Bullets Forever - Wizards vs. Pistons: Washington falls behind, can't catch up in 113-102 loss"Ain't No Luck"https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48097/BulletsForever-fv.png2013-10-31T19:35:41-04:00http://www.bulletsforever.com/rss/stream/48124572013-10-31T19:35:41-04:002013-10-31T19:35:41-04:00John Wall warned for flopping<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="/rss/stream/4812457">John Wall warned for&nbsp;flopping</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>John Wall is the first player of the 2013-14 season to get a flop warning.</p></p></div>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/10/31/5052850/john-wall-warned-for-floppingAmin Vafa2013-10-31T10:17:11-04:002013-10-31T10:17:11-04:00Magical Pixels: Ariza's career night wasted
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GMbqgIHKkaFCROkjvlR0Pfo8sz8=/0x0:2863x1909/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/22111251/20131030_pjc_af2_075.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Trevor Ariza was the Wizards' best player last night. Sounds like a recipe for success.</p> <p>So much for that awful decision to insert <span>Trevor Ariza</span> into the starting lineup, eh? Not sure Ariza can counted on to provide 28 points and six three-pointers every night, but he kept the <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Wizards</a> close enough to make their season-opening 113-102 to the <a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Pistons</a> interesting until the final minute or so.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Clearly we maxed out the wrong player. RT <a href="https://twitter.com/mattkremnitzer">@mattkremnitzer</a> Ariza: 24 points on 12 shots. Wall + Beal: 24 points on 30 shots.</p>
— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletsForever/statuses/395723479988715520">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>The Future: We will be peppered with "If Trevor Ariza is leading the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Wizards&src=hash">#Wizards</a> in scoring... " lines. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SoWizardry&src=hash">#SoWizardry</a></p>
— Kyle Weidie (@Truth_About_It) <a href="https://twitter.com/Truth_About_It/statuses/395731207583174657">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Season opener.... <a href="http://t.co/UeKuC0PFjF">pic.twitter.com/UeKuC0PFjF</a></p>
— Danny (@recordsANDradio) <a href="https://twitter.com/recordsANDradio/statuses/395734886805692417">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The stat lines for <span>John Wall</span> (20 points, 11 assists) and <span>Bradley Beal</span> (17 points) are somewhat misleading in that they indicate solid performances, but neither was the player the Wizards will need them to be in order to make the playoffs.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Bynum blows by Wall,and then Billups sticks a three right in Beal's eye...</p>
— Rashad Mobley (@rashad20) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashad20/statuses/395729675726499840">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Yep, that's John Wall letting <span>Will Bynum</span> blow by him for some reason. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Wizards&src=hash">#Wizards</a> <a href="https://t.co/Yufr3RUiR3">https://t.co/Yufr3RUiR3</a></p>
— Kyle Weidie (@Truth_About_It) <a href="https://twitter.com/Truth_About_It/statuses/395729464820510720">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Wall not only misses his jump shots, he's not even close on his misses. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Ugly&src=hash">#Ugly</a></p>
— The Ball Hogs (@BallHogsRadio) <a href="https://twitter.com/BallHogsRadio/statuses/395730817474781186">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>He's had a bad night. He has 20 and 11..lol <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23statsinavacuum&src=hash">#statsinavacuum</a></p>
— Ward Watkins (@PhoneBoothWiz) <a href="https://twitter.com/PhoneBoothWiz/statuses/395734625076924416">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Lots of people will talk about Wall’s issues. Bradley Beal has also played very poorly.</p>
— Mike Prada (@MikePradaSBN) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikePradaSBN/statuses/395729461800206336">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>John Wall and Bradley Beal went 13-for-39 tonight. Not what <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Wizards&src=hash">#Wizards</a> were looking for. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WizardsTalk&src=hash">#WizardsTalk</a></p>
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayCSN) <a href="https://twitter.com/JPFinlayCSN/statuses/395738886749442048">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>AHHHHHHHHH <a href="http://t.co/Iag8hKD93n">pic.twitter.com/Iag8hKD93n</a></p>
— Danny (@recordsANDradio) <a href="https://twitter.com/recordsANDradio/statuses/395728047993024512">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p>But, it's only one game, and <span>Marcin Gortat</span> looked pretty good, scoring nine points and grabbing nine rebounds in only 17 minutes of playing time. It'd be a surprise if he isn't in the starting lineup from here on out.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Gortat is a baller. Way better footwork than an I expected.</p>
— Ben M (@BenAgent0) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenAgent0/statuses/395726380626743296">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Gortat’s playing really well … but you can’t let a point guard foul you like that.</p>
— Mike Prada (@MikePradaSBN) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikePradaSBN/statuses/395726376881242114">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>What a drop step by Gortat on Monroe. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WizardsTalk&src=hash">#WizardsTalk</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NBA&src=hash">#NBA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WizvPistons&src=hash">#WizvPistons</a></p>
— J. Michael (@JMichaelCSN) <a href="https://twitter.com/JMichaelCSN/statuses/395726333092708352">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>why nene & martin gore depeche mode not play together? just because <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SoWizards&src=hash">#SoWizards</a>?</p>
— wizznutzz (@wzzntzz) <a href="https://twitter.com/wzzntzz/statuses/395727296939978752">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>GORTAT SANITY</p>
— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletsForever/statuses/395728282970124289">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>POLISH TIPPING MACHINE! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23wizards&src=hash">#wizards</a></p>
— Adam McGinnis (@adammcginnis) <a href="https://twitter.com/adammcginnis/statuses/395728326226345984">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Thats why you make the trade... Okafor can't do that.</p>
— The Ball Hogs (@BallHogsRadio) <a href="https://twitter.com/BallHogsRadio/statuses/395728367292391424">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>gortar</p>
— Amin Vafa (@AminNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/AminNBA/statuses/395728436989550592">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Did last season end? <a href="http://t.co/5ARmW3ga76">pic.twitter.com/5ARmW3ga76</a></p>
— Danny (@recordsANDradio) <a href="https://twitter.com/recordsANDradio/statuses/395735242235207681">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sigh. Someone talk us off the ledge.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>This won’t be the worst result in the world. They’ll clean up the back-end rotations. Wall and Beal both playing poorly is concerning though</p>
— Mike Prada (@MikePradaSBN) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikePradaSBN/statuses/395734286000607232">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>There's stuff to like about this Wiz team. Too many pts in paint allowed & not enough of that on offense.</p>
— danny rouhier (@funnydanny) <a href="https://twitter.com/funnydanny/statuses/395735081782083585">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>No.</p>
— Wiz Win Last Night? (@DidTheWizWin) <a href="https://twitter.com/DidTheWizWin/statuses/395735406055936000">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Well, at least there's 81 games left to go</p>
— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletsForever/statuses/395735350871474176">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>You deserve this, Wizards. You deserve it. No excuses. <a href="http://t.co/1FOxiKeC9Y">pic.twitter.com/1FOxiKeC9Y</a></p>
— B. Mendoza (@mrbmendoza15) <a href="https://twitter.com/mrbmendoza15/statuses/395736930534821888">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Plus, the Wizards are guaranteed a win in their home opener Friday, when they'll take on the Philadelphia 76ers, who as we all know, started tanking before the season even began.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p><span>Michael Carter-Williams</span> puts up 22 pts, 7 reb, 12 ast and 9 stls in his <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA">@NBA</a> debut. <a href="https://twitter.com/Sixers">@Sixers</a> beat the Heat, 114-110. <a href="http://t.co/3vpmMF1DZq">pic.twitter.com/3vpmMF1DZq</a></p>
— The NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNNBA/statuses/395723773501927424">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>And the Sixers begin their Tank Quest with a victory over the World Champion <a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Heat</a>. No words ...</p>
— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) <a href="https://twitter.com/chadfordinsider/statuses/395726103060299777">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>If it wouldn't ruin their plans to get Andrew Wiggins, PHI might have <span>Allen Iverson</span> retire 40 more times this season</p>
— <span>Michael Lee</span> (@MrMichaelLee) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrMichaelLee/statuses/395724449976025088">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>"Heads will roll." - Sam Hinkie</p>
— Eric Freeman (@freemaneric) <a href="https://twitter.com/freemaneric/statuses/395723809426141184">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Updated Power Rankings: 1. <a href="https://www.libertyballers.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia 76ers</a>....</p>
— John Schuhmann (@johnschuhmann) <a href="https://twitter.com/johnschuhmann/statuses/395723758087856128">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Washington will play <a href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Magic</a> Johnson and the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night at home.</p>
— Ben M (@BenAgent0) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenAgent0/statuses/395734055733297154">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Wut? C'mon, give us something to look forward too...</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>xoxoxoxoxooxox RT <a href="https://twitter.com/addc">@addc</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/AminNBA">@AminNBA</a> wzzntzz It had to be done <a href="http://t.co/C2H6449815">pic.twitter.com/C2H6449815</a></p>
— wizznutzz (@wzzntzz) <a href="https://twitter.com/wzzntzz/statuses/395733770890133504">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'll be expecting an invitation in the mail. What else was going on around the association last night?</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Just got home, turned on the <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Lakers</a> game, first thing I see is Nick missing a jumper.</p>
— David Steele (@David_C_Steele) <a href="https://twitter.com/David_C_Steele/statuses/395746351277154304">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Love watching <span>Nick Young</span> try Olajuwon moves 30 feet from the hoop.</p>
— Ethan Strauss (@SherwoodStrauss) <a href="https://twitter.com/SherwoodStrauss/statuses/395746362878210048">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Don't we all.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>New <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Suns&src=hash">#Suns</a> promotion: if an opponent misses both FTs on a trip to the line, fans get free Carl's Jr. chicken tenders. Lopez fed the masses.</p>
— Paul Coro (@paulcoro) <a href="https://twitter.com/paulcoro/statuses/395753971295342592">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p>!!!! HEY PHOENIX, BACK OFF. WE DIDN'T TRADE YOU OKAFOR <i>AND</i> OUR LAME GIMMICKS FOR GORTAT.</p>
<p>For actual coverage of Wiz-Pistons, check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/10/30/5048416/wizards-vs-pistons-nba-game-2013">our StoryStream</a>, as well as recaps from: [<a target="_blank" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/wizards-at-pistons-josh-smith-greg-monroe-help-spoil-washingtons-season-opener/2013/10/30/045cf260-41a8-11e3-a624-41d661b0bb78_story.html">WaPo</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/oct/30/pistons-have-no-trouble-wizards-season-opener/">AP</a> | CSN Washington (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.csnwashington.com/basketball-washington-wizards/talk/instant-analysis-pistons-113-wizards-102">recap</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.csnwashington.com/basketball-washington-wizards/talk/morning-tip-nene-injures-calf-loss-pistons">Nene sidebar</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://wizofawes.com/2013/10/30/wizards-vs-pistons-review/">Wiz of Awes</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://dcprosportsreport.com/wizards-game-1-review-pistons-113-wizards-102/">DC Pro Sports Report</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/wizards/game-recap-wizards-102-pistons-113">Wizards.com</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://washingtonwizardsblog.monumentalnetwork.com/2013/10/30/ready-set-go">Gameday blog</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=9905136&ex_cid=espnapi_public">ESPN</a> | Detroit Free Press (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.freep.com/article/20131031/SPORTS03/310310060/">gamer</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.freep.com/article/20131031/COL08/310310058/Drew-Sharp-Pistons-first-win-brings-glimmer-hope-will-victories-continue-">column</a>) | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mlive.com/pistons/index.ssf/2013/10/headline_14.html">MLive</a> | Detroit News (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20131030/SPORTS0102/310300128/1127/Chauncey-Billups-returns-flourish-season-opening-victory">gamer</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20131031/SPORTS0102/310310054/Pistons-makeshift-lineup-puts-charge-into-Palace">sidebar</a>)]</p>
<p>Here's some <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/pistons/2013/10/31/0021300007-was-det-short-recap.nba">game highlights</a>, plus links to postgame interviews with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/randy-wittman-postgame-10-30-13">Wittman</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/john-wall-postgame-10-30-13">Wall</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/bradley-beal-postgame-10-30-13">Beal</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/trevor-ariza-postgame-10-30-13">Ariza</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/marcin-gortat-postgame-10-30-13">Gortat</a>.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/10/31/5050256/magical-pixels-wizards-vs-pistons-arizas-career-night-wasted-inJeff Newman2013-10-31T09:36:38-04:002013-10-31T09:36:38-04:00Nene is hurt again
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BUDG8eobIsULmirfr7drwYBUaQE=/0x52:2662x1827/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/22109011/20131030_pjc_af2_008.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>And thus, it begins.</p> <p><b>UPDATE: </b>Sounds like this isn't serious.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Despite missing practice today Coach Wittman says Nene will play tomorrow. Dealing with a left calf. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WizardsTalk&src=hash">#WizardsTalk</a></p>
— Chris Miller (@cmillscsn) <a href="https://twitter.com/cmillscsn/statuses/395975229782388737">October 31, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>But Wittman and Nene have not been on the same page with injuries before.</p>
<p>***</p>
<p>Yup, it took one game for Nene to conjure up another nagging injury. The <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wizards</a>' big man apparently hurt his left calf during Washington's 113-102 loss to the <a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Pistons</a> on Wednesday, <a href="http://www.csnwashington.com/basketball-washington-wizards/talk/morning-tip-nene-injures-calf-loss-pistons">according to CSN Washington's J Michael</a>.</p>
<p>The injury happened after Nene's third jumper early in the game, according to Michael. Nene stayed in and played 30 minutes, so I'm not sure it's so, so serious. But from the sounds of it, there's a chance Nene could end up missing time, which would vault <span>Marcin Gortat</span> into the starting lineup sooner than expected.</p>
<p>It really isn't clear why Nene keeps having these little nicks and bruises. Is he not in as good a shape as he should be? Maybe, but I don't know for sure. Is he overdramatizing the common aches and bruises you have during an NBA season? Maybe. The most likely scenario is that he's getting older and has spend many years banging around in the paint against taller players, and those body blows are piling up.</p>
<p>Either way, it's scary because he still has several years left on his contract. Hopefully this ailment goes away quickly.</p>
<h4>More from Bullets Forever:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/10/30/5048880/wizards-vs-pistons-recap-washington-drops-season-opener?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Wizards vs. Pistons recap: Washington drops season opener, 113-102</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/10/30/5048416/wizards-vs-pistons-nba-game-2013?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Wizards vs. Pistons: Washington falls behind, can't catch up in 113-102 loss</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/10/30/5047492/wizards-vs-pistons-preview-nba-2013?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Wizards vs. Pistons preview: The season is here!</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/10/30/5046464/washington-wizards-fans-national-attention-john-wall?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">A call to arms: Why Wizards fans should lobby for more national attention</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/10/29/5038810/nba-predictions-2013-washington-wizards?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">36 predictions about the 2013-14 Washington Wizards</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/10/31/5050342/nene-injury-wizards-center-hurts-calf-in-loss-to-pistonsMike Prada2013-10-30T22:44:16-04:002013-10-30T22:44:16-04:00Wizards drop season opener, 113-102
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5ilzdtQ5qEJIPrRGPzzuL1-UYDs=/3x0:3996x2662/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/22085963/20131030_pjc_af2_020.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Despite a strong performance from Trevor Ariza, the Wizards were unable to match-up with Detroit's' front court and drop the season opener, 113-102.</p> <p>This was not the way the Wizards wanted to open the regular season. Their preseason struggles translated over to tonight, as they consistently gave up uncontested shots at the rim to the Detroit Pistons and failed to keep defenders off the boards. They rallied after getting into a double-digit hole, but in the end, they couldn't get the necessary stops to complete their comeback and fell, 113-102.</p>
<p>It didn't help that both John Wall and Bradley Beal couldn't get it going offensively, and both need to play much, much better going forward. But it was a complete failure on the defensive end to get stops and get out on the break that mainly caused this loss. The Pistons asserted their dominance in the paint, led by Greg Monroe's 24 points and 16 rebounds.</p>
<p>No one thought this was going to be easy. The <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wizards</a> opened up the season on the road against a very talented front line in <span>Josh Smith</span>,<span> Monroe</span>, and Andre Drummond. After an even start, Detroit pulled away in the second quarter by dominating the boards and feasting on easy buckets in transition. The Wizards had no answer for Greg Monroe and Josh Smith in particular, as they continued to pick apart a scrambling defense that for the most part looked clueless with their rotations. For a team that contained the pick and roll so well last year with crisp rotations, they inexplicably struggled to do so tonight.</p>
<p>The Wizards remained in the game thanks to some hot shooting from <span>Trevor Ariza</span>, who connected on five threes in the first half, and they scratched and clawed their way back in the second half. But the rally officially ended thanks to an untimely <span>Chauncey Billups</span> three, followed by a charge on John Wall. The <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pistons</a> built their lead back up to double digits and didn't look back.</p>
<p>Here's my game notes, in chronological order:</p>
<ul>
<li><span>Wall started off the game missing his first three shots, and it's not hard to see why. He took a standstill jumper with 18 seconds left on the shot clock and followed it up with a corner three. He has to let his shots come organically within the offense, which means stepping into his shots and getting into the lane for layups.</span></li>
<li><span>It's easy to just blame the lack of an interior defender for the teams' early struggles, but they continued to crash the glass rather than getting back on defense, leading to a lot of easy Pistons buckets.</span></li>
<li><span>Detroit kept helping one pass away on those Ariza threes, and the Wizards took full advantage of it. The ball movement was excellent to start.</span></li>
<li><span>Wizards' bigs continued to trap these pick and rolls, and they gave up a lot of easy Pistons shots as a result. They were a lot more disciplined with this last season, but they are really struggled to properly rotate to the ball.</span></li>
<li><span>Detroit outscored the Wizards 32-4 in the paint during the midway point of the second, and it's not even halftime yet.</span></li>
<li><span>Wizards have not been able to get in the lane with the paint packed the way it is. Just eight free throws attempted by the middle of the third quarter. Wall has been forced to settle for a lot of ill-advised jumpers. I would have liked to see the Wizards run more misdirection or side pick and rolls to get the defense scrambling, but it's hard to implement all this in the first game of the season.</span></li>
<li>It looks like Bradley Beal doesn't fully believe in his floor game. It seems like any time he struggles from the perimeter, he settles for those very shots rather than getting into the lane. All a part of the maturation process. </li>
<li><span>You just can't have Gortat trapping that far out on the perimeter defensively. It's just one game, sure, but given the personnel, I think the Wizards should look to change their philosophy and have their bigs sag into the paint on those pick and rolls. They got beat way too often, and you don't have Emeka Okafor there to protect the rim.</span></li>
<li><span>The perimeter defense was been problematic all night. <span>Will Bynum</span> got into the lane at will, causing players like Nene and Gortat to step over to help, leaving those athletic Pistons big open along the baseline. As the last line of defense, you should expect your bigs to make stops, but not on each trip down the floor.</span></li>
</ul>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/10/30/5048880/wizards-vs-pistons-recap-washington-drops-season-openerUmair Khan2013-10-30T18:40:23-04:002013-10-30T18:40:23-04:00Your Wizards-Pistons game thread
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ypw1BjJ06jOK9A7X-YUgj4mOC60=/0x1113:2661x2887/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/22075917/20131022_pjc_af2_086.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Discuss the opener here.</p> <table cellspacing="5" border="1" align="center" cellpadding="5"></table>
<p> </p>
<table cellspacing="5" border="1" align="center" cellpadding="5"><tbody> <tr><th align="center" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver" style="text-align: center;">2013/2014 NBA Regular Season</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://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/1e/Detroit_Pistons_logo.svg/200px-Detroit_Pistons_logo.svg.png" height="72" width="80"></center></td> </tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver" style="text-align: center;"><strong>October 30, 2013</strong></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Palace of Auburn Hills</strong></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3" style="text-align: center;"><strong>7:30 p.m.</strong></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3" style="text-align: center;"><strong>CSN, 106.7 The Fan</strong></td></tr> <tr><th align="center" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Projected Starting Lineups</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240" style="text-align: center;"><span>John Wall</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">PG</th> <td width="240" style="text-align: center;"><span>Will Bynum</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240" style="text-align: center;"><span>Bradley Beal</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">SG</th> <td width="240" style="text-align: center;"><span>Chauncey Billups</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240" style="text-align: center;"><span>Trevor Ariza</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">SF</th> <td width="240" style="text-align: center;"><span>Josh Smith</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240" style="text-align: center;"><span>Trevor Booker</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">PF</th> <td width="240" style="text-align: center;"><span>Greg Monroe</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240" style="text-align: center;">Nene</td> <th align="center" width="20">C</th> <td width="240" style="text-align: center;"><span>Andre Drummond</span></td> </tr> <tr><th align="center" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver" style="text-align: center;"><strong>2012/13 Advanced Stats</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240" style="text-align: center;">92.1 (15th)</td> <th align="center" width="20">Pace</th> <td width="240" style="text-align: center;">90.8 (22nd)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240" style="text-align: center;">100.2 (30th)</td> <th align="center" width="20">ORtg</th> <td width="240" style="text-align: center;">103.8 (21st)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240" style="text-align: center;">102.8 (5th)</td> <th align="center" width="20">DRtg</th> <td width="240" style="text-align: center;">108.1 (24th)</td> </tr> <tr><th height="20" bgcolor="silver" colspan="3" style="text-align: center;">Also see: <a href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com">Detroit Bad Boys</a> | <a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/10/30/5048416/wizards-vs-pistons-nba-game-2013">StoryStream</a> | <a href="http://washingtonwizardsblog.monumentalnetwork.com/2013/10/30/ready-set-go">Fast Break</a> </th></tr> </tbody></table>
<p>Let's do this, y'all!</p>
<p>(NOTE: From the sounds of it, <span>Marcin Gortat</span> <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wizards-insider/wp/2013/10/30/wizards-marcin-gortat-im-ready-to-play/">is coming off the bench</a>. But we'll see).</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/10/30/5048408/wizards-vs-pistons-game-time-tv-schedule-and-open-threadMike Prada2013-10-30T14:52:15-04:002013-10-30T14:52:15-04:00Previewing Wizards-Pistons
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PEyTaolcJ0hNYbx87V2htCgFpG8=/0x893:2661x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/22062703/20131022_pjc_af2_086.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Man, it's great to write a game preview. Can the Wizards get started right in their season opener against the Pistons?</p> <p>The regular season is finally here! Read on as we preview tonight's game between the Wizards and arch-nemesis Detroit.</p>
<p><b>Where and when?</b> 7:30 tip. Comcast SportsNet will broadcast the game.</p>
<p><b>What happened last time these teams played? </b><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/10/22/4907150/wizards-vs-pistons-recap-comeback-not-enough-as-washington-falls-99-96">Well, the second half was good</a>!</p>
<p><b>Are they good?</b> TBD. I'm high on them because they have an embarrassment of riches up front and because I've always been a Josh Smith fan. (<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/10/9/4764370/josh-smith-video-breakdown-defense-detroit-pistons-2013">For more, see here</a>). But there are definitely some questions about how all the pieces will mesh, especially offensively. Greg Monroe's elbow jumper is inconsistent, Andre Drummond can't shoot from anywhere except close to the basket and Smith fancies himself as a shooter, but isn't. Detroit's guards are pretty nondescript with Brandon Jennings out, so can they find enough perimeter shooting to open up the paint for that frontcourt? We shall see.</p>
<p><b>Why should I care? </b>Season opener. If you can't get excited for this one, it's not going to happen.</p>
<p><b></b><b>Who's out?</b> Jennings and Rodney Stuckey won't play for the Pistons. Jennings has a tooth ache of some sort, and Stuckey slammed a car door on his thumb and will be out for the beginning of the year. And you thought the Wizards' injuries were weird. Otto Porter and Chris Singleton will sit for the Wizards.</p>
<p><b>What are they good at?</b> Who knows with this much change, but they should be stifling defensively. If they can develop an offensive system that masks some of their spacing issues, they will also bully teams in the paint. There aren't too many power forwards that can check Monroe.</p>
<p>It's also worth noting that a second unit featuring Drummond, Will Bynum, Kentavious-Caldwell Pope and Jonas Jerekbo has some fun potential, though Bynum and Drummond are starting tonight.</p>
<p><b>What are they bad at?</b> We'll see about perimeter shooting. There's a chance that some combination of Chauncey Billups, Luigi Datome, Kyle Singler, a healthy Jennings and promising rookie Kentavious Caldwell-Pope provides enough, just as Bradley Beal and Martell Webster provided enough shooting last year. If so, that'll make Detroit tough to beat, ut there are major questions there. It's also going to be interesting to see how they keep Smith engaged so he's launching as few jumpers as possible.</p>
<p><b>Can we please make sure this screenshot never gets posted again? </b>Thanks.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/BulletsForever">@BulletsForever</a> Good luck with that <a href="http://t.co/LqESgkJsV0">pic.twitter.com/LqESgkJsV0</a></p>
— Detroit Bad Boys ☠ (@detroitbadboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/detroitbadboys/statuses/395587455162003457">October 30, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p><b>Why won't Randy Wittman reveal his starting lineup? </b>Who knows. Coaches like to keep things secret. But I'd be very surprised if Marcin Gortat doesn't start his first Wizards game.</p>
<p><b>Want to read a great story about Detroit and the Pistons? </b><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/longform/2013/10/30/5043420/detroit-pistons-auburn-hills-profile">Jim Cavan's longform</a> on the team's non-relationship with Detroit proper is one of the best stories I've read in a while.</p>
<p><b>Want to read the Pistons' perspective?</b> Visit <a href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com">Detroit Bad Boys.</a></p>
<p><b>Who's going to win?</b> I'm leaning Detroit in a close one, since they're home and they always own the Wizards. Hope I'm wrong.</p>
<h4>More from Bullets Forever:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/10/30/5046464/washington-wizards-fans-national-attention-john-wall?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">A call to arms: Why Wizards fans should lobby for more national attention</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/10/29/5038810/nba-predictions-2013-washington-wizards?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">36 predictions about the 2013-14 Washington Wizards</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/10/29/5041824/marcin-gortat-trade-emeka-okafor-roundtable?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">The Marcin Gortat trade: Bullets Forever roundtable reaction</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/10/28/5033996/marcin-gortat-trade-ernie-grunfeld-risk?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">How Ernie Grunfeld has balanced risk against the Ten Point Plan</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/10/28/5037310/marcin-gortat-washington-wizrds-video-breakdown?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Film study: How Marcin Gortat fits in with the Washington Wizards</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/10/30/5047492/wizards-vs-pistons-preview-nba-2013Mike Prada