-win">SB Nation Dallas</a>]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Martin, too. [<a href="http://www.csnwashington.com/basketball-washington-wizards/talk/cartier-martin-sparkles-wizards-latest-loss">CSN Washington</a>]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Randy Wittman, pissed at the officials. [<a href="http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2012/11/15/in-loss-to-mavs-wittman-dismayed-by-refs-lack-of-respect-for-wizards/">NBA.com</a> | <a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2012/11/15/3649298/randy-wittman-mavericks-vs-wizards-2012">Us</a>]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Tony Kornheiser, being Tony Kornheiser. [<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-sports-bog/wp/2012/11/15/kornheiser-the-wizards-are-a-disgrace/">DC Sports Bog</a>]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;"><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/comcast-television-crew-makes-the-most-of-washington-wizards-games/2012/11/14/4369834c-2d18-11e2-89d4-040c9330702a_story.html">The Washington Post </a>spent one Wizards game with the CSN TV crew. At least those guys work hard. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">The Wizards are, once again, the last winless team in the NBA. That's because the Pistons dismantled the 76ers last night. [<a href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2012/11/14/3648094/pistons-vs-76ers-final-score-detroit-first-win-greg-monroe-kyle-singler">Detroit Bad Boys</a>]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Incredible block by Eric Bledsoe. [<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2012/11/14/3648076/eric-bledsoe-with-the-block-of-the-year">SB Nation</a>]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">This Royce White situation is really sad. [<a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nba/blog/ken-berger/20984527/royce-white-vs-the-houston-rockets-nobody-wins">CBS Sports</a>]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Josh Howard (remember him?) is back in the NBA, having signed a one-year deal with the Timberwolves. [<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2012/11/15/3649352/josh-howard-signs-minnesota-timberwolves">SB Nation</a>]</span></li>
</ul>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2012/11/15/3649652/washington-wizards-dallas-mavericks-2012Mike Prada2012-11-15T10:42:04-05:002012-11-15T10:42:04-05:00Wittman baffled by lack of foul calls
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<figcaption>Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The Washington Wizards' coach believes his team doesn't get enough respect from officials.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Washington Wizards</a> are <a href="http://hoopdata.com/teamff.aspx">currently dead last </a>in the NBA at free-throw rate, which measures the number of free throws attempted per field goal attempt. In last night's game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/">Dallas Mavericks</a>, the Wizards shot just 11 freebies, compared to 33 for the Mavericks. </p>
<p>That made coach <span>Randy Wittman</span> very mad. Following last night's 107-101 loss, he finally sounded off about it. <a href="http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2012/11/15/in-loss-to-mavs-wittman-dismayed-by-refs-lack-of-respect-for-wizards/">Via Jeff Caplan of NBA.com</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"For whatever reason, this team doesn't get any respect. We go to the rim and had 11 free throws. These young guys just have to make a name for themselves, and it's just baffling some of the things that are said to me by the refs for why they don't call it." </p>
</blockquote>
<p>Wittman later said that "maybe we just have to send the game film every day to the league."</p>
<p>Does Wittman have a point? Foul-drawing is always one of the more difficult subjects because it is somewhat subjective. The game moves so fast, and even the best referees can struggle to catch up. What may seem like a foul isn't actually a foul by the letter of the law, or vice versa. So, I <i>guess</i> I can see where he's coming from, to some degree.</p>
<p>But realistically, how many additional free throws are we talking about? Off the top of my head, there were maybe 1-2 instances where the referees could have easily called a foul last night and didn't. I also can't remember too many times when it happened in previous games. Maybe I am forgetting some plays, but I doubt that those plays make up a significant enough number to raise the Wizards' average free-throw attempts that much higher.</p>
<p>The real issue: the Wizards don't drive to the basket. Complaining about a lack of respect doesn't solve that problem.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2012/11/15/3649298/randy-wittman-mavericks-vs-wizards-2012Mike Prada2012-11-15T08:03:01-05:002012-11-15T08:03:01-05:00Kevin Seraphin: MVP of moral victories
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<figcaption>Ronald Martinez</figcaption>
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<p>Another loss, another step in Kevin Seraphin's development. Watch how the big guy nearly carried the Wizards to a win over the Dallas Mavericks.</p> <p></p>
<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Kevin Seraphin</span> was focal point of the offense the fourth quarter, and it started with a nicely designed play that got the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/">Mavericks</a>’ defense over-extended. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Wizards</a> began the play with a pick-and-roll between <span>Cartier Martin</span> and Kevin Seraphin. The Mavs were hedging hard on pick-and-rolls throughout the game, and <span>Chris Kaman</span> did exactly that as Martin came off the screen. His aggressive defense, however, left him trailing well behind Seraphin, who wasn’t running a pick-and-roll, after all. Instead, Seraphin continued to the opposite baseline and found himself wide open, as Kaman couldn't catch up.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZVikE4ZyCJU" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe> <br id="1352959789018"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">---</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After Seraphin hit that shot, he went back into the post, where it was open season on Chris Kaman. First, Seraphin used his right-handed hook shot. As you can see in the first clip, Kaman probably knows it's coming, but Seraphin hits it anyway. On the next post-up, Kaman anticipates the right-handed hook, and is left flat-footed when Seraphin counters it with a turnaround jumper. Finally, instead of using strength, Seraphin finesses his way into the lane, as Kaman is left behind.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RiIuMYA8vIQ" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe> <br id="1352959890644"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Seraphin did an excellent job of staying one step ahead of Kaman on each post up.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">---</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Mavericks tried to stop Seraphin from getting the ball by fronting the post. As the clips below show, Dallas’ fronting allowed Cartier Martin to make his big impact in the game. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Seraphin was able to make very quick decisions and find Martin wide open on the weak side of the floor.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WHl-XyypmYM" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe> <br id="1352959935606"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">---</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Seraphin’s passing wasn’t just limited to quick touch passes, either. In the clip below, the Mavericks send a double team after Seraphin catches the ball, but he kicks it back out to <span>Jordan Crawford</span> on the perimeter. Fans will remember how much Seraphin struggled when Boston double-teamed him in crunch time. This time, his calm decision-making led to an easy (such a soft touch!) basket.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/R1lJWpJhqKY" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe> <br id="1352959985074"><br id="1352959976805"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">---</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately, Seraphin’s strong play was wasted due to a few mental errors as time wound down. Jordan Crawford’s <a target="_blank" href="http://youtu.be/QUfBHxEwHqs">missed box-out</a> will be cited as a big mistake, but <span>Jannero Pargo</span> committed a bigger offense, in my mind. Down by three, Pargo caught the ball on the wing, with only one defender left to cover both Pargo and the suddenly unstoppable Cartier Martin. Pargo faked a pass to Martin, anticipating that the defender would jump the passing lane. That plan didn’t work out, but it was forgivable because there was still plenty of time on the shot clock to work for a high quality shot. But Pargo, with no regard for this shot clockery, decided that this contested three-pointer was a proper shot. It wasn’t.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-5PzR4DFSZk" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe> <br id="1352960094777"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">---</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Despite yet another loss, take some solace in the fact that Kevin Seraphin looked like a go-to player in the clutch. He scored, assisted, and played with composure in the face of double-teams. At some point we may even see him in the starting lineup.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2012/11/15/3648348/mvp-of-moral-victories-analyzing-kevin-seraphins-clutch-playjkahn152012-11-14T23:42:04-05:002012-11-14T23:42:04-05:00Wizards fight back, but it's not enough (again)
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<figcaption>Ronald Martinez</figcaption>
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<p>Jordan Crawford and Cartier Martin led a late Wizards comeback Wednesday night, but it wasn't enough to beat the Mavericks in Dallas. </p> <p>The Wizards weren't great or even good, but they weren't totally awful! That's the silver lining from the Wizards seventh straight loss, this time to the Mavericks. They dug themselves into a 22-point hole midway through the third quarter and it looked like they were headed for another humiliating reality check. (See: <a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2012/11/13/3642612/wizards-vs-bobcats-score-final-2012" target="_blank">Bobcats game</a>). Things hit rock bottom when A.J. Price went down hard and hobbled back to the locker room.</p>
<p>But then things got better! Price appeared to have an ankle injury, but looks he should be okay. As for the rest of the team, sparked by Jordan Crawford's attacking--he had 17 of his 21 points in the second half--and Cartier Martin's shooting, the Wizards pulled within three late in the fourth quarter. The Mavericks then extended the lead back to eight with about five minutes left. But the Wizards wouldn't go away.</p>
<p>Kevin Seraphin had 14 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter, and the combination of Seraphin and Cartier Martin were able to bring the Wizards back within three with 90 seconds left. Of course, the Wizards are still the Wizards, so that led to this sequence:</p>
<ul>
<li>Elton Brand misses 14-foot jumper</li>
<li>O.J. Mayo offensive rebound</li>
<li>Vince Carter misses 24-foot jumper</li>
<li>Elton Brand offensive rebound</li>
<li>Darren Collison bad pass (Kevin Seraphin steals)</li>
<li>Jannero Pargo misses 25-foot three point jumper <br>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Pargo's miss (with 54 seconds left) came early in the shot clock with a hand in his face, and that was pretty much it for the Wizards comeback. O.J. Mayo was fouled, made one, missed the second, and the Wizards couldn't get the rebound, because of course they couldn't. The game ended with the Wizards down three again, trying to foul, only to leave Chris Kaman wide-open in front of the rim. Kaman then stood at the rim waiting for Jan Vesley to arrive, and converted the lay-up plus the foul when Vesley finally got there to foul him.</p>
<p>Does that last sequence make sense in writing?</p>
<p>In any case, it was a very Wizards way to end it.</p>
<p>Big picture? The loss could have been much, much worse. The team still can't get defensive rebounds, still relies on Jordan Crawford to carry the offense, and still makes all kinds of stupid mistakes. But for the first two-and-a-half quarters, they looked about as lifeless as a basketball team can look, and that changed by the end, when Seraphin looked like the player we've all been excited about, and everyone remembered why we've always loved Cariter Martin.</p>
<p>They still lost, and they're now the only winless team left in the NBA, but there are silver linings, and it won't be this bad forever. In the meantime, as Steve Buckhantz said afterward, "You cannot fault the effort."</p>
<p>Questions now:</p>
<ul>
<li>Why wasn't Kevin Seraphin getting the ball before the fourth quarter? </li>
<li>Should we just start Cartier Martin and see what happens? At least he's fun to root for?</li>
<li>Is this what it felt like for Bobcats fans? </li>
<li>Bradley Beal was 3-14 and wasn't on the court for any of the fourth quarter run. Actually, let's just agree to not to talk about this tonight. </li>
<li>Sure would be nice to have Jae Crowder out there, huh? <br>
</li>
<li>Is Jordan Crawford technically the Wizards' best player?<br>
</li>
<li>Do you think Seraphin and Roddy Beaubois are going to hang out after the game? If so, we better get some good Instagrams. </li>
</ul>
<p>We'll have more in the morning, but feel free to vent in the comments and/or praise Cartier Martin in the comments. Because really, Cartier Martin is the greatest.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2012/11/14/3647912/wizards-vs-mavericks-final-score-2012Andrew Sharp2012-11-14T22:01:36-05:002012-11-14T22:01:36-05:00Price hurts ankle vs. Mavericks
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<figcaption>John Rieger-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The Washington Wizards' backup point guard hurt his ankle early in the second half against the Mavericks.</p> <p>Already without <span>John Wall</span>, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Washington Wizards</a> may have lost point guard <span>A.J. Price</span> to an injury of his own. Price turned his ankle while trying to go for an offensive rebound against big <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/">Dallas Mavericks</a> center <span>Chris Kaman</span> early in the third quarter. He laid down on the ground as the Mavericks went back the other way and was eventually helped off the floor and taken back to the locker room.</p>
<p>The play happened right after halftime. Price took a three-pointer, missed, then got his own rebound and took a floater in the lane. As the ball hit off the backboard, Price tried to leap to secure his own rebound again, but lost the battle to Kaman. Kaman then came down right on one of his ankles, causing the injury.</p>
<p>It remains to be seen if Price returns to the game. <span>Jordan Crawford</span> replaced him and appears to be the backup option at point guard.</p>
<p><b>UPDATE: </b>Price was available to return, but never did</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2012/11/14/3647756/aj-price-injury-washington-wizardsMike Prada2012-11-14T17:46:25-05:002012-11-14T17:46:25-05:00Discuss Wizards vs. Mavericks here
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<figcaption>Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Come talk about the Wizards-Mavericks game with us.</p> <table cellspacing="5" border="1" align="center" cellpadding="5"><tbody> <tr><th align="center" bgcolor="silver" colspan="3">2012/2013 NBA Preseason</th></tr> <tr> <td width="240"><center><img src="http://www.underconsideration.com/brandnew/archives/wizards_alt_logo_hand.gif" height="72" width="80"></center></td> <th align="center" width="20">@</th> <td width="240"><center><img src="http://content.sportslogos.net/logos/6/228/full/ifk08eam05rwxr3yhol3whdcm.gif" height="72" width="80"></center></td> </tr> <tr><td align="center" bgcolor="silver" colspan="3"><strong>November 14, 2012</strong></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><strong>American Airlines Center</strong></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><strong>8:30 p.m.</strong></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><strong>CSN, 106.7 The Fan</strong></td></tr> <tr><th align="center" bgcolor="silver" colspan="3"><strong>Starting Lineups</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>A.J. Price</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">PG</th> <td width="240"><span>Darren Collison</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>Bradley Beal</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">SG</th> <td width="240"><span>O.J. Mayo</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>Trevor Ariza</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">SF</th> <td width="240"><span>Jae Crowder</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>Trevor Booker</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">PF</th> <td width="240"><span>Elton Brand</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>Emeka Okafor</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">C</th> <td width="240"><p><span>Chris Kaman</span></p></td> </tr> <tr><th align="center" bgcolor="silver" colspan="3"><strong>2011/12 Advanced Stats</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span style="text-align: start;">92.5 (9th)</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">Pace</th> <td width="240">91.4 (13th)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span style="text-align: start;">101 (T25th)</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">ORtg</th> <td width="240">103.3 (22nd)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span style="text-align: start;">106.2 (21st)</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">DRtg</th> <td width="240">102.3 (8th)</td> </tr> <tr><th height="20" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver">Also see: <a href="http://www.mavsmoneyball.com/">Mavs Moneyball</a> | <a href="http://dallas.sbnation.com/">SB Nation Dallas</a> | <a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2012/11/14/3645566/washington-wizards-dallas-mavericks-november-14-2012">StoryStream</a> </th></tr> </tbody></table>
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<p>If you're here, it means that you will support this team through pretty much any situation. Join us as we commiserate together.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2012/11/14/3646706/wizards-vs-mavericks-game-time-tv-schedule-and-open-threadMike Prada2012-11-14T13:00:43-05:002012-11-14T13:00:43-05:00Previewing Wizards vs. Mavericks
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<figcaption>Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Even without Dirk Nowitzki, the Mavericks have managed to play .500 ball this season. How have they done it? We turned to Kirk Henderson of <a href="http://www.mavsmoneyball.com/">Mavs Moneyball</a> for some answers.</p> <p><b>1. As <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Wizards</a> fans, we can relate to losing a cornerstone player to a knee injury, but we didn't have the same expectations going into the season that <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/">Mavericks</a> fans had, either. What are the expectations for Dallas this year, given Dirk's injury?</b></p>
<p>Pre-season expectations were all over the map. A completely retooled roster allowed for a wide variety of possibilities, and that was before Dirk's knee surgery. As of this moment (Monday morning) Dallas is 4-3 with some pretty exciting wins coupled with some really frustrating losses. Hot shooting during wins has papered over some of the serious issues Dallas has, particularly with rebounding and consistent offense, so determining what this team can do is really hard. I think the real goal is to simply tread water until Dirk comes back and then the team can take stock of its strengths and weaknesses and go from there.</p>
<p><b>2. Was anyone expecting <span>O.J. Mayo</span> to break out like he has so far? Furthermore, is this something we can expect moving forward or is he going to start regressing to the mean soon?</b></p>
<p>I don't think anyone was expecting him to be this solid of a contributor, though the Mavericks hoped for it with Dirk out. In terms of regressing to the mean, it's going to happen sooner or later, because 61% three point shooting is unsustainable, but its a matter of how far he falls. He's shooting the ball really well at the rim and from deep, but <a href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mayooj01/shooting/2013/">everywhere else</a> he's shooting a ghastly 31%. The threat of Dirk alone will free up most of the roster to knock down open shots, so I expect Mayo's play to level out. But if he regularly scores 15 to 20 points when Dirk returns, the Dallas offense will be formidable.</p>
<p><b>3. There were lots of Wizards fans clamoring to take <span>Jae Crowder</span> with their second round pick, and it certainly looks like he's been playing well in Dallas so far. How has he been so far from your perspective?</b></p>
<p>While he's had a rough go over things the last few games (he had to match up with <span>Carmelo Anthony</span> and then MKG, while starting in place of an injured <span>Shawn Marion</span>), over all he's been delightful. His play right now reminds me of <span>Josh Howard</span> when he was a rookie. I know we are all familiar with current Josh Howard, he is the terrible mid range game, but when Howard was a younger player he seemed to be in the middle of everything, getting hands on loose balls, grabbing key offensive boards, defending. Jae is the same way and its really fun to watch a player be so effective because of his hustle. He has a bright future in Dallas if he keeps this up.</p>
<p><b>4. <span>Rodrigue Beaubois</span> is starting his fourth year with the Mavericks, and he's still isn't playing heavy minutes, even with much of the old guard (no <span>Jason Kidd</span> pun intended) gone. Does he have a future in Dallas beyond this season?</b></p>
<p>I really have no idea. He has two things working against him. First, his injury history. The guy can't stay healthy to save his life. He's already had two ankle sprains this year which caused him to miss time. Second is his consistency. He plays about 15 minutes a game, which seems strange given his talent level, but I think Carlisle is trying to keep him on a short leash with minutes so he can establish a clear role in the offense. So far this year he hasn't been fantastic, but he also hasn't been terrible. It's a far cry from the hope we once had for him, but compared to throwing things at my TV this is a step in the right direction. If Roddy keeps this up, I assume Carlisle will expand his minutes as the season goes along. And if that works out, I'd expect Dallas to resign him. He's still so young with very little organized ball under his belt in comparison to so many NBA players. His speed is such an asset in today's NBA.</p>
<p><b>5. Realistically, how do Mavericks fans feel about their chances of landing <span>Chris Paul</span> or <span>Dwight Howard</span> this summer?</b></p>
<p>Sigh. I'm sure fans feel great about it. I'm also sure that other local media outlets and blogs have pretty high hopes. But me? Noooope. I'm the resident Eeyore of Mavs Moneyball and I'm of the opinion that every major gamble Mark Cuban has taken since he bought the team, from letting Nash, walk, to refusing to trade Roddy B. when <span>Deron Williams</span> was available, to letting <span>Tyson Chandler</span> walk, has ended up backfiring on Dallas. That's not to say I disagree with the decisions, but these more recent gambles had a low probability of success. Step one was letting guys from the championship team sign elsewhere in the name of financial flexibility. Step two was hoping these big name potential free agents made it to market. Step three is convincing them to sign for less money than their current team was offering. It didn't work with Deron Williams and I see no reason why it would work with either CP3 or Howard. There's simply not enough incentive to come to Dallas.</p>
<p><i>Many thanks to Kirk for his responses. You can check out the other half of our Q&A over at <a href="http://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2012/11/14/3636946/better-know-an-opponent-washington-wizards-edition">Mavs Moneyball</a>.</i></p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2012/11/14/3640948/washington-wizards-dallas-mavericks-preview-oj-mayoJake Whitacre