Bullets Forever - Wizards vs. Cavaliers: John Wall's big effort wasted in 95-90 loss"Ain't No Luck"https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48097/BulletsForever-fv.png2013-03-13T10:22:15-04:00http://www.bulletsforever.com/rss/stream/38600492013-03-13T10:22:15-04:002013-03-13T10:22:15-04:00Recap roundup: Wall shines, bench stinks in loss
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<p>Recapping last night's 95-90 loss to the Cavaliers, in which the Wizards' bench failed to back up a sterling effort from John Wall.</p> <p>Here's your recap roundup for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Wizards</a>' 95-90 loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cavaliers</a>. As always, check out <a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/3/12/4096008/wizards-vs-cavaliers-game-nba-2013" target="_blank">our StoryStream</a> as well as these postgame interviews with <a href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/john-wall-postgame-3-12-13/index.jsp" target="_blank">John Wall</a>, <a href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/nene-postgame-3-12-13/index.jsp" target="_blank">Nene</a> and <a href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/martell-webster-postgame-3-12-13/index.jsp" target="_blank">Martell Webster</a>, courtesy of Monumental Network.</p>
<p>---</p>
<p><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/wizards-vs-cavaliers-washington-is-swept-despite-clevelands-loss-of-kyrie-irving/2013/03/12/bced0342-8b7d-11e2-af15-99809eaba6cb_story.html" target="_blank">Washington Post gamer</a></p>
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<p>When the Wizards and Cavaliers met for the third and final time Tuesday, it was Wall's turn to put on a show as Irving looked on from the bench with a sprained left shoulder. Wall posted season highs with 27 points and 14 assists, but any advantage the Wizards thought they had against the Cavaliers was negated by their own loss of rookie <span>Bradley Beal</span> and later <span>Trevor Ariza</span>.</p>
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<p><a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/cavs-without-irving-hold-off-013754021--nba.html" target="_blank">Associated Press</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p><span>John Wall</span> led Washington with a season-high 27 points, but the Wizards couldn't convert down the stretch and have league's worst road record at 5-25. Cleveland swept the three-game series from Washington, a fact that didn't get by Wall.</p>
<p>''We got swept by Cleveland and Detroit, who are good teams and everything, but we just felt like we were better than them,'' he said. ''Instead, we went 0-7, which is tough.''</p>
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<p><a href="http://wizofawes.com/2013/03/12/the-battle-for-1-pick/" target="_blank">Wiz of Awes</a></p>
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<p>I must give major kudos to John Wall for the game he played out there. He single handedly kept us in it all night, with the aggressive nature we've been begging for all season and found his teammates time and time again. It's possible that he's heard the backlash from his less than stimulating interview with Zach Lowe yesterday and had something to prove. Wall put in 37 minutes of work, racking up 27 points, 14 assists, and 7 rebounds. Some 3rd quarter foul trouble put him on the bench and the Cavs used this opportunity to blow the game open. Ultimately this turned out to be the pivotal point of the game, as the Wizards were never able to recover and trailed the rest of the way. By the time Washington cut the lead back down to 3 late in the 4th quarter, we did everything in their power to ensure it never got any closer. My favorite plays of that segment included a couple missed bombs from Ray Allen AJ Price, A dropped pass by <span>Martell Webster</span> prior to a potential corner 3, and the always lovable Nene losing a jump ball to a guard who is a few years removed from the most horrific basketball injury that most of us have ever seen. I digress. Where was I? Oh yeah, John Wall - great game, sad to see it wasted.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wizards-insider/wp/2013/03/13/wizards-bench-comes-up-short-in-cleveland/" target="_blank">Washington Post sidebar</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>The Wizards' reserves combined to go 4 for 21 from the field (19 percent) and were outscored, 27-11, by the Cavaliers' bench. Backup swing man Wayne Ellington outscored the Wizards' bench by himself as he scored 12 points.</p>
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<p><a href="http://districtsportspage.com/washington-wizards-game-62-wrap-wall-posts-season-high-27-points-as-wiz-fall-95-90-to-cavaliers/15842" target="_blank">District Sports Page</a></p>
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<p>The issue did not stem from the starting five - in fact, each starter tallied double-digit points and <span>Emeka Okafor</span> and Nene added 11 and 10 rebounds respectively. Wall also notched 14 assists and seven rebounds to add to the Wizards' efforts.</p>
<p>Where the problem lied, instead, was the bench. The entire bench, collectively, recorded 11 points total. In 23 minutes of play, <span>A.J. Price</span> boasted just three points and two assists, and in 13 minutes, <span>Trevor Booker</span> added just two free throws to the scoreboard.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.wizardsextreme.com/2013-articles/we-game-recap-wizards-at-cavaliers-another-winnable-road-game-botched.html">Wizards Extreme</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Washington's bench in this game was non-existent. AJ Price was the second unit's leading scorer with 3 points, and a few others chipped in with 2 points each. Trevor Ariza, despite his good play lately, was a complete non-factor and <span>Chris Singleton</span> looked like he shouldn't have logged minutes at all.</p>
<p>Washington's bench also played poor defensively, allowing Cleveland's CJ Miles and Wayne Ellington combine for 22 points.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.csnwashington.com/basketball-washington-wizards/talk/hero-play-continues-doom-wizards-fourth" target="_blank">CSN Washington recap</a></p>
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<p>It's a familiar theme for Washington. In an 87-82 loss at the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canishoopus.com/">Minnesota Timberwolves</a> on March 6, there were seven fourth-quarter turnovers. The Wizards started the month by losing 96-88 to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/">New York Knicks</a>, committing six turnovers in the final period.</p>
<p>"Teams that do a great job of turning turnovers into points -- that's how we've lost a lot of games -- and that's when we've got most of our turnovers, is in the fourth quarter," Wall said. "We've got to do a better job of that, learn how to close out the game without turning the ball over."</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.nba.com/wizards/game-recap-wizards-90-cavaliers-95" target="_blank">WashingtonWizards.com</a></p>
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<p>The Wizards' offensive struggles continued in the third quarter as they would manage just another 16 points while the Cavs would shoot 56% from the field in the third quarter to take an 11 point lead. The Cavaliers maintained their double digit lead for much of the fourth quarter until the Wizards would go on an 8-0 run late to cut the Cavs lead to just three. The Wizards would not be able to complete the comeback though and Cavs hung on for the win.</p>
<p>Both teams shot just 41% from the field but it was the Cavs bench play that was the difference. The Cavs bench outscored the Wizards' bench 29-11, led by <span>Wayne Ellington's</span> 12.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.dcprosportsreport.com/washington-wizards/wizards-waste-john-wall-s-best-game-of-the-year.html" target="_blank">DC Pro Sports Report</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>However, the Wizards bench was outscored 29-11 and the team fell apart offensively after a fast start in the first quarter. The Wiz bench hit only 4 of 21 shots from the field and missed 3 of 6 from the stripe. A key loss for the bench was Trevor Ariza, the team's best wing defender and a key contributor on offense and the glass in recent weeks. Ariza hurt his knee in the first half, didn't play the second half and was able to give the team only 2 point and 2 rebounds in less than 12 minutes. It is unknown how serious Ariza's injury is or if he would miss additional time.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.csnwashington.com/basketball-washington-wizards/talk/wizards-cavaliers-instant-analysis" target="_blank">CSN Washington sidebar</a></p>
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<p>Gee, who played two stints with Washington with the last being 11 games in the 2010-11 season, only shot 5-for-15 but had 17 points. PG <span>Shaun Livingston</span>, who was cut by the Wizards in December, started in place of Irving. He shot 6-for-9 for 12 points and six assists.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2013/03/dion_waiters_scores_20_points.html" target="_blank">The Plain Dealer</a></p>
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<p>Waiters led the Cavs with 20 points, <span>Alonzo Gee</span> added 17 and Thompson had 13 points and 14 rebounds. Livingston, taking over at point guard while <span>Kyrie Irving</span> is out three to four weeks with a sprained left shoulder suffered Sunday in Toronto, finished with 12 points and six assists.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.fearthesword.com/2013/3/12/4096940/cleveland-cavaliers-vs-washington-wizards-final-score-cavs-edge" target="_blank">Fear The Sword</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>It wasn't a particularly pretty win, but they got the job done. Shaun Livingston stepped up and then <span>Dion Waiters</span> got it going in the second half. Waiters started getting some foul calls and then iced it at the line to give the Cavs a solid 95-90 win. Dion finished with 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists.</p>
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<p><a href="http://rightdowneuclid.com/2013/03/12/cavaliers-beat-wizards-95-90/" target="_blank">Right Down Euclid</a></p>
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<p>This game also really solidified to me that Shaun Livingston is a keeper. In 31 minutes, he was 6-of-9 from the field and had a 2-to-1-turnover ratio against one of the league's top young guards in Wall. With Irving entrenched as the starter for the long haul, Livingston is not going to start - but you don't even need him to. He'll give you 12-plus minutes a night (sometimes alongside Irving) and can give the Cavaliers some intriguing lineup options. In my mind, it's a no-brainer that he should be a Cavalier next season.</p>
</blockquote>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/3/13/4098512/wizards-vs-cavaliers-recap-roundup-john-wall-shines-bench-stinks-inJeff Newman2013-03-12T23:23:48-04:002013-03-12T23:23:48-04:00Ariza injures knee, 'probably' out vs. Bucks
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<figcaption>Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Wizards' forward hurt his left knee against the Cavaliers and probably won't play Wednesday against the Bucks, at the very least.</p> <p>Many people were wondering why <span>Trevor Ariza</span> sat out the entire fourth quarter and played just 11 minutes total in the <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wizards</a>' 95-90 loss to the <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> Tuesday. We now have our answer:</p>
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<p>Trevor Ariza didn't play in 2nd half vs CLE because of a sore left knee. Ariza said he would "probably not" be available vs MIL <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23wizards">#wizards</a></p>
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrMichaelLee/status/311673767053123584">March 13, 2013</a>
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<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>It's not clear when Ariza suffered the injury. He last played at the 5:10 mark of the second quarter before being replaced by <span>Martell Webster</span>. Steve Buckhantz did note that Ariza was limping at one point, but he played through the pain at the time, so not much was made of it.</p>
<p>Ariza has played really well since returning from a hamstring injury in early January, so the Wizards would definitely miss him if he is sidelined for an extended period of time. But the team's success without Ariza in the fourth quarter gives some hope that they can survive. More time for <span>Chris Singleton</span> and <span>Trevor Booker</span> may not be a bad thing, and Webster can log heavier minutes in the short term.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/3/12/4097410/trevor-ariza-injury-knee-washington-wizardsMike Prada2013-03-12T21:42:30-04:002013-03-12T21:42:30-04:00Wizards waste Wall's effort in 95-90 loss
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<figcaption>Rob Carr</figcaption>
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<p>John Wall had one of his best games of the season with 27 points, 14 assists and seven rebounds, but the rest of the Wizards didn't step up, leading to a 95-90 loss against the Kyrie Irving-less Cavaliers.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Wizards</a> had a golden chance to get a worthwhile road win. They played a <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cavaliers</a> team missing <span>Kyrie Irving</span> and Anderson Varejao. They got one of <span>John Wall's</span> best games, a 27-point, 14-assist, seven-rebound effort that truly displayed his all-around potential. And ... it didn't matter.</p>
<p>You can blame horrendous second and third quarters for that. With Wall on the bench due to rest and foul trouble, respectively, the Wizards' offense crumbled. Wall sat for five and a half minutes in the second quarter and saw the Wizards' 13-point lead shrink to two. He sat for another six minutes at the end of the third and beginning of the fourth and saw the Wizards' three-point deficit swell to 11. That pretty much explains Cleveland's 95-90 victory.</p>
<p>It's especially frustrating because, contrary to what so many have written, the Wizards have won lots of games because everyone else lifted Wall up when he struggled. In this game, though, Wall was outstanding and nobody else stepped up. It all adds up to one of the most disappointing road losses of the season.</p>
<p>The beginning of the game sure went well, as <span>Martell Webster</span> nailed three three-pointers to give the Wizards an 11-0 lead. Later, the Wizards led by 13, and things seemed good. The ball was moving beautifully, the bigs, especially <span>Emeka Okafor</span>, were finishing and the Cavaliers couldn't create any offense.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="sidebar">
<a href="The%20Wizards%20had%20a%20golden%20chance%20to%20get%20a%20worthwhile%20road%20win.%20They%20played%20a%20Cavaliers%20team%20missing%20Kyrie%20Irving%20and%20Anderson%20Varejao.%20They%20got%20one%20of%20John%20Wall's%20best%20games,%20a%2027-point,%2014-assist,%20seven-rebound%20effort%20that%20truly%20displayed%20his%20all-around%20potential.%20And%20...%20it%20didn't%20matter.%20%20You%20can%20blame%20horrendous%20second%20and%20third%20quarters%20for%20that.%20With%20Wall%20on%20the%20bench%20due%20to%20rest%20and%20foul%20trouble,%20respectively,%20the%20Wizards'%20offense%20crumbled.%20Wall%20sat%20for%20five%20and%20a%20half%20minutes%20in%20the%20second%20quarter%20and%20saw%20the%20Wizards'%2013-point%20lead%20shrink%20to%20two.%20He%20sat%20for%20another%20six%20minutes%20at%20the%20end%20of%20the%20third%20and%20beginning%20of%20the%20fourth%20and%20saw%20the%20Wizards'%20three-point%20deficit%20swell%20to%2011.%20That%20pretty%20much%20explains%20Cleveland's%2095-90%20victory.%20%20It's%20especially%20frustrating%20because,%20contrary%20to%20what%20so%20many%20have%20written,%20the%20Wizards%20have%20won%20lots%20of%20games%20because%20everyone%20else%20lifted%20Wall%20up%20when%20he%20struggled.%20In%20this%20game,%20though,%20Wall%20was%20outstanding%20and%20nobody%20else%20stepped%20up.%20It%20all%20adds%20up%20to%20one%20of%20the%20most%20disappointing%20road%20losses%20of%20the%20season.%20%20The%20beginning%20of%20the%20game%20sure%20went%20well,%20as%20Martell%20Webster%20nailed%20three%20three-pointers%20to%20give%20the%20Wizards%20an%2011-0%20lead.%20Later,%20the%20Wizards%20led%20by%2013,%20and%20things%20seemed%20good.%20The%20ball%20was%20moving%20beautifully,%20the%20bigs,%20especially%20Emeka%20Okafor,%20were%20finishing%20and%20the%20Cavaliers%20couldn't%20create%20any%20offense.%20%20Unfortunately,%20it%20was%20short-lived.%20The%20Cavaliers,%20playing%20their%20starters%20against%20the%20Wizards'%20bench%20after%20Byron%20Scott%20benched%20his%20front-line%20players%20for%20their%20slow%20start,%20quickly%20cut%20into%20the%20lead,%20and%20Randy%20Wittman%20took%20FOR-E-VER%20to%20respond%20with%20a%20timeout%20to%20get%20Wall%20back%20in.%20Wittman%20finally%20called%20timeout%20with%206:38%20remaining%20after%20the%20Cavaliers%20cut%20the%20lead%20to%20two.%20This%20is%20where%20you%20have%20to%20wonder%20why%20Wall%20plays%20the%20entire%20first%20quarter.%20Why%20not%20sub%20him%20out%20at%20the%20two-%20or%20three-minute%20mark,%20like%20most%20teams%20do,%20then%20bring%20him%20in%20at%20the%20nine-%20or%20eight-minute%20mark%20of%20the%20second%20quarter?%20%20The%20Wizards%20largely%20played%20to%20a%20standstill%20for%20the%20rest%20of%20the%20half,%20but%20a%20late%20Alonzo%20Gee%20barrage%20gave%20Cleveland%20a%20one-point%20halftime%20lead.%20This%20was%20especially%20unfortunate%20because%20the%20Wizards%20wasted%20one%20of%20Wall's%20best%20halves.%20Wall%20still%20struggled%20with%20his%20jumper,%20but%20attacked%20the%20rim%20beautifully%20and%20maintained%20control%20of%20the%20ball.%20Wall%20ended%20up%20with%2016%20points%20and%20seven%20assists%20in%20the%20first%20half,%20and%2010%20of%20those%2016%20points%20came%20at%20the%20line.%20Unfortunately,%20besides%20Okafor,%20nobody%20else%20stepped%20up.%20Nene%20continued%20his%20listless%20recent%20stretch%20by%20submitting%20a%201-5,%20six-point,%20three-foul%20performance.%20%20There%20wasn't%20a%20ton%20of%20movement%20in%20the%20third%20quarter%20until%20the%20end.%20Wall%20went%20to%20the%20bench%20at%20the%204:25%20mark%20with%20his%20fourth%20foul,%20and%20Cleveland%20took%20advantage.%20Three%20missed%20three-pointers%20by%20Webster%20were%20a%20killer,%20and%20the%20Cavaliers%20eventually%20pushed%20to%20an%2011-point%20lead%20by%20the%20end%20of%20the%20quarter.%20Without%20Wall's%20penetration,%20Webster's%20shooting%20and%20Nene's,%20well,%20everything,%20the%20Wizards'%20offense%20resembled%20a%20mouse%20running%20through%20a%20maze%20desperately%20looking%20for%20cheese.%20They%20tried%20hard,%20and%20kept%20thinking%20they%20were%20near%20the%20prize,%20but%20they%20were%20never%20as%20close%20as%20they%20thought.%20%20The%20Wizards%20did%20eventually%20cut%20into%20the%20lead%20though%20by%20employing%20a%20small%20lineup%20and%20trapping%20pick%20and%20roll.%20Wittman%20went%20to%20Chris%20Singleton%20for%20the%20first%20time%20and%20plugged%20Trevor%20Booker%20in%20at%20center,%20and%20the%20Wizards%20went%20on%20a%20six-point%20run%20to%20cut%20Cleveland's%20lead%20to%20five.%20It%20was%20a%20nice%20adjustment%20that,%20given%20the%20team's%20stated%20desire%20to%20run,%20should%20be%20seen%20more%20often.%20Why%20not%20use%20the%20team's%20speed%20to%20try%20to%20force%20turnovers%20and%20get%20out%20in%20the%20open%20floor?%20%20The%20Cavaliers%20eventually%20responded,%20though.%20Back-to-back%20buckets%20by%20Dion%20Waiters,%20who%20looked%20excellent%20all%20game,%20pushed%20the%20Cavaliers'%20lead%20to%2010%20with%20under%20six%20minutes%20remaining.%20As%20Cleveland%20went%20back%20to%20their%20starters,%20the%20novelty%20of%20the%20small%20lineup%20wore%20off.%20A%20three%20by%20Gee,%20his%20fourth%20of%20the%20game,%20pushed%20Cleveland's%20lead%20up%20to%2012,%20and%20a%20horrendous%20turnover%20by%20Wall,%20his%20first%20really%20bad%20play%20of%20the%20game,%20led%20to%20a%20Waiters%20dunk%20and%20a%2014-point%20lead.%20%20The%20Wizards%20made%20one%20last%20run.%20Two%20free%20throws%20from%20Wall%20cut%20Cleveland's%20lead%20to%20five%20with%201:37%20remaining,%20and%20the%20Wizards%20turned%20up%20the%20defensive%20pressure%20some%20more.%20A%20wild%20shot%20by%20C.J.%20Miles%20led%20to%20a%20fast-break%20dunk%20by%20Nene%20that%20cut%20the%20lead%20to%20three%20with%2044%20seconds%20remaining,%20allowing%20the%20Wizards%20to%20get%20a%20crack%20at%20tying%20the%20game%20with%20just%20one%20stop.%20But%20beautiful%20ball%20denial%20by%20Price%20on%20Waiters%20was%20ultimately%20wasted.%20Livingston%20and%20Nene%20got%20tied%20up%20on%20a%20rebound,%20and%20Livingston%20quick-jumped%20beautifully%20to%20steal%20the%20tap%20and%20get%20the%20ball%20to%20the%20Cavaliers.%20The%20Wizards%20were%20forced%20to%20foul%20and%20that%20was%20that.%20%20The%20Wizards%20are%20in%20a%20rut,%20and%20it's%20time%20to%20focus%20on%20that%20rut.%20They've%20now%20lost%20six%20of%20eight,%20and%20the%20only%20two%20wins%20were%20a%20nail-bitter%20against%20a%20struggling%2076ers%20team%20and%20a%20home%20victory%20over%20the%20lowly%20Bobcats.%20The%20injury%20to%20Bradley%20Beal%20certainly%20hasn't%20helped,%20and%20his%20mere%20presence%20should%20dramatically%20improve%20things,%20but%20the%20problems%20run%20deeper.%20Nene%20seems%20to%20be%20wearing%20down,%20the%20absence%20of%20Jordan%20Crawford%20has%20forced%20Price%20and%20Garrett%20Temple%20to%20play%20too%20many%20minutes%20and%20the%20lack%20of%20development%20of%20the%20four%20non-Wall%20picks%20in%202010%20and%202011%20(Jan%20Vesely,%20Booker,%20Singleton%20and%20Kevin%20Seraphin)%20sticks%20out%20like%20a%20sore%20thumb.%20%20It'd%20be%20a%20mistake%20to%20view%20the%20team's%2015-14%20run%20since%20Wall's%20return%20as%20one%20stretch.%20The%20better%20strategy%20is%20to%20see%20the%20team's%20recent%20struggles%20as%20a%20sign%20that%20there's%20still%20a%20ways%20to%20go.%20%20Other%20notes:%20%20Tristan%20Thompson%20has%20significantly%20improved%20since%20the%20Wizards%20last%20saw%20him.%20He's%20an%20absolute%20load%20on%20the%20offensive%20glass,%20relentless%20with%20his%20effort.%20He's%20also%20developing%20a%20post%20game%20and%20continues%20to%20grow%20as%20a%20very%20good%20shot-alterer%20defensively.%20(Can%20we%20use%20this%20term%20instead%20of%20">
<h2>Livingston down on Wizards</h2>
<img src="http://www.sbnation.com/chorus_images/9614727/standard/medium_500/1363139273"></a> <span>The former Wizard suggested the coach and the GM weren't on the same page during his brief tenure here.</span>
</div>
<p>Unfortunately, it was short-lived. The Cavaliers, playing their starters against the Wizards' bench after <span>Byron Scott</span>benched his front-line players for their slow start, quickly cut into the lead, and <span>Randy Wittman</span> took FOR-E-VER to respond with a timeout to get Wall back in. Wittman finally called timeout with 6:38 remaining after the Cavaliers cut the lead to two. This is where you have to wonder why Wall plays the entire first quarter. Why not sub him out at the two- or three-minute mark, like most teams do, then bring him in at the nine- or eight-minute mark of the second quarter?</p>
<p>The Wizards largely played to a standstill for the rest of the half, but a late <span>Alonzo Gee</span> barrage gave Cleveland a one-point halftime lead. This was especially unfortunate because the Wizards wasted one of Wall's best halves. Wall still struggled with his jumper, but attacked the rim beautifully and maintained control of the ball. Wall ended up with 16 points and seven assists in the first half, and 10 of those 16 points came at the line. Unfortunately, besides Okafor, nobody else stepped up. Nene continued his listless recent stretch by submitting a 1-5, six-point, three-foul performance.</p>
<p>There wasn't a ton of movement in the third quarter until the end. Wall went to the bench at the 4:25 mark with his fourth foul, and Cleveland took advantage. Three missed three-pointers by Webster were a killer, and the Cavaliers eventually pushed to an 11-point lead by the end of the quarter. Without Wall's penetration, Webster's shooting and Nene's, well, everything, the Wizards' offense resembled a mouse running through a maze desperately looking for cheese. They tried hard, and kept thinking they were near the prize, but they were never as close as they thought.</p>
<p>The Wizards did eventually cut into the lead though by employing a small lineup and trapping pick and roll. Wittman went to <span>Chris Singleton</span> for the first time and plugged <span>Trevor Booker</span> in at center, and the Wizards went on a six-point run to cut Cleveland's lead to five. It was a nice adjustment that, given the team's stated desire to run, should be seen more often. Why not use the team's speed to try to force turnovers and get out in the open floor?</p>
<p>The Cavaliers eventually responded, though. Back-to-back buckets by <span>Dion Waiters</span>, who looked excellent all game, pushed the Cavaliers' lead to 10 with under six minutes remaining. As Cleveland went back to their starters, the novelty of the small lineup wore off. A three by Gee, his fourth of the game, pushed Cleveland's lead up to 12, and a horrendous turnover by Wall, his first really bad play of the game, led to a Waiters dunk and a 14-point lead.</p>
<p>The Wizards made one last run. Two free throws from Wall cut Cleveland's lead to five with 1:37 remaining, and the Wizards turned up the defensive pressure some more. A wild shot by <span>C.J. Miles</span> led to a fast-break dunk by Nene that cut the lead to three with 44 seconds remaining, allowing the Wizards to get a crack at tying the game with just one stop. But beautiful ball denial by Price on Waiters was ultimately wasted. Livingston and Nene got tied up on a rebound, and Livingston quick-jumped beautifully to steal the tap and get the ball to the Cavaliers. The Wizards were forced to foul and that was that.</p>
<p>The Wizards are in a rut, and it's time to focus on that rut. They've now lost six of eight, and the only two wins were a nail-bitter against a struggling <a href="https://www.libertyballers.com/">76ers</a> team and a home victory over the lowly <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats">Bobcats</a>. The injury to <span>Bradley Beal</span> certainly hasn't helped, and his mere presence should dramatically improve things, but the problems run deeper. Nene seems to be wearing down, the absence of Jordan Crawford has forced Price and <span>Garrett Temple</span> to play too many minutes and the lack of development of the four non-Wall picks in 2010 and 2011 (<span>Jan Vesely</span>, Booker, Singleton and <span>Kevin Seraphin</span>) sticks out like a sore thumb.</p>
<p>It'd be a mistake to view the team's 15-14 run since Wall's return as one stretch. The better strategy is to see the team's recent struggles as a sign that there's still a ways to go.</p>
<p><b>Other notes:</b></p>
<ul>
<li> <span>Tristan Thompson</span> has significantly improved since the Wizards last saw him. He's an absolute load on the offensive glass, relentless with his effort. He's also developing a post game and continues to grow as a very good shot-alterer defensively. (Can we use this term instead of "shot-blocker," by the way? It's way more accurate). Seeing him just makes me more depressed that the Wizards' four non-Wall players picked in the 2010 and 2011 drafts have developed so slowly. Thompson started really slowly, but the Cavaliers kept him in his role and he's slowly grown into one of the league's most promising young bigs.</li>
<li>Okafor is a lot of things, but he is really bad at two elements of the game that hurt this team's style: high-post passing and outlet passing. The former is a problem when teams overplay Nene in the post. The latter is a problem when the Wizards want to run.</li>
<li>There have been many games where <span>A.J. Price</span> has bailed the Wizards out with solid play. This game was not one of them. His inability to create offense off the dribble was a killer, because the Cavaliers' pick and roll coverage stinks. Without a guy to take advantage, though, it doesn't matter.</li>
<li>On one level, I'm happy to see Wall take shots with confidence. Better than hesitating, of course. But if the shot isn't falling and you're getting to the hoop fairly easily, keep driving instead of shooting.</li>
<li>Nene's game just keeps falling off since his high in late-December and early-January. At this point, it's on the Wizards to figure out more creative ways to use him. Try him in the high post with Wall executing dribble hand-offs. Have him run side pick and roll inside the three-point line. Try running Wall in the post with Nene screening him to come out.</li>
<li>It's interesting that <span>Trevor Ariza</span> barely played in the fourth quarter, when the Wizards made their run. Ariza is certainly touted as one of the Wizards' best defenders, and on the surface, it's odd that he sat. But the Wizards still played stifling defense without him, relying on Webster at small forward and Singleton at power forward to pressure pick and rolls. Ariza's useful, but clearly, he might not be essential. (Also: I can't blame Wittman for sitting him when things were going so well).</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<ul></ul>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/3/12/4096610/wizards-vs-cavaliers-score-final-john-wallMike Prada2013-03-12T17:55:02-04:002013-03-12T17:55:02-04:00Your Wizards-Cavs game thread
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CUIqqejEt9jGGDxue5PcD20hTis=/1177x274:3968x2135/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/9598581/155028786.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jason Miller</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Discuss the game here</p> <table cellpadding="5" align="center" border="1" cellspacing="5"><tbody>
<tr>
<th colspan="3" bgcolor="silver" align="center">2012/2013 NBA Regular Season</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="240"><center><img width="80" height="72" src="http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/sites/cavaliers/files/elements/cavs-nav-logo-230.png"></center></td>
<th width="20" align="center">@</th>
<td width="240"><center><img width="80" height="72" src="http://www.underconsideration.com/brandnew/archives/wizards_alt_logo_hand.gif"></center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" bgcolor="silver" align="center"><b>March 12, 2013</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" align="center"><b>Quicken-Loans Arena</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" align="center"><b>7 p.m.</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" align="center"><b>CSN, 106.7 The Fan</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th colspan="3" bgcolor="silver" align="center"><b>Projected Starting Lineups</b></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="240" align="right"><span>Shaun Livingston</span></td>
<th width="20" align="center">PG</th>
<td width="240"><span>John Wall</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="240" align="right"><span>Dion Waiters</span></td>
<th width="20" align="center">SG</th>
<td width="240"><span>Garrett Temple</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="240" align="right"><span>Alonzo Gee</span></td>
<th width="20" align="center">SF</th>
<td width="240"><span>Martell Webster</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="240" align="right"><span>Tristan Thompson</span></td>
<th width="20" align="center">PF</th>
<td width="240">Nene</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="240" align="right"><span>Tyler Zeller</span></td>
<th width="20" align="center">C</th>
<td width="240">
<p><span>Emeka Okafor</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th colspan="3" bgcolor="silver" align="center"><b>2012/13 Advanced Stats</b></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="240" align="right">92.2 (12th)</td>
<th width="20" align="center">Pace</th>
<td width="240"><span>92.1 (13th)</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="240" align="right">105.6 (15th)</td>
<th width="20" align="center">ORtg</th>
<td width="240"><span>98.4 (30th)</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="240" align="right">109.4 (27th)</td>
<th width="20" align="center">DRtg</th>
<td width="240"><span>102 (5th)</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th bgcolor="silver" colspan="3" height="20">Also see: <a href="http://www.fearthesword.com/">Fear the Sword</a> | <a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/3/12/4096008/wizards-vs-cavaliers-game-nba-2013">StoryStream</a> | <a href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/wizards-fast-break-3-12-13/index.jsp">Fast Break</a> </th>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p>No <span>Bradley Beal</span> tonight, as expected. Discuss the game here.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/3/12/4096038/wizards-vs-cavaliers-game-time-tv-schedule-and-open-threadMike Prada2013-03-12T17:48:43-04:002013-03-12T17:48:43-04:00Beal out as expected, Temple to start
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Gb6lCYspHrHTwtMOPe1-pV7t7Ag=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47827785/large_bulletsforever.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>As expected, <span>Bradley Beal</span> won't play tonight.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Bradley Beal will not play tonight in Cleveland (sprained left ankle), <span>Garrett Temple</span> to start again in his place <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23WizCavs">#WizCavs</a></p>
— <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Washington Wizards</a> (@WashWizards) <a href="https://twitter.com/WashWizards/status/311593414984609792">March 12, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/3/12/4096026/bradley-beal-out-vs-cavaliersMike Prada2013-03-12T17:32:44-04:002013-03-12T17:32:44-04:00Livingston critical of Wizards' organization
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Gb6lCYspHrHTwtMOPe1-pV7t7Ag=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47827785/large_bulletsforever.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Former <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Washington Wizards</a> point guard <span>Shaun Livingston</span> has found a home in Cleveland as the backup (and now starter) to Kyrie Irving. Livingston had a second stint with the Wizards prior to signing in Cleveland, but he was ineffective and was released in late December. The <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cavaliers</a> picked him up and have reaped the benefits.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Recently, Livingston was critical of the Wizards' organization, suggesting it had "a lack of structure from an organizational standpoint."* On the day of his first game against Washington since, he elaborated a bit on those comments. <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wizards-insider/wp/2013/03/12/shaun-livingston-the-wizards-maybe-that-wasnt-the-best-opportunity-for-me/">Via Michael Lee:</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>"The structure, system wasn't necessarily...it's tough to elaborate without really going overboard," Livingston said. "It's just sometimes I think I work a little better with more structure and the personnel, sometimes you play better with certain guys that put you in position to succeed and I wasn't necessarily able do that for the team. I don't think my skill set was being utilized to help guys. For whatever reason. I can't put the blame on the coaches. Sometimes the players and chemistry didn't fit as well."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Later, he said that while he liked the Wizards' coaches, he noted that "sometimes it takes both management and the coaching staff to be on the same page."</p>
<p>Was that a shot at Wizards' GM Ernie Grunfeld, who released him? Was that a fair observation at the general atmosphere in D.C.? Or is it just sour grapes that Livingston walked into a team that lacked its most important players and was forced to play a role he couldn't play?</p>
<p>*: I searched around and never found that quote, outside of Lee's story today, so if anyone knows where it came from, please post it in the comments.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/3/12/4095916/shaun-livingston-wizards-vs-cavaliersMike Prada2013-03-12T13:51:47-04:002013-03-12T13:51:47-04:00Meet the Kyrie-less Cavs
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qUbnG_WFeAHydvi3JfmyyYaK3VA=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/9576143/155026200.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jason Miller</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Washington Wizards travel to Cleveland to take on the short-handed Cavaliers. Here's everything you need to know about tonight's game.</p> <p>The Washington Wizards are coming off of a victory over the Charlotte Bobcats that was as close to a gimme as it gets. Thanks to an injury to Cavaliers all-star point guard Kyrie Irving, Washington will get another chance to beat up on a short-handed team as they head to Cleveland.</p>
<p><b>Where and when? </b>Tip off is at 7 p.m. in Cleveland. The game will be broadcasted on CSN+.</p>
<p><b>Are they good?</b> No, but they will be. Cleveland has three excellent young players in Irving, Dion Waiters and Tristan Thompson and, when their young core matures, they could be a very solid team. That said, they're still a few years away from their primes and Cleveland has struggled this year.</p>
<p><b>Who's out?</b> As mentioned, the Cavaliers will be without Irving, as well as Anderson Varejao. Washington will probably be missing Bradley Beal and The Ghost of Leandro Barbosa.</p>
<p><b>Why should I care?</b> Dude, it's the Cavs. If you've watched the Wizars at all in the last 10 years, you're probably well aware that Cleveland is the closest thing to a rival that Washington has. They can also be fun to watch, especially the freakishly-athletic Thompson.</p>
<p><b>What are they good at?</b> Without Irving, not much. Cleveland has the NBA's 15th-most efficient offense, but that's largely thanks to Irving's brilliance as a scorer and playmaker. The one ray of hope for the Cavs is that Irving, contrary to popular belief, isn't a pure point guard who regularly looks to set up his teammates. Cleveland has a couple of guys who can make shots and Waiters is a decent playmaker, especially for a rookie off guard. They should still be able to put up some points, just not as many as normal.</p>
<p><b>What are they bad at?</b> Defense. As is common with young teams with loads of athleticism, Cleveland forces a lot of turnovers but really struggles on the defensive glass (27th in DRB%), making shots (29th in EFG%), not fouling opposing shooters (26th in opponent free throw attempts per field goal attempt) and defending the three-point line (26th in opponent 3PT%). The reason? They gamble too much. Cleveland picks up steals and offensive boards by the bushel, especially when Thompson and Waiters are on the floor, but this tends to come at the expense of staying with their man and boxing out.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="sidebar">
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/3/11/4088456/dion-waiters-cleveland-cavaliers-rookie">
<h2>The Dion Waiters Q&A</h2>
<img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/9486441/20130209_jel_ar7_168.0_standard_500.0.jpg"></a> <span>SB Nation's James Herbert goes one-on-one with the Cavaliers' rookie.</span>
</div>
<p><b>What's going to happen with Dion Waiters?</b> Waiters has gotten a lot of press and has been labeled a future star. While he's got NBA athleticism and a decent jumper, he's far from a finished product and prefers to have the ball in his hands. He's closer to Tyreke Evans than a more traditional shooting guard like Beal, but considering Irving's ability to play off the ball and relative lack of court vision, they should eventually balance each other out very well. Waiters had a big February and is starting to develop that chemistry with Irving.</p>
<p><b>Prediction:</b> Washington wins. As up and down as the Wizards have been lately, they're better than the Cavs team that will take the floor tonight. Look for Nene to have a big night, as none of the Cavalier big men are strong enough to deal with him in the paint.</p>
<p><b>Where can I read more about the Cavaliers?</b> Check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fearthesword.com/">Fear the Sword</a>.</p>
<p><b>How do you think tonight's game will play out?</b> Sound off below with your comments and predictions.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/3/12/4094520/washington-wizards-cleveland-cavaliers-preview-march-12Thomas Pruitt2013-03-11T19:42:54-04:002013-03-11T19:42:54-04:00(Probably) No Beal vs. Cavs
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oCyMdxYZgYJW6WUPff0n_xwaGcE=/0x60:2666x1837/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/9528195/20130308_jla_aw8_314.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It doesn't sound like Bradley Beal will be in the lineup when the Wizards take on the Cavaliers on Tuesday.</p> <p>It doesn't look like <span>Bradley Beal</span> will be in the lineup when the <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Wizards</a> take on the <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> on Tuesday, given the words of coach <span>Randy Wittman</span>. Beal did not practice Monday, and that leaves his status in doubt. <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wizards-insider/wp/2013/03/11/bradley-beal-unlikely-to-play-in-cleveland/">Via Michael Lee of the Washington Post</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>When asked to provide an update on Beal after Monday's practice, Coach Randy Wittman responded with a question that gave the answer.</p>
<p>"How do I know? He didn't practice," Wittman said with a laugh, before adding that Beal sitting out was "probably not" a good sign.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Beal himself said he was still "day to day," and Wittman did acknowledge that Beal could wake up tomorrow and feel better. But it seems like a safe bet that Beal will sit out. He has not played since suffering an ankle injury eight days ago against the <a href="https://www.libertyballers.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">76ers</a>.</p>
<p>Of course, that's not the biggest absence from tomorrow's game. Cavaliers' star <span>Kyrie Irving</span> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/3/11/4090434/kyrie-irving-injury-cavaliers">will miss 3-4 weeks</a> after suffering a shoulder injury against the <a href="https://www.raptorshq.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Raptors</a>.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/3/11/4091678/bradley-beal-injury-update-wizards-vs-cavsMike Prada