Bullets Forever - Wizards vs. Pistons: Washington drops two straight to lowly Detroit"Ain't No Luck"https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48097/BulletsForever-fv.png2012-12-23T10:43:07-05:00http://www.bulletsforever.com/rss/stream/35577212012-12-23T10:43:07-05:002012-12-23T10:43:07-05:00Links: How many games are left?
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<p>We're running out of creative ways to say, "Wizards lose."</p> <p><i>When is the season over? links:</i></p>
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<li>Another day, another loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Pistons</a>. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Wizards</a> carried over their awful, dreadful, abominable, unspeakable performance in Detroit to the first half of Saturday's game, and couldn't catch up in the second half. Are there really 57 games left this season? Can we bring back the lockout? Ugh. Recaps [<a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2012/12/22/3796434/pistons-vs-wizards-score-final-recap">Us</a> | <a href="http://dc.sbnation.com/2012/12/22/3796672/pistons-wizards-score-results-final">SB Nation DC</a> | <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/pistons-beat-wizards-again-96-023849170--nba.html">AP</a> | <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/wizards-vs-pistons-washington-powerless-to-stop-second-straight-loss-to-detroit-seventh-in-a-row-overall/2012/12/22/8d4d2478-4c99-11e2-9a42-d1ce6d0ed278_story.html">Washington Post</a> | <a href="http://washingtonexaminer.com/wizards-run-over-by-pistons-again/article/2516717#.UNcaauTAdAY">Washington Examiner</a> | <a href="http://www.csnwashington.com/article/wizards-handed-7th-straight-loss">CSN Washington</a> | <a href="http://wizofawes.com/2012/12/22/washington-wizards-lose-to-detroit-pistons-again/">Wiz of Awes</a> | <a href="http://www.nba.com/wizards/game-recap-wizards-87-pistons-96">WashingtonWizards.com</a> | <a href="http://detroit.sbnation.com/pistons/2012/12/22/3796564/detroit-pistons-washington-wizards-score-recap">SB Nation Detroit</a> | <a href="http://www.freep.com/article/20121223/SPORTS03/312230208/Pistons-96-Wizards-87-Notes-quotes-from-Saturday-s-win-over-Washington?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CDetroit%20Pistons">Detroit Free Press</a> | <a href="http://www.hoopdata.com/boxscore.aspx?id=321222027">Hoopdata box score</a> | <a href="http://popcornmachine.net/cgi-bin/gameflow.cgi?date=20121222&game=DETWAS">Popcorn Machine</a>]</li>
<li>Postgame interviews. [<a href="http://www.nba.com/wizards/video/2012/12/22/122212vsDETPressermp4-2335037/index.html">Wittman</a> | <a href="http://www.nba.com/wizards/video/2012/12/22/Crawfordpost122212wmv-2335050/index.html">Crawford</a> | <a href="http://www.nba.com/wizards/video/2012/12/22/Bealpost122212wmv-2335048/index.html">Beal</a> | <a href="http://www.nba.com/wizards/video/2012/12/22/Websterpost122212wmv-2335045/index.html">Webster</a>]</li>
<li>The Wizards are so awful, <span>Randy Wittman</span> is doing his best to get thrown out of games. But the refs have decided it's much funnier to make him watch. [<a href="http://www.csnwashington.com/basketball-washington-wizards/talk/wittman-these-guys-won%E2%80%99t-even-throw-me-out">CSN Washington</a>]</li>
<li>Heads have begun to roll. Insignificant heads, that is. In need of backcourt help, the Wizards have released <span>Earl Barron</span> (OK, makes sense) and <span>Shaun Livingston</span>, their only true healthy point guard, which may seem counterintuitive, but Wizards. [<a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2012/12/23/3797102/shaun-livingston-earl-barron-released-washington-wizards">Us</a> | <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/wizards-waive-center-barron-guard-064945294--nba.html">AP</a> | <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wizards-insider/wp/2012/12/23/wizards-release-earl-barron-shaun-livingston/">Washington Post</a> | <a href="http://washingtonexaminer.com/wizards-waive-livingston-barron/article/2516718#.UNcapOTAdAY">Washington Examiner</a> | <a href="http://www.csnwashington.com/basketball-washington-wizards/talk/wizards-waive-pair-more-moves-horizon">CSN Washington</a> | <a href="http://www.nba.com/wizards/news/wizards-waive-livingston-and-barron">Press release</a>]</li>
<li>Nene is one of the NBA's most efficient players this season. But guess which two big men rank just behind him as the league's 9th- and 10th-most efficient players. [<a href="http://www.csnwashington.com/basketball-washington-wizards/talk/nenes-efficiency-among-nbas-best">CSN Washington</a>]</li>
<li>More evidence that God hates the awful Wizards? The 2013 draft class is also pretty bad. But 2014? Let's pray the Wiz don't decide to get good next season... [<a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/blog/_/name/nba_draft/id/8769566/nba-previewing-top-prospects-2014-draft">ESPN Insider</a>]</li>
<li>Roundup of Saturday's NBA games. [<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2012/12/23/3797490/nba-scores-2012-lakers-warriors-steve-nash">SB Nation</a>]</li>
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<span>Kris Humphries</span> dated and (kind of) married Kim Kardashian. Now she's dating Kanye West. NYC DJs would in no way use this fact to troll Humphries, would they? Even if they did, Humphries would take it all in stride, yes? [<a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/nyc-djs-trolled-kris-humphries-kanye-west-songs-003708880--nba.html;_ylt=As.5oILBb6o7KMAxaFfuwN.8vLYF;_ylu=X3oDMTN1OXE2Y2p0BG1pdANGRUFUVVJFRCBNZWdhdHJvbiBOQkEEcGtnAzNkNjU0ZGM2LTQ2NWQtMzM1Ny1hOGMyLTUyNjg1YzA4">Ball Don't Lie</a>]</li>
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https://www.bulletsforever.com/2012/12/23/3797700/links-wizards-lose-surprising-no-oneJeff Newman2012-12-22T21:28:23-05:002012-12-22T21:28:23-05:00Wizards can't overcome early hole
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<figcaption>Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Wizards couldn't overcome another brutal first half, falling to the Pistons, 96-87. Washington is now 3-22 on the season.</p> <p>WASHINGTON -- Well, here we are again, folks. Another game against a subpar team in which the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Wizards</a> never sniffed a lead. Another game where the Wizards tried their damndest and still couldn't put the ball in the basket early. Another loss, this time by a 96-87 score to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Detroit Pistons</a>, the second straight defeat to the same time.</p>
<p>This game mirrored Friday night's game in the first half, and only a gimmicky defense unleashed in the second half made this thing respectable. There are no silver linings.</p>
<p>And, yeah, that's about it. To the notes.</p>
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<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">There were too many issues with cross-matches in transition early on. <span>Bradley Beal</span> and <span>Martell Webster</span> got crossed up on one play, allowing <span>Kyle Singler</span> an open three he luckily missed. On another, Nene got caught well behind <span>Jason Maxiell</span> trying to post up, and luckily Maxiell fumbled it away. But on another, <span>Brandon Knight</span> sped by the defense and got a layup. He missed, but <span>Greg Monroe</span> was wide open to get the putback.</span></li>
<li>The early offensive gameplan was clearly to get the ball to Nene, and he had plenty of chances to convert on those plays. He just missed layups and open jumpers. Much in the same way any offensive system falls apart without ball movement and hard cuts, so to doe any hard cuts and ball movement prove fruitless if the plays aren't converted.</li>
<li>Tonight's futile offensive start was nothing like last night's futile offensive start. Last night, the Wizards couldn't create any decent looks. Tonight, they had decent looks, but just missed them. The latter is far more depressing. </li>
<li>Knight was consistently too quick for Crawford off the dribble. His drives came in transition and off pindown action, so you can't really blame a big man for not stepping up. Crawford just has to do better.</li>
<li>The regression of <span>Kevin Seraphin</span> continues. Two fadeaways and a missed wide open dunk in his first few minutes. He's playing like he's scared to fail.</li>
<li>Too many players on this team lack the confidence to play through missed shots. There's really no other explanation.</li>
<li>Given that <span>Cartier Martin</span> can actually sometimes hit some shots, he should probably play more.</li>
<li> <span>Jan Vesely</span> gave the Wizards a little big of activity when he came in. I liked how his basket cut freed Martin for an open three early in the first quarter. That's the way Vesely can be a factor offensively.</li>
<li>Beal continues to aim on all of his shots instead of shooting with confidence. That's why his percentage is lower than it should be.</li>
<li> <span>Rodney Stuckey</span> is a really tough matchup for any bench player, but he's especially tough for <span>Shaun Livingston</span>. Livingston just doesn't have the lateral foot speed to stay with him or any other quick guards.</li>
<li>How Jan Vesely allowed CHARLIE VILLANUEVA to catch a backdoor lob pass is beyond me.</li>
<li>The Wizards have never valued players who can hit three-pointers in transition. The Pistons just sliced them up with three such plays to take a 17-point lead.</li>
<li>Well, at least Beal seemed a little more confident. I like him pulling up because it's a motion that doesn't require much thought. You're already running full speed, so there isn't much time to think about other options on the floor.</li>
<li> <span>Andre Drummond</span> dominated Seraphin for the second straight night. On one offensive rebound, Drummond gave Seraphin a little bump and pushed Seraphin back a few feet for a layup. </li>
<li>Nene keeps coming up short on layups. I would think that's the injury still affecting him.</li>
<li> <span>Emeka Okafor</span> is not fast enough to cover Greg Monroe. Okafor defended one pick and roll decently, but as he closed out on Monroe, he failed to cut off Monroe's strong left hand. Monroe needed just one dribble to get to the rim for a layup. That's a veteran displaying poor defensive fundamentals.</li>
<li>I don't like the way Beal moped in the corner for a few seconds after a missed layup instead of getting back on defense. I initially thought he was hurt, but he looked fine once he pulled his head out of his hands. That's the kind of stuff that drives coaches mad with young players.</li>
<li>Very few players in the league are better than Okafor at meeting guys right at the rim to block shots. If that was all that was required on defense, he'd be elite.</li>
<li>In all seriousness, Okafor's effort defensively was pretty solid, and it did spark the Wizards a bit. Another thing that sparked them: this three-quarter court trap they put on after free throws. The Pistons' offensive rhythm was completely disrupted and their floor balance was all out of sorts. That allowed the Wizards to get some turnovers and transition opportunities. </li>
<li>The Pistons definitely played into the Wizards' hands by not attacking the trap once it was beaten. By waiting to start their half-court offense, Detroit played right into Washington's hands.</li>
<li>There appeared to be some interesting guard-guard screen action going on in some of these second-half sets. Crawford zipped by everyone for a layup to cut the lead to six when Martin screened for him. The Pistons didn't communicate a switch in time, and Crawford got daylight. Nice little wrinkle by <span>Randy Wittman</span>.</li>
<li>Of course, the 3/4-court trap only works for so long. Eventually, the Pistons became more aggressive in attacking it, and they were able to rebuild a double-digit lead.</li>
<li>The Wizards missed a ton of free throws tonight. I'm going to predict that Wittman harps on this in the postgame press conference.</li>
<li>It was good to see Beal continue to be aggressive. You could argue that runner he took at the end of the third quarter was a bad shot, but as usual in his case, it's better to be aggressive and miss than be passive and not shoot.</li>
<li>The Pistons kept killing the Wizards with two-man action between Stuckey and <span>Charlie Villanueva</span>. Asking Beal to stick with Stuckey when Villanueva is playing this well is a tough assignment. Nene could never trap hard because he had to attend to Villanueva, which forced Beal to use a lot of energy staying with Stuckey. On one play, Beal and Nene lazily switched, and Villanueva ended up with a layup on a lob pass after some ball rotation.</li>
<li>You have to credit the Wizards for trying to attack the basket in the fourth quarter, but straight-line drives out of the flow of the offense are not a sustainable strategy. Then again, what is with this offense?</li>
<li>The Wizards found a bit of success once they went back to the 3/4-court trap. That helped open up the game again, and given how poorly this team scores in the halfcourt offense, it's a good change-of-pace. </li>
<li>An absolute killer: Emeka Okafor standing, watching and failing to corral a critical defensive rebound after an excellent defensive possession forced a bad Kyle Singler shot. Okafor has been absolutely brutal at boxing out all season. This play eventually led to a foul and two free throws and it stifled a Wizards run.</li>
<li>This game was absolutely lost in the first half, not the second. I don't want to read about yet another game where the Wizards failed to execute down the stretch. That said ... the Wizards also failed to execute down the stretch.</li>
</ul>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2012/12/22/3796434/pistons-vs-wizards-score-final-recapMike Prada2012-12-22T18:28:00-05:002012-12-22T18:28:00-05:00Discuss Pistons vs. Wizards here
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<p>Discuss the game here.</p> <table cellspacing="5" border="1" align="center" cellpadding="5"><tbody> <tr><th align="center" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver">2012/2013 NBA Regular Season</th></tr> <tr> <td width="240"><center><img src="http://content.sportslogos.net/logos/6/223/full/3079.gif" height="72" width="80"></center></td> <th align="center" width="20">@</th> <td width="240"><center><img src="http://www.underconsideration.com/brandnew/archives/wizards_alt_logo_hand.gif" height="72" width="80"></center></td> </tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver"><strong>December 22, 2012</strong></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><strong>Verizon Center</strong></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><strong>7:30 p.m.</strong></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><strong>CSN, 106.7 The Fan</strong></td></tr> <tr><th align="center" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver"><strong>Projected Starting Lineups</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">Jordan Crawford</td> <th align="center" width="20">PG</th> <td width="240"><span>Brandon Knight</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">Bradley Beal</td> <th align="center" width="20">SG</th> <td width="240"><span>Kyle Singler</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>Martell Webster</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">SF</th> <td width="240"><span>Tayshaun Prince</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">Nene</td> <th align="center" width="20">PF</th> <td width="240"><span>Jason Maxiell</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>Greg Monroe</span></p></td> </tr> <tr><th align="center" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver"><strong>2012/13 Advanced Stats</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">91.3 (19th)</td> <th align="center" width="20">Pace</th> <td width="240">90 (28th)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">95.2 (30th)</td> <th align="center" width="20">ORtg</th> <td width="240">103.2 (21st)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">104.4 (12th)</td> <th align="center" width="20">DRtg</th> <td width="240">105.9 (19th)</td> </tr> <tr><th height="20" bgcolor="silver" colspan="3">Also see: <a href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com">Detroit Bad Boys</a> | <a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2012/12/21/3793680/wizards-vs-pistons-2012">StoryStream</a> | <a href="http://www.nba.com/wizards/video/2012/12/21/OnTheRoad122112WEBhqmov-2333483">On the Road with SBN</a> </th></tr> </tbody></table>
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<p>WASHINGTON -- Couple quick updates before we begin.</p>
<ul> <li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Nene is in, and after being a game-time decision through the pregame, so is Bradley Beal. Both are starting too. Beal warmed up before the game and was deemed able to go.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;"><span>Randy Wittman</span> said that <span>John Wall</span> has begun "doing stuff with the training staff," though he hasn't progressed to being on the court. "So far, he's fine," Wittman said.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Wittman went on for a very long time about what went wrong in last night's game, as if he was trying to send a message to his team. The full text of his comments: </span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">"We don't have one-on-one guys, who we're going to give the ball to and he's going to break down and create for himself or somebody else. We're a team that's got to play with five guys with effort, energy, ball movement. We just don't have that guy that can isolate and, say, create a shot for those other four guys. [But] we played that way last night. Obviously, we saw what the outcome of that is. As I told them, these guys have been in the league. Us as coaches, everybody has their own system, their own style of play. But no matter what system you use, if you don't go out there, make hard cuts and pass the ball and screen, that system isn't going to work. It's not going to work. That's what happened last night. We didn't cut hard. We didn't pass the ball and screen. We went through the motions. It doesn't matter what system it is." </span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">He wasn't done. Then, he talked about pushing the pace. </span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">"When I was a player, we said, 'Coach, let us run. Let us get up and down the floor. Well, <em>that's what I want to do. </em>That's exactly how I want to play. But you've got to run. If you walk up and down the floor, you're not going to get a fast-break point. We're walking up and down the floor. If you want to run, get out and run." </span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Lawrence Frank was very careful to say that his team is "playing human nature" tonight because of last night's win. He was very adament that his team shouldn't feel too comfortable with last night's blowout.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Frank on Nene: "He's one of the better low-post scorers in the league, plus off the elbow. He has very deceptive speed. He has great footwork. Very, very quick first dribble. Good change of pace in his post game." </span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Frank also said that the Pistons need to account for Beal. "You can't let him get anything easy early," he said, noting that Beal's confidence improves if he scores a couple buckets in the first few minutes.</span></li> </ul>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2012/12/22/3796300/pistons-vs-wizards-game-time-tv-schedule-and-open-threadMike Prada2012-12-22T13:53:12-05:002012-12-22T13:53:12-05:00Previewing Wizards vs. Pistons, part II
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<p>Can the Washington Wizards find redemption in the second game of a back-to-back against the Detroit Pistons?</p> <p>Last night was ugly. No one wants to walk around in a bad mood, though, so let's focus on the positive here: Washington is very unlikely to play this poorly again. <span>Kevin Seraphin</span>, bless his heart, will either adjust his game or get the hook early if it's looking like he's going to put up another 18 shots in 30 minutes without drawing a single foul. <span>Jordan Crawford</span> won't be playing in front of his hometown friends and family, so maybe he'll be a bit more calm and measured with his shot selection. And <span>Cartier Martin</span>, who came into last night's game making about 40 percent of his three pointers, isn't going to shoot 1-7 from deep again. And hey, Nene might be back, so they've got that going for them.</p>
<p>At least in theory Washington should play better tonight. Then again, this is a franchise that lives to discover new lows, so watch them lose by 40. Ugh. Here's everything you need to know about tonight's game.</p>
<p><b>Where and When?</b> Tip off is at 7 p.m. EST at the Verizon Center.</p>
<p><b>Why Should I Care?</b> Because the <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wizards</a> can't get any worse and a highly motivated team is at least in theory more likely to win.</p>
<p><b>Are They Any Good?</b> No, but that didn't stop them from destroying Washington last night. It's really annoying to watch teams like Detroit, who Washington fans used to feel almost sorry for because of how ugly their rebuilding process was going, suddenly start to look far more promising than the Wizards. And they didn't even need to bring in any overpaid veterans to make it happen.</p>
<p><b>Who's Out?</b> <span>Rodney Stuckey</span> is day-to-day for the <a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pistons</a> while <span>Bradley Beal</span> is day-to-day for the Wizards. Washington will also be without <span>Trevor Booker</span>, <span>John Wall</span>, <span>Trevor Ariza</span> and <span>A.J. Price</span>.</p>
<p><b>What Are They Good At?</b> Rebounding and getting to the line. In a related story, the franchise employs Stuckey, <span>Greg Monroe</span>, <span>Andre Drummond</span>, and The Ghost of Cory Maggette, all of whom get to the line at a high rate, and all but Maggette are good rebounders. <span>Brandon Knight</span> has also been a bit better in his second season and is really quick, even if he can't always finish around the rim. <span>Shaun Livingston</span> is going to have a miserable night, especially if the ultra-physical Stuckey plays.</p>
<p><b>What Are They Bad At?</b> Detroit can't guard post players at all, ranking 30th in the NBA in points allowed per possession on post ups according to MySynergySports.com. Monroe is a poor defender and a bit of a tweener, Drummond is a very raw rookie, <span>Charlie Villanueva</span> hasn't tried in five years, and <span>Jason Maxiell</span> is like 6'7''. Someway, somehow Seraphin still only shot <i>5 of 18</i> against them last night and didn't get to the line once. He should be better tonight and if Nene plays, Washington might actually be able to turn in a performance that won't make fans want to commit seppuku.</p>
<p><b>Can the Wizards' Turn It Around on the Glass?</b> Washington was decimated on the boards last night, as the Pistons outrebounded them 58-46. The team's defensive rebounding was the main culprit, <a target="_blank" href="http://dc.sbnation.com/2012/12/17/3776358/washington-wizards-rebounding-statistics">and an appearance from Nene and more Chris Singleton should help</a>. That said, there's only so much you can do with Washington's current personnel when the team goes up agains Monroe, who is excellent at positioning and boxing out, and Drummond, who can overwhelm almost any team with his size and springiness.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2012/12/22/3795534/washington-wizards-detroit-pistons-preview-december-22Thomas Pruitt2012-12-22T10:45:17-05:002012-12-22T10:45:17-05:00Links: Reliving last night's monstrosity
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<p>Because we have to.</p> <p><i>Today's links:</i></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Yeah, last night's game was really ugly. Home team recaps. [<a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2012/12/21/3793986/wizards-vs-pistons-score-final-recap">Us</a> | <a href="http://www.csnwashington.com/basketball-washington-wizards/talk/pistons-pound-wizards">AP</a> | <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/wizards-vs-pistons-washington-suffers-most-lopsided-loss-of-season-to-21-loss-detroit/2012/12/21/877d3b50-4bd1-11e2-9a42-d1ce6d0ed278_story.html">Washington Post </a>| <a href="http://www.truthaboutit.net/2012/12/dc-council-game-24-wizards-68-at-pistons-100-nine-available-players-fractions-of-talent.html">Truth About It</a> | <a href="http://wizofawes.com/2012/12/21/malice-in-the-palace-part-2/">Wiz of Awes</a>]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Road team recaps. [<a href="http://detroit.sbnation.com/pistons/2012/12/21/3794070/detroit-pistons-washington-wizards-score-recap">SB Nation Detroit</a> | <a href="http://www.mlive.com/pistons/index.ssf/2012/12/detroit_pistons_hold_opponent.html">MLive</a> | <a href="http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20121221/SPORTS0102/212210461/1361/Pistons-snap-losing-skid-against-woeful-Wizards">Detroit News</a> | <a href="http://www.foxsportsdetroit.com/12/21/12/Pistons-end-losing-streak-with-rout-of-W/landing_pistons.html?blockID=838757&feedID=3701">FOX Sports Detroit</a> | <a href="http://www.freep.com/article/20121221/SPORTS03/121221069/detroit-pistons-washington-wizards-recap?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cs">Detroit Free Press</a>]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;"><span>Randy Wittman</span> apologized to several people for the <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wizards</a>' effort last night. [<a href="http://www.csnwashington.com/basketball-washington-wizards/talk/wittman-offers-apology-after-poor-effort-detroit">CSN Washington</a>]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Casey Phillips sits down with <span>John Wall</span> for a few minutes. It's mostly softball questions, but Wall did talk briefly about his injury recovery. [<a href="http://www.nba.com/wizards/video/2012/12/21/WMSpecialWallFINALWEBmov-2333941/index.html">WashingtonWizards.com</a>]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Eloquent post here with a simple message: there won't be a lot of "positive pixels" about a team that's 3-21. [<a href="http://www.truthaboutit.net/2012/12/whats-wrong-with-positive-pixels.html">Truth About It</a>]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Yeah, yeah, we know: <span>Jordan Crawford</span> has a lot of confidence. [<a href="http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/jordan-crawford-dominant-scorer-passes-time-says-jordan-233408986--nba.html">Ball Don't Lie</a>]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Speaking of Crawford, because he's a Detroit native, the local beat writers got to create some pixels about him. [<a href="http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20121222/SPORTS0102/212220335/Detroit-native-Jordan-Crawford-Wizards-excels-return-home?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CSports%7Cp">Detroit News</a> | <a href="http://www.freep.com/article/20121222/SPORTS03/312220076/detroit-pistons-washington-wizards-jordan-crawford?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CSports%7Cp">Detroit Free Press</a>]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">We're looking for you to help us nominate the best of BF in 2012. Send over your choices in this thread. [<a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2012/12/21/3789284/nominating-the-best-of-bf-in-2012">Us</a>]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;"><a href="http://www.nba.com/wizards/video/2012/12/21/PressRow122012FinalMPEG4mp4-2333655/index.html">Episode 4 of "Press Row" </a>with myself, Thomas, John Walton and others, <a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2012/12/21/3793084/video-press-row-episode-4">featuring an embarrassing .gif</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;"><span>DeMarcus Cousins</span> is feuding with another coach. [<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2012/12/22/3794916/demarcus-cousins-sacramento-kings-keith-smart-rubicon">SB Nation</a>]</span></li>
</ul>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2012/12/22/3795100/wizards-pistons-links-2012Mike Prada2012-12-21T21:48:00-05:002012-12-21T21:48:00-05:00A new low for the Wizards
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7C9tQzItcTOZinml4audp6QyfEM=/0x110:732x598/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5421879/uspw_6868082.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Wizards lost, 100-68, to a Detroit Pistons team that had lost six straight prior to tonight. There's really not much more to say.</p> <p>I ... I don't even know what to say.</p>
<p>Every time it seems like the <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Wizards</a> reach a new low, they find a way to surprise us and sink even deeper. Tonight's 100-68 loss to the 7-21 <a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Pistons</a>, a team that entered tonight's game having lost six in a row, is about as bad as it gets. I'd say this is rock bottom, but this is the Wizards we're talking about. There is no such thing as rock bottom.</p>
<p>It's amazing how we've had countless games where the Wizards' normally-shallow roster enters a game more shorthanded than usual and gets embarrassed. This year, <span>John Wall</span> is the injured star who may not return, Nene the building block dealing with a nagging injury, <span>Bradley Beal</span>, the youngster out randomly for a game or two and <span>Trevor Booker</span>, the role player that can't stay healthy. Four years ago, <span>Gilbert Arenas</span> was the injured star that never returned, <span>Caron Butler</span> was the building block dealing with a nagging injury, <span>Andray Blatche</span> was the youngster randomly out for for a game or two and DeShawn Stevenson was the role player that couldn't stay healthy. History just keeps repeating itself.</p>
<p>I really have nothing more to say. Given that <strike>tomorrow</strike> Sunday is Festivus, this seems like an appropriate place to begin the airing of grievances.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2012/12/21/3793986/wizards-vs-pistons-score-final-recapMike Prada2012-12-21T18:42:10-05:002012-12-21T18:42:10-05:00Discuss Wizards vs. Pistons here
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CthAd0gqtZlzDiJG_e7I75mPegw=/0x53:891x647/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5416435/20120326_ajw_au3_180.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brad Mills-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Discuss tonight's game here.</p> <table cellspacing="5" border="1" align="center" cellpadding="5"><tbody> <tr><th align="center" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver">2012/2013 NBA Regular Season</th></tr> <tr> <td width="240"><center><img src="http://content.sportslogos.net/logos/6/223/full/3079.gif" height="72" width="80"></center></td> <th align="center" width="20">@</th> <td width="240"><center><img src="http://www.underconsideration.com/brandnew/archives/wizards_alt_logo_hand.gif" height="72" width="80"></center></td> </tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver"><strong>December 21, 2012</strong></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><strong>Palace of Auburn Hills</strong></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><strong>7:30 p.m.</strong></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><strong>CSN, 106.7 The Fan</strong></td></tr> <tr><th align="center" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver"><strong>Projected Starting Lineups</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>Shaun Livingston</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">PG</th> <td width="240"><span>Brandon Knight</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>Jordan Crawford</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">SG</th> <td width="240"><span>Kyle Singler</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>Martell Webster</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">SF</th> <td width="240"><span>Tayshaun Prince</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">Kevin Seraphin</td> <th align="center" width="20">PF</th> <td width="240"><span>Jason Maxiell</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>Greg Monroe</span></p></td> </tr> <tr><th align="center" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver"><strong>2012/13 Advanced Stats</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">91.3 (18th)</td> <th align="center" width="20">Pace</th> <td width="240">90 (27th)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">96.1 (30th)</td> <th align="center" width="20">ORtg</th> <td width="240">102.9 (22nd)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">104.1 (11th)</td> <th align="center" width="20">DRtg</th> <td width="240">107 (23rd)</td> </tr> <tr><th height="20" bgcolor="silver" colspan="3">Also see: <a href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com">Detroit Bad Boys</a> | <a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2012/12/21/3793680/wizards-vs-pistons-2012">StoryStream</a> | <a href="http://www.nba.com/wizards/video/2012/12/21/OnTheRoad122112WEBhqmov-2333483">On the Road with SBN</a> </th></tr> </tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/MrMichaelLee/status/282261493322510336">No Nene</a> (because of the flu) tonight. <span>Bradley Beal</span>, meanwhile, is a game-time decision. I figure that <span>Earl Barron</span> won't start again at power forward, but we'll see.</p>
<p>Happy holidays, folks.</p>
<p><strong>UPDATE: </strong>Kevin Seraphin starts for Barron, and Beal will not play.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2012/12/21/3793688/wizards-vs-pistons-game-time-tv-schedule-and-open-threadMike Prada2012-12-21T11:23:53-05:002012-12-21T11:23:53-05:00Meet the Pistons
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zS4QOelo-DyuaNGJeII-Spmw-hM=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5384417/20121219_kkt_ai5_855.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Though we're pretty sure the world will go on as scheduled tomorrow, we want to make sure you're prepared if anything happens tonight.</p> <p>The Wizards and Pistons will play each other twice over the next two days, so here is your preview for both games.</p>
<p><b>Where, When, and What Channel:</b> The game on Friday night will start at 7:30 p.m. at The Palace in Auburn Hills. You can watch it on Comcast SportsNet. The game on Saturday will start at 7 p.m. and will also be on Comcast SportsNet.</p>
<p><b>Why You Should Care: </b>Well, let's face it, if you're watching tonight, you're firmly in the non-apocalypse crowd because watching <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wizards</a>-<a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pistons</a> probably isn't the way you want to spend your last hours. However, if it turns out you were wrong, here are some signs that things might be headed south for this world and you should start contacting loved ones as soon as possible.</p>
<h4>Signs the apocalypse is on its way</h4>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;"><span>Corey Maggette</span> leads the Pistons in assists tonight.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">If someone other than <span>Tayshaun Prince</span>, <span>Greg Monroe</span>, <span>Brandon Knight</span>, <span>Rodney Stuckey</span>, <span>Jason Maxiell</span> or <span>Kyle Singler</span> plays big minutes tonight. Outside of those six, no one averages more than 20 minutes per game.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Detroit forces over 20 turnovers tonight, something they haven't done all season. Only Indiana forces less turnover than the Pistons.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;"><span>Jordan Crawford</span> doesn't post something about his hometown of Detroit on Twtitter or Instagram today.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">The Wizards win in Detroit tonight. Since 1989, the Wizards are 9-34 against the Pistons in Detroit. The Wizards had a higher winning percentage last season than they've had against the Pistons in Detroit for the last 23 years.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">There's a sellout crowd at The Palace.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Nene plays all 48 minutes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Detroit takes more than 25 threes tonight. On the season, they're averaging 15.7 per game and haven't attempted more than 22 in a game this year.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;"><span>Jan Vesely</span> gets 20 or more minutes on the floor tonight. He hasn't hit that mark since November 19th.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">You hear the Andre Drummond's name and the word "polished" in the same sentence.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;"><span>Emeka Okafor</span> scores over 20 points (hasn't happened since December 2010).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">If <span>John Wall</span>, <span>A.J. Price</span>, <span>Trevor Ariza</span> and <span>Trevor Booker</span> all play tonight, head straight for the hills. You can't get a much clearer sign that the injured Wizard zombie apocalypse has begun.</span></li>
</ul>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2012/12/21/3791638/washington-wizards-detroit-pistons-nba-preview-december-21Jake Whitacre