Bullets Forever - Wizards vs. Thunder: Washington falls in OT in heartbreaking fashion"Ain't No Luck"https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48097/BulletsForever-fv.png2013-11-11T15:25:07-05:00http://www.bulletsforever.com/rss/stream/48535432013-11-11T15:25:07-05:002013-11-11T15:25:07-05:00Watch Beal light up the Thunder
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<figcaption>Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Some happy things!</p> <p>In case you needed a distraction from last night's awful loss, enjoy the good that was <span>Bradley Beal</span>, via YouTube user Dawk Ins.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/11/5092232/bradley-beal-highlights-okc-thunderMike Prada2013-11-11T11:59:44-05:002013-11-11T11:59:44-05:00Magical Pixels: Don't say moral victory
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<figcaption>Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>There's no crying moral victories in baseball basketball!!</p> <p>A year ago and beyond, we would have felt good about the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Washington Wizards</a> taking the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> to overtime on the road. But that was before this year's "playoffs or bust" incarnation of the Wizards, which renders any and all moral victories moot, particularly when they feature a blown double-digit lead in the fourth quarter en route to a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/10/5089254/wizards-vs-thunder-final-score-nba-106-105-recap/in/4853543">106-105 loss</a>.</p>
<p>Sigh. The team actually looked pretty good, too. The entire starting lineup scored in double figures, and <span>Bradley Beal</span> was a monster, scoring a career-high 34 points on 13-of-23 shooting. I'm tearing up just thinking about it, so let's get straight to the pixels.</p>
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<p><span>Al Harrington</span> warming up by taking half court shots, because Al Harrington. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23thunder&src=hash">#thunder</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23wizards&src=hash">#wizards</a></p>
— Andrew Gilman (@AndrewGilmanOK) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewGilmanOK/statuses/399685414321004544">November 10, 2013</a>
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<p>Perhaps he just likes to prepare for any and all scenarios, eh? You ever think of that? No?...yea, it's just Al Harrington.</p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Thunder&src=hash">#Thunder</a> pr staff playing the Harry Potter music for the Wizards player introductions. See what they did there?</p>
— Andrew Gilman (@AndrewGilmanOK) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewGilmanOK/statuses/399689828435894272">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>I do, and all I can say is WHY ISN'T THIS DONE EVERY GAME AT VERIZON???</p>
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<p>I hear they're all muggles though. MT <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewGilmanOK">@AndrewGilmanOK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Thunder&src=hash">#Thunder</a> playing the Harry Potter music for the Wizards player introductions.</p>
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) <a href="https://twitter.com/royceyoung/statuses/399690345115426817">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>Whoa. WHOA. This is a family blog. No need to be droppin' slurs.</p>
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<p><span>Trevor Ariza</span> just split two defenders! ANYTHINGS POSSIBLEEEE</p>
— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletsForever/statuses/399691636021526529">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>Did Nene go to Germany after the Detroit game?</p>
— Mike Prada (@MikePradaSBN) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikePradaSBN/statuses/399691779932299265">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>Love the way Brad Beal can find the space & smoothly nail the shot. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23baseline&src=hash">#baseline</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23wizards&src=hash">#wizards</a> <a href="https://t.co/SdJxedlVUo">https://t.co/SdJxedlVUo</a></p>
— Kyle Weidie (@Truth_About_It) <a href="https://twitter.com/Truth_About_It/statuses/399692864470679552">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WittmanFace&src=hash">#WittmanFace</a> <a href="http://t.co/lNdofiuv1O">pic.twitter.com/lNdofiuv1O</a></p>
— Adam McGinnis (@adammcginnis) <a href="https://twitter.com/adammcginnis/statuses/399704523083894784">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>We may have to implement the Ariza restriction on Al Harrington. No more than 3 dribbles per possession.</p>
— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletsForever/statuses/399696645127827456">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>Wall hasn't made shot but is still impacting the game. That's max material.</p>
— Michael Sykes, II (@Mikey_NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mikey_NBA/statuses/399703670042161153">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p><span>Kevin Durant</span> is making Trevor Ariza pay for gambling. Stunned, STUNNED I tell you.</p>
— Mike Prada (@MikePradaSBN) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikePradaSBN/statuses/399692260712779776">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>Run the O out of Nene in the post, Wall finds Beal for an above-the-break 3. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Wizards&src=hash">#Wizards</a> <a href="https://t.co/t0oQznVDIW">https://t.co/t0oQznVDIW</a></p>
— Kyle Weidie (@Truth_About_It) <a href="https://twitter.com/Truth_About_It/statuses/399695174043197440">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>This is <span>John Wall</span> taking charge & Nene's unselfishness. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23wizards&src=hash">#wizards</a> <a href="https://t.co/IBTcP4WsFL">https://t.co/IBTcP4WsFL</a></p>
— Kyle Weidie (@Truth_About_It) <a href="https://twitter.com/Truth_About_It/statuses/399701552803643392">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>John Wall 3 ball. Fadeaway with Russell Westbrook defending & KD in the vicinity. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23wizards&src=hash">#wizards</a> lead 42-37 at halftime</p>
— <span>Michael Lee</span> (@MrMichaelLee) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrMichaelLee/statuses/399705451152949248">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>And then Wall nails a legit money 3 at the half buzzer. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23wizards&src=hash">#wizards</a> <a href="https://t.co/8Q1ENH4PnG">https://t.co/8Q1ENH4PnG</a></p>
— Kyle Weidie (@Truth_About_It) <a href="https://twitter.com/Truth_About_It/statuses/399705809556635649">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>"HI H8R" – J3RN WALL RT <a href="https://twitter.com/BenAgent0">@BenAgent0</a>: Hey, John Wall. Stop shooting threes. Please.</p>
— Adam Koscielak (@AdamKoscielak) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamKoscielak/statuses/399705541108563969">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>HAH! Nice three, John. Stop jacking them though.</p>
— Ben M (@BenAgent0) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenAgent0/statuses/399705283897077760">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>At the half, the Wizards are up 42-37. It's not yet clear if Kevin Durant will be changing uniforms to start the third quarter.</p>
— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletsForever/statuses/399705528458153984">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>YOU TEASE YOU.</p>
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<p>Wall is back up to 40% from 3 on the season (10-25), if you like to keep track of that stuff (I do)</p>
— Akbar Naqvi (@A_Naqvi_WoA) <a href="https://twitter.com/A_Naqvi_WoA/statuses/399705690651910144">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>Beal tried, but can't get 'em all vs. Ibaka. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23wizards&src=hash">#wizards</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23thunder&src=hash">#thunder</a> <a href="https://t.co/Zg6cdSAk4r">https://t.co/Zg6cdSAk4r</a></p>
— Kyle Weidie (@Truth_About_It) <a href="https://twitter.com/Truth_About_It/statuses/399711332335116288">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>Death, taxes, and John Wall finding corner three shooters</p>
— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletsForever/statuses/399713051877728256">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>My game notes consist of scribbling something bad about <span>Eric Maynor</span> over and over</p>
— Adam McGinnis (@adammcginnis) <a href="https://twitter.com/adammcginnis/statuses/399719874731061250">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>Nene knows great, simple passing, Brad Beal knows 3 bombs. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Wizards&src=hash">#Wizards</a> <a href="https://t.co/PaaPiMoUzA">https://t.co/PaaPiMoUzA</a></p>
— Kyle Weidie (@Truth_About_It) <a href="https://twitter.com/Truth_About_It/statuses/399712414129979392">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>I love Nene so much. How many big man can make a wrap around pass at the hoop on a drive?</p>
— James Straton (@WorldwideJames) <a href="https://twitter.com/WorldwideJames/statuses/399714050872836096">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>John Wall slows down, but happy feet Nene was full steam ahead... more great passing. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23wizards&src=hash">#wizards</a> <a href="https://t.co/nYFMzA5LVg">https://t.co/nYFMzA5LVg</a></p>
— Kyle Weidie (@Truth_About_It) <a href="https://twitter.com/Truth_About_It/statuses/399714478407041024">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>Teams definitely scout this pass that John Wall loves so much, but deception can still make it work. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23wizards&src=hash">#wizards</a> <a href="https://t.co/jTzyHtlfOl">https://t.co/jTzyHtlfOl</a></p>
— Kyle Weidie (@Truth_About_It) <a href="https://twitter.com/Truth_About_It/statuses/399713677223669760">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>They're free, Trevor.</p>
— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletsForever/statuses/399703070583451648">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>Trevor Ariza is 6-of-10 shooting and 0-for-5 from the free throw line. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23reporting&src=hash">#reporting</a></p>
— Andrew Gilman (@AndrewGilmanOK) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewGilmanOK/statuses/399713124212699136">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>This is in no way a bad omen. Carry on.</p>
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<p>Snakey to Webster for the dunk! (OKC shoulda doubled harder.) <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23wizards&src=hash">#wizards</a> <a href="https://t.co/qtEIMNxvk7">https://t.co/qtEIMNxvk7</a></p>
— Kyle Weidie (@Truth_About_It) <a href="https://twitter.com/Truth_About_It/statuses/399718837828218880">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>Can't say enough about Randy Wittman's rotations tonight. Maynor/Beal beats the hell out of trotting out <span>Garrett Temple</span> tonight</p>
— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletsForever/statuses/399715438977761280">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>Man, if the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Wizards&src=hash">#Wizards</a> beat the Thunder in Oklahoma City tonight, <a href="https://twitter.com/TedLeonsis">@TedLeonsis</a> should hang a banner up in the Verizon Center. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23PositivePixels&src=hash">#PositivePixels</a></p>
— Ben M (@BenAgent0) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenAgent0/statuses/399706734383489024">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>OMG TOTALLY RIGHT? GONNA HAPPEN!!</p>
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<p>cat-like reflexes. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Wizards&src=hash">#Wizards</a> <a href="https://t.co/jOd5JnNVP7">https://t.co/jOd5JnNVP7</a></p>
— Danny (@recordsANDradio) <a href="https://twitter.com/recordsANDradio/statuses/399696990139056128">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>Rotation is tighter than <span>Russell Westbrook's</span> shirts RT <a href="https://twitter.com/adammcginnis">@adammcginnis</a> is Booker not playing because of injury? or just out of rotation now?</p>
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrMichaelLee/statuses/399701942164668416">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/RealDealBeal23">@RealDealBeal23</a> straight Cash homie!! RMoss voice</p>
— <span>Jordan Crawford</span> (@jcraw55) <a href="https://twitter.com/jcraw55/statuses/399715163970232320">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>Bradley Beal is good at basketball.</p>
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) <a href="https://twitter.com/royceyoung/statuses/399714832934391808">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/netw3rk">@netw3rk</a> every damn time! <a href="http://t.co/LlhQSTJkCE">pic.twitter.com/LlhQSTJkCE</a></p>
— Danny (@recordsANDradio) <a href="https://twitter.com/recordsANDradio/statuses/399724296701882369">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>Brad Beal 2.0 is on full display tonight.</p>
— Ben M (@BenAgent0) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenAgent0/statuses/399714177843228673">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>Bradley Beal with the 3 ball goggles after burying his 5th triple of the night. He's got 27 with 9 mins left. Career high is 29. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23wizards&src=hash">#wizards</a></p>
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrMichaelLee/statuses/399717402763476993">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>Missed Free Throws + 8 point lead on the road = inevitable DC Sports stress</p>
— Danny (@recordsANDradio) <a href="https://twitter.com/recordsANDradio/statuses/399716000465051648">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>Anyone else having any trouble breathing?</p>
— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletsForever/statuses/399719295321518080">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>Dudes, calm down. We got this one in the bag.</p>
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<p>Well, then. RT <a href="https://twitter.com/wzzntzz">@wzzntzz</a> NO CUZ WE DROPPED WE PANTS RT <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletsForever">@BulletsForever</a>: Anyone else having any trouble breathing?</p>
— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletsForever/statuses/399719572317540352">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23wizards&src=hash">#wizards</a> have missed 12 FTs & still up 11. This would be a rout, if they could hit "free" throws. <span>Jan Vesely</span> on bench going, "I can do that"</p>
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrMichaelLee/statuses/399720648961835008">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>CHARGE IT TO THE GAME! RT <a href="https://twitter.com/Truth_About_It">@Truth_About_It</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Charge&src=hash">#Charge</a>! Harrington gets hype. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23wizards&src=hash">#wizards</a> <a href="https://t.co/6ELmspDtIt">https://t.co/6ELmspDtIt</a></p>
— Danny (@recordsANDradio) <a href="https://twitter.com/recordsANDradio/statuses/399720988868235264">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>I rather have Vesely be useless on the floor than Seraphin.</p>
— Ben M (@BenAgent0) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenAgent0/statuses/399717057123872768">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>These are precisely my feelings.</p>
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<p>Westbrook tries to shove Nenê.... it didn't work. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Wizards&src=hash">#Wizards</a> <a href="https://t.co/DSQIS2QHJB">https://t.co/DSQIS2QHJB</a></p>
— Danny (@recordsANDradio) <a href="https://twitter.com/recordsANDradio/statuses/399722094252273664">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>Nene didn't even move when Westbrook shoved him <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BigBrazillian&src=hash">#BigBrazillian</a></p>
— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletsForever/statuses/399721462069608448">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>Nene’s reaction to Westbrook shoving him was excellent. He looked at him like he was crazy.</p>
— Mike Prada (@MikePradaSBN) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikePradaSBN/statuses/399721473473912832">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>Haha, oh Nene, he's so lovable and non-threatening. Good thing the refs know that and won't do anything super dumb.</p>
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<p>Nene got tech'd for smiling?</p>
— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletsForever/statuses/399721959258198017">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>Nene ejected for smiling, apparently.</p>
— Mike Prada (@MikePradaSBN) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikePradaSBN/statuses/399721915528400896">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>WHAT!?!?! Nene should not be ejected, this is BS</p>
— Adam McGinnis (@adammcginnis) <a href="https://twitter.com/adammcginnis/statuses/399721998030766080">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>Russell Westbrook & Nene have both been ejected. I like how Nene pointed toward God as he headed to the locker room <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23wizards&src=hash">#wizards</a></p>
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrMichaelLee/statuses/399722083225071616">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>Really don't know why Nene gets ejected there. Looked to me like Russ just lost his head after a bad charge.</p>
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) <a href="https://twitter.com/royceyoung/statuses/399721980720463873">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/OKCsportsGUY">@OKCsportsGUY</a> Nene extended his arm, gesturing toward his own teammate. Russ tripped over it. Horrible call to eject Nene.</p>
— Andrew Gilman (@AndrewGilmanOK) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewGilmanOK/statuses/399724885406019584">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>#sensiblepixels #refsaresuperdumb</p>
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<p>This would be a 23 point game if the Wizards made all their FTs</p>
— Akbar Naqvi (@A_Naqvi_WoA) <a href="https://twitter.com/A_Naqvi_WoA/statuses/399720569320398848">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>Thunder on a 9-0 run after Nene ejection. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23wizards&src=hash">#wizards</a> unraveling with all of these 3s. Not even trying to work the ball inside or draw a foul</p>
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrMichaelLee/statuses/399723397510205440">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>This is not happening This is not happening This is not happening This is not happening This is not happening This is not happening This is</p>
— James Straton (@WorldwideJames) <a href="https://twitter.com/WorldwideJames/statuses/399723283777466369">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>Cold-blooded Bradley Beal takes ball to cup & gives <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23wizards&src=hash">#wizards</a> 96-93 lead. Realer than Real Deal Holyfield has new career-high with 31 pts</p>
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrMichaelLee/statuses/399724179559182336">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>BOOM. BALL GAME.</p>
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<p>Kevin Durant. Even more cold-blooded from 3. Tie game. Oh my. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23wizards&src=hash">#wizards</a></p>
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrMichaelLee/statuses/399724495725813760">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>Kevin F Durant</p>
— Rashad Mobley (@rashad20) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashad20/statuses/399724522162913280">November 11, 2013</a>
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<p>Kevin Durant is a jerk. Yea, I said it. PLZ COME HOME IN 2016!!</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Jeeeeez, Durant. Why? Why? Why? Why?</p>
— Ben M (@BenAgent0) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenAgent0/statuses/399724523345702912">November 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Make your free throws and the game never gets to OT... not even close. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Wizards&src=hash">#Wizards</a> <a href="http://t.co/FhUg0UgT09">pic.twitter.com/FhUg0UgT09</a></p>
— Danny (@recordsANDradio) <a href="https://twitter.com/recordsANDradio/statuses/399725534482927616">November 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p>So how'd overtime go, anyway?</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Pacific Time Ariza. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BitchDontKillMyVibe&src=hash">#BitchDontKillMyVibe</a> <a href="https://t.co/8MR9FGEQxW">https://t.co/8MR9FGEQxW</a></p>
— Kyle Weidie (@Truth_About_It) <a href="https://twitter.com/Truth_About_It/statuses/399728150567223297">November 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>Welp.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23wizards&src=hash">#wizards</a> have missed 13 FTs tonight. Trail by 1 in OT. Insane.</p>
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrMichaelLee/statuses/399727779865849856">November 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>And then...</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1909473/821012680_medium.gif"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1909473/821012680_medium_medium.gif" class="photo" alt="821012680_medium_medium"></a></p>
<p>Wait, what? NO, NO CAN WEEZ HAVZA DO OVER GGAAAAHHHH MOAR BAKBORDZ PLZZZZ....</p>
<p>Gee, that really grinds our gears.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Wall misses a bunny at the buzzer (maybe fouled). Good job, good effort, <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Wizards&src=hash">#Wizards</a>, but choke that one down w a hot bucket of free throws.</p>
— Kyle Weidie (@Truth_About_It) <a href="https://twitter.com/Truth_About_It/statuses/399729039642226688">November 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Use. The. Backboard RT <a href="https://twitter.com/SBNationGIF">@SBNationGIF</a>: Sweet reverse airball, John Wall! <a href="http://t.co/1TQcNAR4Mm">http://t.co/1TQcNAR4Mm</a></p>
— Mike Prada (@MikePradaSBN) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikePradaSBN/statuses/399730013169131520">November 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>I can't blame Wall for that missed layup. They shouldn't have been in the position anyway. Game was over in the fourth. Blew it.</p>
— Ben M (@BenAgent0) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenAgent0/statuses/399730084698796032">November 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Announcer just said "tonight's free throws are brought to you by Hooters." Free throws can be sponsored? <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WizThunder&src=hash">#WizThunder</a></p>
— Casey Phillips (@caseyreporting) <a href="https://twitter.com/caseyreporting/statuses/399692162063155200">November 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Wizards missed 13 free throws, got rebounded by 17, still only lost by 1 at NBA title contender's arena</p>
— Adam McGinnis (@adammcginnis) <a href="https://twitter.com/adammcginnis/statuses/399732275375775744">November 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/24xOttox24">@24xOttox24</a> no moral victory, blew a winnable game, but team played well in a tough environment</p>
— Adam McGinnis (@adammcginnis) <a href="https://twitter.com/adammcginnis/statuses/399733160227119105">November 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Yeah, sorry, I don’t want to hear this moral victory stuff.</p>
— Mike Prada (@MikePradaSBN) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikePradaSBN/statuses/399728870418444288">November 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Wizards blow a lead, Caps get thumped, Redskins got theirs out of the way on Thurs. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23DCSportsWeek&src=hash">#DCSportsWeek</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23dallasLosingHelps&src=hash">#dallasLosingHelps</a></p>
— danny rouhier (@funnydanny) <a href="https://twitter.com/funnydanny/statuses/399753678091198464">November 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Washington could easily be 4-2 instead of 2-4.</p>
— Ben M (@BenAgent0) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenAgent0/statuses/399729353270894593">November 11, 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>The Wizards have now won four straight against the spread <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23positivepixels&src=hash">#positivepixels</a></p>
— Adam McGinnis (@adammcginnis) <a href="https://twitter.com/adammcginnis/statuses/399744275711541248">November 11, 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>John Wall: "You never feel like it's over when you got a guy named Kevin Durant on the other side."</p>
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) <a href="https://twitter.com/royceyoung/statuses/399747281701728258">November 11, 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>This is not a moral victory. Wizards missed 50% of their free throws. This is a bad loss.</p>
— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletsForever/statuses/399729058826575873">November 11, 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>Nene (4-10) and Ariza (0-5) were a combined 4-15 from free throw line, rest of Wizards team, 9-11</p>
— Adam McGinnis (@adammcginnis) <a href="https://twitter.com/adammcginnis/statuses/399754818165547008">November 11, 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>Free Throws. <a href="http://t.co/y7cbnOSDmy">pic.twitter.com/y7cbnOSDmy</a></p>
— Danny (@recordsANDradio) <a href="https://twitter.com/recordsANDradio/statuses/399729806490603520">November 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>There's no such thing as moral victories when you're not a rebuilding team anymore. It's either you win, or lose. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Wizards&src=hash">#Wizards</a> lost tonight.</p>
— Ben M (@BenAgent0) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenAgent0/statuses/399730538103066626">November 11, 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>That's the first time in the OKC era the Thunder have overcome a 12-point fourth quarter deficit. Kind of hard to believe.</p>
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) <a href="https://twitter.com/royceyoung/statuses/399729722214465536">November 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p>We love setting records in DC. For other teams.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Wizards just blew a 12-point lead. Postgame show should not be leading with Bradley Beal.</p>
— Mike Prada (@MikePradaSBN) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikePradaSBN/statuses/399730512685572096">November 11, 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>Mamy szanse naprawde wygrac duzo meczy jak bedziemy grali tak w kazdym spotkaniu!</p>
— <span>Marcin Gortat</span> (@MGortat) <a href="https://twitter.com/MGortat/statuses/399743472753586176">November 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Well said, Martin. Well said.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>What a game.....To bad we lost!:( we have to make FT!!!! Thx for ur support! We played hard and together! We gonna win some games this year!</p>
— Marcin Gortat (@MGortat) <a href="https://twitter.com/MGortat/statuses/399745419158093824">November 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p>That, too.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>No more OT please..... Cant walk !!!</p>
— Marcin Gortat (@MGortat) <a href="https://twitter.com/MGortat/statuses/399777134505259008">November 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p>DON'T EVEN JOKE ABOUT THESE THINGS!!</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Heading to Dallas! Tought loss in OKC, but next game is in front of us. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23wizards&src=hash">#wizards</a> <a href="http://t.co/RYnyRAlujs">http://t.co/RYnyRAlujs</a></p>
— Jan Vesely (@JanVesely24) <a href="https://twitter.com/JanVesely24/statuses/399748590530465792">November 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p>You tell 'em, Jan!</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>I'm so glad Bradley Beal stopped sucking.</p>
— Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/HPbasketball/statuses/399822752602791936">November 11, 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>Kevin Durant on Bradley Beal: "That guy's amazing. He's an awesome player man."</p>
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) <a href="https://twitter.com/royceyoung/statuses/399742992895848448">November 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>I'm glad Brad Beal put on a show for Kevin Durant though. 2016 is just a couple of years away...</p>
— Ben M (@BenAgent0) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenAgent0/statuses/399733361754660864">November 11, 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>Bradley Beal had 34 points. WHAT IS GOING ON WITH BRADLEY BEAL RIGHT NOW?</p>
— Mr. Irrelevant (@MrIrrelevantDC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrIrrelevantDC/statuses/399756623503454208">November 11, 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>.<a href="https://twitter.com/RealDealBeal23">@RealDealBeal23</a> became the youngest player in <a href="https://twitter.com/WashWizards">@WashWizards</a> history to score 30 pts ina game, 34 pts at age 20 vs <a href="https://twitter.com/okcthunder">@okcthunder</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA">@nba</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NBAGuru">@NBAGuru</a></p>
— Glenn Consor (@GCtalks) <a href="https://twitter.com/GCtalks/statuses/399753415237963776">November 11, 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>I just want to make sure I'm on the list of People Who Love Bradley Beal. Pretty sure I RSVP'ed last year when the invite went out.</p>
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillSimmons/statuses/399724496627576833">November 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/APShrOWeESc" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>KD says accio overtime as the Thunder come back on the Wizards recap and notes: <a href="http://t.co/UcH6ePlVNV">http://t.co/UcH6ePlVNV</a></p>
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) <a href="https://twitter.com/royceyoung/statuses/399760311168679936">November 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>*<i>BONUS POINTS TO ANYONE WHO UNDERSTANDS THIS IN THE COMMENTS...</i></p>
<p>What else happened last night?</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p><span>Kevin Love</span> didn't invent the outlet pass but he's perfected it.</p>
— chris palmer (@ChrisPalmerNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisPalmerNBA/statuses/399749302110519296">November 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgWkBiEy7AQ" target="_blank">HOW DARE YOU, SIR</a>!!</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p><span>Corey Brewer</span> shops here often (WARNING: HORRIBLE PHOTOSHOP ALERT) <a href="http://t.co/V0t1BVTnJr">pic.twitter.com/V0t1BVTnJr</a></p>
— Amin Vafa (@AminNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/AminNBA/statuses/399750884797587456">November 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Much better Kevin Love-related pixels.</p>
<p>Anyway, back to Wiz-Thunder, here's some recaps.</p>
<p><b>HOME TEAM:</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/10/5089502/wizards-vs-thunder-nba-2013">BF Storystream</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards-vs-thunder-bradley-beal-scores-34-points-in-106-105-washington-loss/2013/11/10/c1e74eae-4a7a-11e3-ac54-aa84301ced81_story.html">Washington Post</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.csnwashington.com/basketball-washington-wizards/talk/wizards-squander-4th-quarter-lead-lose-ot">CSN Washington</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://districtsportspage.com/washington-wizards-game-6-review-wizards-come-up-short-in-ot-loss-to-thunder/20680">District Sports Page</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.truthaboutit.net/2013/11/wizards-105-thunder-106-dc-council-game-6.html">Truth About It</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://wizofawes.com/2013/11/10/wizards-fall-to-thunder-in-overtime/">Wiz of Awes</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/wizards/game-recap-wizards-105-thunder-106">Wizards.com</a></p>
<p><b>ROAD TEAM: </b><a target="_blank" href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fnba%2Fthunder%2F2013%2F11%2F10%2Fkevin-durant-oklahoma-city-thunder-washington-wizards-overtime%2F3492483%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bulletsforever.com%2F2013%2F11%2F11%2F5090462%2Fmagical-pixels-wizards-vs-thunder-dont-say-moral-victory" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">AP</a> | The Oklahoman (<a target="_blank" href="http://newsok.com/ibaka-delivers-to-help-thunder-upend-washington-in-overtime/article/3903420">recap</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://newsok.com/tramel-a-wild-night-against-the-wizards/article/3903542">sidebar</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://newsok.com/nuggets-from-my-notebook-in-the-thunders-win-over-washington/article/3903513">notes</a>) | <a target="_blank" href="http://normantranscript.com/breakingnews/x2112918960/Durant-makes-Wizards-disappear">Norman Transcript</a></p>
<p><b>POSTGAME INTERVIEWS: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/randy-wittman-postgame-11-10-13">Randy Wittman</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/bradley-beal-postgame-11-10-13">Bradley Beal</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/john-wall-postgame-11-10-13">John Wall</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/nene-postgame-11-10-13">Nene</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/al-harrington-postgame-11-10-13">Al Harrington</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/trevor-ariza-postgame-11-10-13">Trevor Ariza</a></p>
<p><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/wizards/video/games/thunder/2013/11/10/0021300095-was-okc-recap.nba/">GAME HIGHLIGHTS</a></b></p>
<h4>More from Bullets Forever:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/10/5089254/wizards-vs-thunder-final-score-nba-106-105-recap?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Wizards vs. Thunder final score: Washington blows double digit lead, loses in overtime, 106-105</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/10/5089516/john-wall-layup-washington-wizards-okc-thunder?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">GIF: John Wall's blown layup to end Thunder vs. Wizards game</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/10/5089502/wizards-vs-thunder-nba-2013?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Wizards vs. Thunder: Washington falls in OT in heartbreaking fashion</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/10/5086576/wizards-vs-thunder-preview-westbrook-and-wall-square-off?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Wizards vs. Thunder preview: Russell Westbrook and John Wall square off</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/10/5086768/nene-marcin-gortat-a-fun-pair-both-on-and-off-the-court?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Nene, Marcin Gortat a fun duo both on and off the court</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/11/5090462/magical-pixels-wizards-vs-thunder-dont-say-moral-victoryJeff Newman2013-11-11T11:49:54-05:002013-11-11T11:49:54-05:00How OKC corralled Wall
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1-9e9XAo9tXk54ahfAo_8hIch2A=/143x110:3970x2661/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/22937117/20131110_ajw_ax3_041.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Oklahoma City Thunder threw a lot of different looks at John Wall in their win over the Wizards on Sunday night. How did Wall perform under these circumstances? We break it down here.</p> <p>Everyone will come away from <a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/10/5089254/wizards-vs-thunder-final-score-nba-106-105-recap">last nights' heartbreaking loss</a> to the <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> with two thoughts on their minds: The <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wizards</a> blew it and <span>Bradley Beal</span> is the truth. But the one underlying story to this game that may get swept under the rug was <span>John Wall's</span> 3-13 shooting night, and more importantly, the missed layup that would have nabbed the Wizards another road win.</p>
<p>It was tough sledding for the franchise player, who recorded yet another game shooting 38 percent or lower (his fourth of the season), but unlike his previous outings, he faced a vaunted Oklahoma City defense that could provide a blueprint for how to defend him moving forward.</p>
<p>What makes OKC such a stout defensive unit is their length and athleticism. They're able to collapse on you at moment's notice, they make some incredible plays on the ball (i.e. <span>Serge Ibaka</span> coming out of nowhere for a block) and they have the athleticism to make up for any botched assignments. Wall received a heavy dose of all three throughout last night's contest, but unlike in the past where he simply ran into a wall of defenders in the paint, Wall was completely taken out of his element and was forced into operating from the perimeter almost exclusively.</p>
<p>Of his 13 shot attempts, just two were at the rim (one coming on the final play in overtime). On the surface, this isn't what you want out of your point guard, but it also pinpoints a clear shift in his mentality. Unlike his sophomore season, where he generated close to 60 percent of his offense in the paint <a href="http://stats.nba.com/playerShotchart.html?PlayerID=202322&Season=2011-12&zone-mode=basic&display-mode=distribution">per NBA.com's stats page</a>, he's more than happy taking what the defense gives him and adjusting on the fly. Now, <a href="http://stats.nba.com/playerShotchart.html?PlayerID=202322&Season=2013-14&zone-mode=basic&display-mode=distribution">over 25 percent</a> of his scoring is coming from behind the three point line, and just 34 percent is coming in the paint.</p>
<p>OKC conceded just that in their win over the Wizards on Sunday night. All eyes were on Wall as he came off pick and rolls, and he regularly saw an extra defender sagging off his man in order to close off any driving lane.</p>
<p>In this case, Westbrook ices the pick and roll in semi-transition (<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/10/4/4804278/nba-defense-pick-and-roll-ice">more on this here</a>) which funnels Wall into Perkins along the baseline. He's already surveying the floor, knowing he can't make his patented cross-court pass in the corner with Sefelosha lurking, and he also can't hit Gortat rolling to the basket with Durant positioned the way he is. But more importantly, there's no way he can successfully split the defenders and attack the basket because the Thunder have loaded the paint.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3549375/wall_drive.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3549375/wall_drive_medium.png" class="photo" width="100%" alt="Wall_drive_medium"></a> <br id="1384185224086"></p>
<p>In a perfect world, Nene would have slid over to Wall to provide him with an outlet earlier in the possession, but again, this is in transition and everything is happening so quickly. The Thunder have taken away Wall's first two reads -- the rolling Gortat and the corner three -- and are perfectly content having <span>Reggie Jackson</span> along the top of the key to stunt to both Nene and <span>Martell Webster</span>.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3549399/SynergyScout___RC_4.61.png"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3549399/SynergyScout___RC_4.61_medium.png" class="photo" width="100%" alt="Synergyscout___rc_4"></a> <br id="1384185278050"></p>
<p>Wall takes a step back three in the corner with 13 seconds still left on the shot clock.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3549407/wall_drive_3.png"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3549407/wall_drive_3_medium.png" class="photo" width="100%" alt="Wall_drive_3_medium"></a> <br id="1384185336596"></p>
<p>Here's the video of the play:</p>
<p><object width="425" height="350" class="mceItemFlash"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/w0dWNxYFgyY">
<param name="wmode" value="transparent">
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/w0dWNxYFgyY" mce_src="http://www.youtube.com/v/w0dWNxYFgyY" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object> </p>
<p>This all goes back to the maturation process Wall is still undergoing as a scorer. He could have kept his dribble alive and saw Nene finally make a move toward the ball, but carelessly fell into OKC's trap and failed to reset the offense. It's a long season, and as the Wizards get into more of these high-intensity games against perennial playoff teams, Wall will understand the importance of maximizing each possession.</p>
<p>But despite all the different looks <span>Scott Brooks</span> threw at him last night, Wall still managed to impact the game in other areas; always a good sign for a player mired in a shooting slump.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>It really is excellent how Wall is dealing with OKC’s aggressive hedges.</p>
— Mike Prada (@MikePradaSBN) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikePradaSBN/statuses/399721101044887552">November 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Wall hasn't made shot but is still impacting the game. That's max material.</p>
— Michael Sykes, II (@Mikey_NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mikey_NBA/statuses/399703670042161153">November 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>What makes John such a special player is his unique ability to read plays a step or two ahead of the defense. We always say corner threes are a result of great ball movement, and very few in this league have the ability to catch defenders out of position in a split second and make the skip pass into the corner so effortlessly and right where the shooter wants it.</p>
<p>Here, Wall is just about to take the pick from Nene. Westbrook is already pointing to Ibaka to get in position to hedge, and John knows just what he wants to do. He's seen this defensive alignment a million times since he's entered the league, and every season he's gotten better at moving the help defender with his eyes, much like a quarterback looking off his intended receiver to get the safety out of position down field.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3549441/wall_1.png"><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3549441/wall_1_medium.png" class="photo" width="100%" alt="Wall_1_medium"></a> <br id="1384185472900"></p>
<p>All John needed was a split second to look at Nene fading to the top of the key to get <span>Kevin Durant</span> to jump out, leaving <span>Trevor Ariza</span> wide open in the corner. Gortat puts the icing on the cake by clearing out that side, but regardless, Perkins had no shot at closing out in time to contest the shot.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3549449/wall_2.png"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3549449/wall_2_medium.png" width="100%" class="photo" alt="Wall_2_medium"></a> <br id="1384185505571"></p>
<p>This pass is a layup for John at this point, and the Wizards' perimeter shooters have gotten so good at catching and shooting.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3549457/wall_3.png"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3549457/wall_3_medium.png" class="photo" width="100%" alt="Wall_3_medium"></a> <br id="1384185536331"></p>
<p>Here's the video of the play:</p>
<p><object width="425" height="350" class="mceItemFlash"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vNRfkf9aaWE">
<param name="wmode" value="transparent">
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vNRfkf9aaWE" mce_src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vNRfkf9aaWE" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object> </p>
<p>Aside from the first half against Philadelphia, we have yet to see the jumper Wall has worked so tirelessly on over the summer. But as was the case with <span>LeBron James</span>, a 40 percent shooter from three a year ago, teams like the <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Spurs</a> will gladly see him shoot unimpeded rather than wreak havoc on drives to the basket. It's up to Wall to make these subtle adjustments over the 82-game stretch while continuing to trust that he'll hit his stride as a jump shooter.</p>
<h4>More from Bullets Forever:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/10/5089254/wizards-vs-thunder-final-score-nba-106-105-recap?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Wizards vs. Thunder final score: Washington blows double digit lead, loses in overtime, 106-105</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/10/5089516/john-wall-layup-washington-wizards-okc-thunder?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">GIF: John Wall's blown layup to end Thunder vs. Wizards game</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/10/5089502/wizards-vs-thunder-nba-2013?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Wizards vs. Thunder: Washington falls in OT in heartbreaking fashion</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/10/5086576/wizards-vs-thunder-preview-westbrook-and-wall-square-off?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Wizards vs. Thunder preview: Russell Westbrook and John Wall square off</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/10/5086768/nene-marcin-gortat-a-fun-pair-both-on-and-off-the-court?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Nene, Marcin Gortat a fun duo both on and off the court</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/11/5091016/john-wall-okc-thunder-nba-2013Umair Khan2013-11-10T22:01:55-05:002013-11-10T22:01:55-05:00WAS blows double-digit lead, falls in OT, 106-105
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5GckJcdKkjrt3RSJLkUjecodUBE=/3x0:3996x2662/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/22906725/20131110_ajw_ax3_150.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>After blowing a double digit fourth quarter lead, the Washington Wizards snapped a two game winning streak, falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder in overtime, 106-105.</p> <p>That sucked.</p>
<p><span>Bradley Beal</span> scored a career high 34 points but it wasn't enough as the <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Wizards</a> blew a double digit lead, falling in overtime to the <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oklahoma City Thunder</a>, 106-105.</p>
<p>Washington was up 92-82 with 3:19 left in the game when Nene and <span>Russell Westbrook</span> were ejected due to their second technical fouls of the game. OKC went bananas afterward while Washington stagnated, scoring only four more points in regulation to Oklahoma City's 14 as the game went to overtime. From there, the Thunder jumped out to a quick lead, largely due to <span>Kevin Durant</span> being the best scorer on the planet, and the Wizards were never able to re-establish a rhythm. A pair of Durant free throws after a Trevor Ariza turnover put the Thunder up for good and Washington fell to 2-4 on the year.</p>
<p>Also, this happened at the end:</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3546691/821012680.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="821012680_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3546691/821012680_medium.gif"></a> <a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3546691/821012680.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="821012680_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3546691/821012680_medium.gif"></a> <br id="1384138992703"></p>
<p>Next up for the Wizards is Dallas on Tuesday. Hopefully, they can right the ship and ensure that the end of tonight's game was just a fluke. Game notes are below.</p>
<ul>
<li>Beal deserves oh so much credit for this one. He scored a career high with 34 points but that's only the tip of the iceberg here. He did a phenomenal job of beating the Thunder defense by running all over the court and getting open for threes and long twos. Late in the game, when it looked like Oklahoma City was going to come back and win it in regulation, Beal hit a long two off the dribble and got to the rim for a layup on the next possession to prevent the Thunder from taking a lead. He missed a potential game winner at the end of regulation, but you can live with that as long as he looks comfortable taking the shot.<br>
</li>
<li>Overtime was a back and forth affair in which the team with the better one on one scorer won. Washington was heavily reliant on ball movement to get points, and when the Thunder forced them into one on one situations, it threw them off. Wall missed a layup at the buzzer after two Durant free throws put the Thunder up by one, and that was the game.</li>
<li>Nene and Westbrook were ejected due to double technicals in the fourth quarter and that probably cost Washington the game. Westbrook had been ineffective for much of the night, while Nene had been having a quietly good game. The ejection seemed to fire up the Thunder and they dominated for the rest of the night.<br>
</li>
<li>Gortat was dropping the hammer like crazy in overtime. He had a couple of buckets off of post ups and spin moves and really helped the Wizards when the Thunder started to overplay Wall and Beal.<br>
</li>
<li>The end of the regulation was not cool. Washington stopped playing their game and seemed more concerned with running down the clock and not losing than winning. This is the kind of thing that separates veteran teams from young ones. I'm confident that if the Wizards had continued to play the way they had in the first 44 minutes or so of the game, they would have won comfortably. <br>
</li>
<li>The Wizards ball movement was very good tonight. No one seemed to force anything and everyone on the team seems to be content to rely on their teammates to get them the ball when they're in their spots. <br>
</li>
<li>Wall played very good defense in the first half. Westbrook isn't a particularly efficient scorer when you take away his free throws and Wall (with help from the bigs) did an excellent job of keeping him off the free throw line. Even though Westbrook is better than all but maybe a half dozen point guards on the entire planet, he actually seems like an easier matchup for Wall than some of his inferior contemporaries due to how ineffective he is when the ball isn't in his hands. Wall's biggest problem as a defender is his tendency to ball watch and lose track of his man, so strong catch-and-shoot players like <span>Beno Udrih</span> and <span>Raymond Felton</span> seem to give him more trouble than the Westbrooks and Roses of the world.</li>
<li>Beal, as is usually the case, was excellent at moving without the ball and getting open. I read somewhere, might have been in one of Jeff's links, that Beal has actually run a greater distance than anyone else in the NBA this year, and I believe it. The only time he doesn't look great is when he's trying to score when covered instead of getting open.</li>
<li>Ariza had another big game. I think that Trevor is a bad offensive player when he's anything more than a fifth option, but when he's limited to spotting up and cutting to the rim and plays with people who can draw in defenses and find him for jumpers, he's really good. There might not be another player on the team who benefits more from playing with Wall, Beal, Nene and Gortat. This might not be a popular opinion and I've spoken to some smart people who think Webster should start, but I'm happy with where Ariza is in the rotation now. Hopefully Otto Porter is able to excel in a similar way once he's healthy.</li>
<li>Beal had some success playing the two man game with Gortat and I want to see more of this. Both guys are adept at shooting or cutting to the basket and finishing when they can get some momentum, making it very hard for defenses to hedge one way or the other when they run screen and rolls.</li>
<li>Wall hit a SICK three pointer to end the first half. He went off the dribble and faded away from about 26 feet out with Durant and Westbrook on him. That's the type of thing we're going to see over and over again in a few months any time any of us search YouTube for "john wall highlights."</li>
<li>A lot of what makes Beal such a tough cover is that the skills necessary to stop him, such as the ability to run around screens and keep him from getting open, don't apply to more typical ball-dominant scorers. Guys like Sefalosha, <span>Tony Allen</span>, Metta World Peace, etc. tend to be really good at using their length and natural competitiveness to stay in the grill of people like Lebron and Carmelo who can overwhelm guys with their quickness and ability to shoot off the dribble. The key to covering Beal isn't to beat him up in one on one situations or anything, it's to just make sure he doesn't get away from you since 95 percent of his offense comes from hitting open jumpers. In theory that should make him easier to guard than your typical big time scorer, but the guys who usually take their team's toughest defensive assignments aren't used to playing against guys like him.</li>
<li>But yeah, that was a heartbreaker. Free throws!</li>
</ul>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/10/5089254/wizards-vs-thunder-final-score-nba-106-105-recapThomas Pruitt2013-11-10T21:54:59-05:002013-11-10T21:54:59-05:00GIF: John Wall's blown layup to end it
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/c52rMi-iVYmrvKyBU_eVN79ECO8=/0x14:450x314/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/22906525/821012680.0.gif" />
</figure>
<p>Use the backboard, John.</p> <p>You could not have scripted a more appropriate ending to a game where the Wizards had a double-digit lead with less than four minutes remaining despite missing 13 free throws, found a way to blow it, then found a way to also blow an overtime lead on the road against the Oklahoma City Thunder, one of the best teams in the West.</p>
<p>Down one with four seconds left, Randy Wittman drew up a beautiful out-of-bounds play. John Wall threw it in, looked like he wanted to go to the middle, then cut sharply to the left while receiving a dribble handoff. He had a clear lane to the rim and was at point-blank range even though he absorbed some contact that is never called late in the game.</p>
<p>And then this happened.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3546691/821012680.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="821012680_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3546691/821012680_medium.gif"></a></p>
<p>I can hear Hubie Brown yelling in my face. USE THE GLASS, JOHN. USE IT.</p>
<h4>More from Bullets Forever:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/10/5089502/wizards-vs-thunder-nba-2013?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Wizards vs. Thunder: Washington falls in OT in heartbreaking fashion</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/10/5086576/wizards-vs-thunder-preview-westbrook-and-wall-square-off?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Wizards vs. Thunder preview: Russell Westbrook and John Wall square off</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/10/5086768/nene-marcin-gortat-a-fun-pair-both-on-and-off-the-court?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Nene, Marcin Gortat a fun duo both on and off the court</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/10/5086546/washington-wizards-scoring-nba-john-wall-marcin-gortat?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Identity crisis: Are the Wizards scoring at the expense of their defense?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/9/5084098/video-bradley-beal-dunks-on-paul-pierce-in-ot?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">VIDEO: Bradley Beal dunks on Paul Pierce in OT</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/10/5089516/john-wall-layup-washington-wizards-okc-thunderMike Prada2013-11-10T18:57:23-05:002013-11-10T18:57:23-05:00Your Wizards-Thunder game thread
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/x1CdnAoJ-_q3oZ3JBQi7t_6WBXQ=/0x1113:2662x2888/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/22897873/20130327_lbm_ax3_281.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Discuss here.</p> <table cellpadding="5" align="center" border="1" cellspacing="5"><tbody> <tr><th bgcolor="silver" colspan="3" align="center">2013-14 NBA Season</th></tr> <tr> <td width="240"><center><img width="72" height="72" src="http://www.underconsideration.com/brandnew/archives/wizards_alt_logo_hand.gif"></center></td> <th width="20" align="center">@</th> <td width="240"><center><img width="80" height="72" src="http://content.sportslogos.net/logos/6/2687/full/khmovcnezy06c3nm05ccn0oj2.gif"></center></td> </tr> <tr><td bgcolor="silver" colspan="3" align="center"><strong>November 10, 2013</strong></td></tr> <tr><td colspan="3" align="center"><strong>Chesapeake Energy Arena</strong></td></tr> <tr><td colspan="3" align="center"><strong>7 p.m.</strong></td></tr> <tr><td colspan="3" align="center"><strong>CSN, 106.7 The Fan</strong></td></tr> <tr><th bgcolor="silver" colspan="3" align="center"><strong>Projected Starting Lineups</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right"><span>John Wall</span></td> <th width="20" align="center">PG</th> <td width="240"><span>Russell Westbrook</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right"><span>Bradley Beal</span></td> <th width="20" align="center">SG</th> <td width="240"><span>Thabo Sefolosha</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right"><span>Trevor Ariza</span></td> <th width="20" align="center">SF</th> <td width="240"><span>Kevin Durant</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right">Nene</td> <th width="20" align="center">PF</th> <td width="240"><span>Serge Ibaka</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right"><span>Marcin Gortat</span></td> <th width="20" align="center">C</th> <td width="240"><span>Kendrick Perkins</span></td> </tr> <tr><th bgcolor="silver" colspan="3" align="center"><strong>2012/13 Advanced Stats</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right"><span>92.2 (15th)</span></td> <th width="20" align="center">Pace</th> <td width="240">93.3 (10th)</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right"><span>100.2 (30th)</span></td> <th width="20" align="center">ORtg</th> <td width="240">112.4 (1st)</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right"><span>103 (5th)</span></td> <th width="20" align="center">DRtg</th> <td width="240">102.6 (4th</td> </tr> <tr><th colspan="3" bgcolor="silver" height="20">Also see:<a href="http://www.welcometoloudcity.com/"> Welcome to Loud City</a> | <a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/10/5086576/wizards-vs-thunder-preview-westbrook-and-wall-square-off">Preview</a> </th></tr> </tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p>This one won't be easy. The <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Thunder</a> are off to a good start, thanks to the return of Westbrook and some solid play from their <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2013/11/8/5081586/steven-adams-jeremy-lamb-reggie-jackson-okc-thunder">kiddie-core reserve crew</a>. The <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wizards</a>' best chance is to hang around and steal it at the end. Here's hoping for that.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/10/5088900/wizards-vs-thunder-game-time-tv-schedule-and-open-threadMike Prada2013-11-10T14:00:03-05:002013-11-10T14:00:03-05:00Preview: Wall and Westbrook square off
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4KQBPGJyzR88Vj4ZS6jr2mu5RIU=/0x90:2667x1868/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/22879203/159085857.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rob Carr</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Coming off an incredible overtime win over the Brooklyn Nets, the suddenly-streaking Washington Wizards head to Oklahoma City to take on Kevin Durant and the Thunder. Here's what you need to know.</p> <p>This time last week, the <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Wizards</a> looked like they were well on their way to another one of the franchise's patented early season implosions. Two wins later and they're on top of the world. Well, at least as much as a 2-3 team can be.</p>
<p>Anyways, the tough teams keep coming today, as they get to not only play the <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Thunder</a>, but do it in Oklahoma City. This should be a fun one.</p>
<p><b>Where and when?</b> Tip off is at 7 p.m. (EST) in OKC.</p>
<p><b>Who's out?</b> The Wizards should be missing <span>Chris Singleton</span> and Otto Porter. OKC is actually healthy because <span>Russell Westbrook</span> has Wolverine's DNA.</p>
<p><b>Why should I care?</b> The Thunder are America's team. Has anyone else actually made that case? If not, here's why: They have some of the most likable superstars in the NBA, are a hoot to watch, play hard, are located in middle America and should be good for 50+ wins for a decade. If you don't like <span>Kevin Durant</span>, you don't like basketball.</p>
<p><b>Are they good?</b> Yes, and they haven't even hit their stride yet. The Thunder are 4-1 and should get even better as Westbrook gets his timing back and guys like <span>Steven Adams</span>, <span>Reggie Jackson</span>, <span>Jeremy Lamb</span> and <span>Perry Jones</span> get more experience. Losing Harden and Martin hurt them but I actually think that they have enough promising youngsters that at least two will become the kind of semi-stars that need to surround the core to put them over the top. Jackson's almost there, Adams has all the physical tools to be a solid center, Lamb can score without taking the ball from KD and Jones still has as many physical gifts as any young player in the league. They're good now and they're only going to get better.</p>
<p><b>What are they good at?</b> Putting the ball in the hole. Durant is one of the most efficient volume scorers of all time, someone who can put the ball in the basket in any way imaginable while posting elite shooting percentages. Westbrook, coming off a knee injury that could have easily robbed him of at least some of his quickness, is back like nothing happened and is averaging almost 10 free throw attempts per game in less than 33 minutes of action. He's not shooting like he used to but that will come as he gets his timing back. Even if he had been limited, the Thunder could have still fielded an elite offense by running everything through KD and having him kick out to shooters like <span>Serge Ibaka</span>, Lamb and Thabo Sefolosha.</p>
<p><b>What are they bad at?</b> Making sound coaching decisions. <span>Kendrick Perkins</span> is great at setting screens, I'm sure he's a great teammate and you can't deny that he was a key defensive anchor on one of the best teams in recent memory, the 2008 <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Celtics</a>. At the same time, Durant is more than capable of playing power forward in small lineups and guys like Ibaka and <span>Nick Collison</span> are much better than Perkins on both ends of the ball. At this point in his career, Perkins is a specialist who should only play 15 minutes a game, less if the opposing team lacks a strong post scorer. So far this season he's down to 18 minutes per game, so maybe things are starting to change.</p>
<p><b>Who's going to win tonight?</b> The Thunder are a better team and are playing at home, so I'm going to go with OKC. Keep an eye on how Wall and Westbrook match up, though. Westbrook has looked great since coming back from his knee injury, at least in terms of his physical condition, but Wall could take advantage of him if he's a step slow or in pain. Either way, though, Washington is playing the Thunder on the road. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0w3JRz4Q8ME" style="background-color: #ffffff;">As long as they play hard and keep things competitive, I won't lose sleep over this one</a>.</p>
<p><b>Who would you rather have on your team at the end of the season: <span>John Wall</span> or Russell Westbrook?</b> Right now, Westbrook is the better player and nine out of 10 people would choose him, but that could change if Wall continues to improve. Keep in mind that as good as Westbrook is, he's the second best player on the Thunder and they still haven't won a title, so Wall's going to need to surpass him if the Wizards are ever going to bring home a trophy. I like bold predictions and can't make up my mind here. What do you guys think?</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/10/5086576/wizards-vs-thunder-preview-westbrook-and-wall-square-offThomas Pruitt