Bullets Forever - Wizards vs. Cavaliers: Washington continues its losing ways, lose in Overtime"Ain't No Luck"https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48097/BulletsForever-fv.png2013-11-18T08:51:52-05:00http://www.bulletsforever.com/rss/stream/48764452013-11-18T08:51:52-05:002013-11-18T08:51:52-05:00What happens when both teams need a win?
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<figcaption>Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Wizards and Cavs have been rebuilding for roughly the same number of years and had similar goals coming into this season. They also had similar early-season stumbles, and they both needed a win this past Saturday.</p> <p>WASHINGTON --"You know, I've said this before: I'm still searching."</p>
<p><a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cavaliers</a> head coach <span>Mike Brown</span> wondered aloud about his team's offensive woes this season and his desire to experiment with his rotation. In the not-too-distant past, Brown knew exactly who was getting off that Cleveland bench, in which order, and for how many minutes. That team that terrorized so many in both the Eastern and Western conferences is a fleeting memory at this point.</p>
<p>It seems like eons ago when <span>LeBron James</span> and the Cavs would roll into the Verizon Center on a Wednesday Night for an 8 p.m. tip on ESPN. <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wizards</a> fans felt this rivalry all too well; it was these LeBron-led squads that their team fought to a draw during the regular season, only to deprive them of satisfaction in the postseason.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="pullquote">You can always have a rivalry if there's contention, bad blood, and mutual respect masquerading as disinterest.</div>
<p><br id="1384751895794"> Cavs fans like to pretend that there was no rivalry. After all, they say, can it be called a rivalry if only one side beats the other in all playoff meetings? As evidenced by the Cavs-<a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Celtics</a> rivalries of the same era, the same Celtics who always beat the Cavs in the playoffs, you can always have a rivalry if there's contention, bad blood, and mutual respect masquerading as disinterest.*</p>
<p>For three seasons, these Cavs and the Wizards embarked on different strategies to climb up the playoff ranks in the Eastern Conference with an end goal of winning an NBA championship. Of course, neither team in that era was able to reach its goal, and for the past four years, both have been trying to figure out the right formula to get back to where they were. Through a combination of high and low draft picks, overseas acquisitions, flyers on guys with injury histories, veterans with a little bit of know-how and benches that were seemingly assembled in a local YMCA, these two teams rolled into this season looking to sneak into the playoffs on strong defensive play and their offensively-talented backcourts.</p>
<p>Then when they actually started playing games this season, they realized that would be a lot harder than it looked. At 4-7 and 2-7, the Cavs and the Wizards have both seemingly let this season get away from them. Saturday was pivotal to both teams to try to right their paths forward this year.</p>
<p>The Wizards came back home after a nail-biter of a loss to the <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Thunder</a>, a lackluster outing against the <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Mavericks</a> and an ... educational ... experience against the <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Spurs</a>. It doesn't help that the defense that got the Wizards noticed last season hasn't shown up at all this year, and neither does shooting below 70 percent at the FT line as a team. No, not much of that helps at all.</p>
<p>The Cavs came to Washington on Saturday after a massive loss to the <a href="https://www.blogabull.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bulls</a>, a walloping from the <a href="https://www.canishoopus.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Timberwolves</a> and their second loss of the season to the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Bobcats</a>. Throw in some purported locker room drama and <a href="http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/11/17/report-dion-waiters-has-a-mysterious-illness-that-may-be-tied-to-his-being-removed-from-the-starting-lineup/">a rumored-to-be-disgruntled player with a mysterious illness who doesn't travel with the team</a>, and you've got a bonafide mess on your hands.</p>
<p>That's why the Cavs needed Saturday's game.</p>
<p>"We had a lot of good performances from a lot of different guys," Brown said after the game.</p>
<p>Former free agent Earl Clark and undrafted rookie Matthew Dellavedova helped the shorthanded team stay in the game and back up Kyrie Irving's tremendous 41-point explosion and leadership through a tumultuous week.</p>
<p>"We were kind of discombobulated. Andrew [Bynum] hadn't practiced, and I threw him out there to start," Brown laughed.</p>
<p>Brown made even more light of the team's upheaval later.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="pullquote">"We made a lot of stuff up on the fly"<span>-Mike Brown</span>
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<p>"Not one unit out there had any idea what they were doing," he said. [Hearty Laugh]. "I didn't know what we were doing. [Another laugh]. I threw Earl in at the four. Earl didn't know he was going at the four. [More laughing]. So he just kind of made it up on the fly. That's how we played tonight; we made a lot of stuff up on the fly."</p>
<p>Postgame laughter from a coach can mean many things. It can mean relief that they were able to close out a hard-fought game. It could also mean that an oft-criticized coach coming off a 3-game losing streak is relieved that he just bought himself some more time before being lambasted again. Or more embarrassingly for Washington, it could mean "I have no idea how the hell we got away with it."</p>
<p>On the other end of the arena, <span>Randy Wittman</span> did not rush out to speak to reporters. When he eventually came out, he was short and spoke in the tropes we've come to expect from coaches.</p>
<p>"It's just about making plays down the stretch. We got to step up and make plays down the stretch," he said.</p>
<p>No smiles, and definitely no laughter. Just replaying the whole thing in his mind while onlookers tried to join him in his retrospection.</p>
<p>"I'm searching," the coach lamented after the loss. "I got to find a consistent group that's going to go out there and produce. I'm still looking for that."</p>
<p> </p>
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<a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/17/5114604/wizards-cavaliers-john-wall-defense">
<h2>Reflections on 2-7</h2>
<img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3590671/USATSI_7559313_w_400.jpg"></a> <span>Is there any hope for a turnaround?</span>
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<p>As cliché as this sounds: both of these teams needed a win on Saturday. The Cavs' next game is against the Wizards again on Wednesday, and the Wizards play Minnesota on Tuesday. Splitting a home-and-home for Cleveland would be ideal, and with the way the Wolves have been playing lately, a win on Tuesday would be hard to come by. Saturday, by all accounts, should have been a W for Washington. Instead, the Cavs have a spring in their step heading back to Cleveland, the Wizards are left searching for answers.</p>
<p>It's hard to tell from just one arbitrarily-defined must-win game whether paths have been righted or lost forever--in fact, one game probably can't tell us that at all. But for these two teams that have been running alongside one another for so long, Saturday night made it clear that while they've both got a long way to go, Cleveland's closer to getting there.</p>
<p><i>*When Soulja Boy and Jay Z get involved, you better believe there's a damn rivalry.</i></p>
<h4>More from Bullets Forever:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/17/5114604/wizards-cavaliers-john-wall-defense?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Losing to the Cavs and reflecting on the Wizards at 2-7</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/17/5114020/magical-pixels-washington-wizards-cleveland-cavaliers-kyrie-irving-41-points-overtime?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Magical Pixels: The Wizards bought front-row seats to the Kyrie show</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/16/5112654/wizards-vs-cavaliers-final-score-irvings-41-leads-cleveland-over?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Wizards vs. Cavaliers final score: Irving's 41 leads Cleveland over Washington in overtime, 103-96</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/16/5112396/wizards-vs-cavaliers-randy-wittman-defense?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Wizards vs. Cavaliers: Randy Wittman focuses on post play before game </a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/16/5112404/wizards-vs-cavaliers-can-washington-snap-its-three-game-losing-streak?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Wizards vs. Cavaliers: Washington continues its losing ways, lose in Overtime</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/18/5116478/wizards-cavaliers-nba-2013-mike-brownAmin Vafa2013-11-17T14:05:09-05:002013-11-17T14:05:09-05:00Reflecting on the Wizards at 2-7
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<figcaption>Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The things we expected the Wizards to depend on this season -- John Wall and defense -- have been seriously off this season. It's worrisome, but not hopeless.</p> <p>This isn't really a mathematically proper time to reflect -- nine games is roughly 11 percent of the season -- but sitting at 2-7, I'm admittedly a little worried about the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Wizards</a>. Last night's<a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/16/5112404/wizards-vs-cavaliers-can-washington-snap-its-three-game-losing-streak"> OT loss to Cleveland</a>, one that saw <span>Kyrie Irving</span> absolutely blow up in front of our home crowd, was an especially<a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/17/5114020/magical-pixels-washington-wizards-cleveland-cavaliers-kyrie-irving-41-points-overtime"> hard one to endure</a>.</p>
<p>The mistakes this team made were both big and small, and they happened on both sides of the court. <span>John Wall</span>, the the max contract man, looked absurdly passive around the rim, often passing up opportunities to attack and draw fouls in favor of dishing out to shooters. As he kept settling for mid-range jumpers, Wall ended up 3-for-13 with nine points, making a 12-assist performance look surprisingly mediocre in person.</p>
<p>Guarded often by Irving, not exactly a defensive savant, and former Saint Mary's guard Matthew Delladova -- playing in his fifth career NBA game -- Washington's deadly combo of Wall and <span>Bradley Beal</span> combined to shoot 14-of-38 from the field with a total of <i>five </i>free throw attempts.</p>
<p>Frankly, the shooting percentage isn't what bothers me so much -- as we saw on the other side with Irving, who had been struggling most of this season, good players can have bad games and vice versa. But against this kind of perimeter defense, Wall and Beal had the opportunity to attack and set a tone for the rest of the offense. Instead, we saw an array of mid-range jumpers and three-pointers that just weren't falling Saturday.</p>
<p>Let's remember that we're only nine games into the season, and things can change rapidly over an 82-game slate, but right now, I'm worried yet hopeful. Here are a few reasons why.</p>
<p>(a) John Wall isn't the same this season. Assists be damned, he's not attacking defenses in the same way, particularly when it comes to finding his own shots. I know we're all happy about his improved jump shot, but remember how we were all worried he would fall in love with it?</p>
<p>Here's his 2011-12 shot chart, via NBA.com</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3585859/Screen_shot_2013-11-17_at_1.22.14_PM.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Screen_shot_2013-11-17_at_1" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3585859/Screen_shot_2013-11-17_at_1.22.14_PM_medium.png"></a></p>
<p>And 2012-13:</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3585867/Screen_shot_2013-11-17_at_1.23.23_PM.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Screen_shot_2013-11-17_at_1" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3585867/Screen_shot_2013-11-17_at_1.23.23_PM_medium.png"></a></p>
<p>And here's this season:</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3585875/Screen_shot_2013-11-17_at_1.23.46_PM.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Screen_shot_2013-11-17_at_1" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3585875/Screen_shot_2013-11-17_at_1.23.46_PM_medium.png"></a></p>
<p>Notice the percentage of Wall's shots that are coming in the four zones closest to the basket. In 2011-12, he took 67 percent of his shots in that area. During his injury-shortened 2012-13 season, he took 62 percent of his shots in that area. This season? Just 44.5 percent of his shots are coming near the basket.</p>
<p>Many of those shots have moved beyond the arc, and it's good to see Wall expanding his range. But he's struggling badly with his mid-range shots this season, and by dropping a lot of the closer shots from his arsenal -- along with the free throw opportunities that come along with that (he's taking two fewer a game this year) -- he's just a worse player.</p>
<p>We all want to see John expand beyond the three-point line like <span>Derrick Rose</span> and other great point guard have done, but right now, he's working on that at the expense of what he does best. And while the Wizards' offense looks good at times, this is worrisome.</p>
<p>(b) We need to talk about <span>Kevin Seraphin</span>. I know it's only 79 minutes, but right now, he's averaging nine fouls and nearly five turnovers per 36 minutes. He's been a mistake-addled mess on the court, which explains Wittman's hesitance to play him. The problem is the lack of options, particularly when we're expecting Nene to handle a starter's workload for 70-plus games. Last night, <span>Jan Vesely</span> got the minutes against Cleveland, and frankly, he didn't look all that terrible. It might not be surprising if we start seeing more Jan than Kevin for a while.</p>
<p>(c) Playing off of the problems with Seraphin and the rest of the Wizards' front line, care to take a look at the bottom-five on the leaderboard for FG percentage allowed inside five feet?</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3585907/Screen_shot_2013-11-17_at_1.35.07_PM.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Screen_shot_2013-11-17_at_1" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3585907/Screen_shot_2013-11-17_at_1.35.07_PM_medium.png"></a></p>
<p>(via <a href="http://stats.nba.com/leagueTeamOppShots.html?pageNo=1&rowsPerPage=30&sortField=FG_PCT5ft1&sortOrder=DES">NBA.com</a>)</p>
<p>As you can tell, allowing teams to score near the basket doesn't completely prohibit winning, but the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Heat</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Clippers</a> are the best offenses in their respective conferences while the other three teams are all below .500. The Wizards also allow the eighth-highest FG% from 5-9 feet and the fourth-highest from 10-14 feet. Last season, with <span>Emeka Okafor</span> in the middle, this team performed much better on defense, and that starts in the middle.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/16/5112396/wizards-vs-cavaliers-randy-wittman-defense/in/4876445">Wittman said positive things </a>about <span>Marcin Gortat</span> before Saturday's game, and I think he's often played well this season, too. But the bench guys have proven a huge problem and lazy perimeter defense has given offenses the constant advantage inside 15 feet. We're only nine games into the season, but these problems won't get hammered out in a week.</p>
<p>(d) So I'm not really jumping ship yet, because the signs of a better team still exist on this roster. We haven't seen <span>Otto Porter</span> in action yet, and many of this team's most-used groups have actually worked quite well together (via <a href="http://stats.nba.com/teamLineups.html?TeamID=1610612764&MeasureType=Advanced&PerMode=Totals&pageNo=1&rowsPerPage=25&sortField=MIN&sortOrder=DES&GroupQuantity=4">NBA.com</a>):</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3585963/Screen_shot_2013-11-17_at_1.46.52_PM.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Screen_shot_2013-11-17_at_1" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3585963/Screen_shot_2013-11-17_at_1.46.52_PM_medium.png"></a></p>
<p>So we know the Wizards at least have a few pieces that work really well together, and the next goal is surviving those minutes when they need rest. Obviously, that's been a massive issue for this team, and one of the biggest reasons why we're sitting here wondering what the hell has happened. But don't be mistaken, because even with Wall not right, this team is beating up opponents most of the time that he's sharing the court with other good players. The plan has always been to surround him and Beal with quality talent, and when they've done that, the Wizards have produced good results.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, that hasn't happened often enough, and the guys that come in to replace them have been inadequate. It's left the fans, the coaches and everyone else involved in a precarious position, because after trading a first-round pick, there's no other choice really but to trek ahead and hope things get better. It could happen, but as I've explained over the last 1,000 words, some real problems need to get addressed. Otherwise, hopefully we'll be giving that pick up in 2015 after nabbing Julius Randle or Jabari Parker next summer (but no I really don't want to talk about the draft yet).</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/17/5114604/wizards-cavaliers-john-wall-defenseSatchel Price2013-11-17T11:37:45-05:002013-11-17T11:37:45-05:00Magical Pixels: What the hell happened last night?
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pb5VFlqsPpnzCC08-tu83_03D48=/0x180:3102x2248/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/23377071/20131116_mta_aq3_156.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>For a minute there, it looked like the Wizards were going to break out of their slump. Naaaaaaaaaaw.</p> <p>At first glance, this game looked like the one. You know what I mean, right? A couple of losses to good teams that felt like they could have gone the other way at any time only have one satisfying salve: a weekend win at home in front of a large and excited crowd to a bottom-feeding team. Too bad for the Wizards that the Cavs and <span>Kyrie Irving</span> weren't interested in doling out relief. And too bad for Wizards fans that the their own team couldn't close this game out in regulation.</p>
<p>And things were starting off so well!</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Wall to Beal! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Wizards&src=hash">#Wizards</a> on the board after a nice 3-on-2 fast break <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WizCavs&src=hash">#WizCavs</a></p>
— <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Wizards</a> (@WashWizards) <a href="https://twitter.com/WashWizards/statuses/401865958014210049">November 17, 2013</a>
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<p>Wall to Gortat. Slam! Wall to Webster! Alley-oop! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Wizards&src=hash">#Wizards</a> dunking their way back into this, down 8-6 early in 1st <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WizCavs&src=hash">#WizCavs</a></p>
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) <a href="https://twitter.com/WashWizards/statuses/401867095471702016">November 17, 2013</a>
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<p>Wall-Gortat side pick and roll looking good.</p>
— Noam Schiller (@noamschiller) <a href="https://twitter.com/noamschiller/statuses/401867409893494784">November 17, 2013</a>
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<p><span>John Wall</span> has one made FG and 4 assists. Wizards have 5 FGs. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Math&src=hash">#Math</a></p>
— Noam Schiller (@noamschiller) <a href="https://twitter.com/noamschiller/statuses/401867912194965504">November 17, 2013</a>
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<p>Uh, guys, don't want to alarm anybody, but John Wall is managing a freaking offense out here and it's gorgeous.</p>
— Noam Schiller (@noamschiller) <a href="https://twitter.com/noamschiller/statuses/401868141761818625">November 17, 2013</a>
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<p>New bench crew?</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>So Garrett Temple and Vesely enter the game, while Maynor stays on the bench..</p>
— Rashad Mobley (@rashad20) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashad20/statuses/401871360932073473">November 17, 2013</a>
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<p>Vesely the steal, finds Rice who feeds it back to Ves for the alley-oop!! What a way to finish 1st Q! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Wizards&src=hash">#Wizards</a> up 25-18 after 1 <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WizCavs&src=hash">#WizCavs</a></p>
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) <a href="https://twitter.com/WashWizards/statuses/401872294932271104">November 17, 2013</a>
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<p>Hey, not too shabby.</p>
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<p>Dang! Even Jan Vesely was getting in on it! Too bad <span>Trevor Ariza</span>, Otto Porter Jr, and <span>Chris Singleton</span> couldn't join the fun.</p>
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<p>That's not Otto Porter Jr <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Wizards&src=hash">#Wizards</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23soWizards&src=hash">#soWizards</a> <a href="http://t.co/vqgeQtx35e">pic.twitter.com/vqgeQtx35e</a></p>
— jonathanjoseph (@jonathanjoseph) <a href="https://twitter.com/jonathanjoseph/statuses/401878162507694080">November 17, 2013</a>
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<p>Wait... is that... Never mind.</p>
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<p>The Cavs make the Washington Wizards look like a juggernaut. They are SO bad right now.</p>
— Conrad Kaczmarek (@ConradKazNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/ConradKazNBA/statuses/401873783205937152">November 17, 2013</a>
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I mean, things were going pretty great.</p>
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<p>Wizards on top by 5 (49-44) heading into halftime. Kyrie's got 17. Beal's got 16. Benches playing with purpose. BASKETBALL!</p>
— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletsForever/statuses/401879484573679618">November 17, 2013</a>
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I mean, even through the third quarter things were going OK.</p>
<p><a title="JAN VESELY DUNKS MARK IT TWO DUDE. REMEMBER THIS DAY IN HISTORY on Twitpic" href="http://twitpic.com/dljz4q"><img alt="JAN VESELY DUNKS MARK IT TWO DUDE. REMEMBER THIS DAY IN HISTORY on Twitpic" height="450" width="450" src="http://twitpic.com/show/thumb/dljz4q.gif"></a></p>
<p>Then it started slipping.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Kyrie just out-hustled the Wiz for the easy layup. Then finds Miles for the open 3. Wiz losing momentum. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WizCavs&src=hash">#WizCavs</a></p>
— Hoop District (@HoopDistrictDC) <a href="https://twitter.com/HoopDistrictDC/statuses/401876578424324096">November 17, 2013</a>
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???</p>
<p><a title="NO REALLY KYRIE IS SIIIIIICK on Twitpic" href="http://twitpic.com/dlk3co"><img alt="NO REALLY KYRIE IS SIIIIIICK on Twitpic" height="450" width="450" src="http://twitpic.com/show/thumb/dlk3co.gif"></a></p>
<p>Hmm....</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>The Wizards have had big leads with Wall in the game, and they have lost those leads when Wall has been sitting. Correlation or Causation?</p>
— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletsForever/statuses/401891994274107392">November 17, 2013</a>
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<p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Kyrie Irving has taken 13 more shots than John Wall, has 30 more pts. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23wizards&src=hash">#wizards</a> trail 97-92 in OT</p>
— <span>Michael Lee</span> (@MrMichaelLee) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrMichaelLee/statuses/401900213276651520">November 17, 2013</a>
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Oof.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Body language says it all <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Wizards&src=hash">#Wizards</a> <a href="http://t.co/ajIVgFODmw">pic.twitter.com/ajIVgFODmw</a></p>
— <span>Kevin Jones</span> (@Mr_KevinJones) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mr_KevinJones/statuses/401902185400651776">November 17, 2013</a>
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<p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Cavs win in overtime, 103-96 over the Wizards. First road win of the season for Cleveland. Kyrie drops 41.</p>
— Conrad Kaczmarek (@ConradKazNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/ConradKazNBA/statuses/401902241353048064">November 17, 2013</a>
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<p>
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Ugh.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Wizards out scores Cavs in the paint, 50-26. You should never, ever lose when that happens.</p>
— Satchel Price (@SatchelPrice) <a href="https://twitter.com/SatchelPrice/statuses/401906319025651712">November 17, 2013</a>
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<p>
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Double ugh.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>The <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Wizards&src=hash">#Wizards</a> bench scored ... wait for it ... 9 points.</p>
— HELLO my name is (@JohnCTownsend) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnCTownsend/statuses/401906016205283329">November 17, 2013</a>
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<p>
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Triple ugh.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Well, I hate the Cavs again <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23flashback&src=hash">#flashback</a></p>
— Adam McGinnis (@adammcginnis) <a href="https://twitter.com/adammcginnis/statuses/401900731659485184">November 17, 2013</a>
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<p>
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:(</p>
<p>The Wizards and Cavs both needed this win tonight. And with the <a href="https://www.canishoopus.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Timberwolves</a> coming to town on Tuesday, I think the Wizards are REALLY going to regret letting this one slip away and get out of hand.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/17/5114020/magical-pixels-washington-wizards-cleveland-cavaliers-kyrie-irving-41-points-overtimeAmin Vafa2013-11-16T21:48:57-05:002013-11-16T21:48:57-05:00Washington drops fourth in a row in OT, 103-96
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<figcaption>Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Kyrie Irving tied his career high with 41 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers extended Washington's losing streak to four with a 103-96 overtime loss at home.</p> <p>Washington blew a 15-point first-half lead and went to overtime for the second time in the last eight days. After a relatively solid four quarters, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Wizards</a> offense fell apart in OT, with John Wall and Bradley Beal settling for bad shots from the perimeter and the bigs failing to get anything going around the basket. Wall appeared tired toward of the end of the game, too, and he would have likely had more success guarding <span>Kyrie Irving</span> than <span>Martell Webster</span>. The final was 103-96.</p>
<p>This was a winnable game, although Washington should have a few more decent shots at ending their losing streak over the next week. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canishoopus.com/">Timberwolves</a> will be here Monday and that should be a tough matchup, but after that, the schedule lightens up. New York, Toronto, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Lakers</a> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cavaliers</a> are all beatable teams. Washington is 2-7 on the year now. If they're not closer to 7-10 by the end of the month, someone's probably going to be on the hot seat.</p>
<ul>
<li><span>Wall and Gortat had a lot of success running pick and rolls early on, leading to a Beal three, a Webster three, a Wall floater and a Gortat dunk. Bynum's lack of mobility was very evident and he looks heavy.</span></li>
<li><span>Vesely had a great steal and alley oop from Rice to end the first quarter. He also looked a bit more aggressive around the rim and had a couple of nice defensive plays where he used his length to pick up steals and deflections. Hopefully someone lit a fire under him.</span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/RcROohjYOYw" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span>Beal had 16 points on 6-9 shooting at halftime and finished with 28 for the night. He's continuing to do a great job of knocking down jumpers, both off the dribble and the catch. His ability to shoot out of the pick and roll in the half court is very valuable.</span></li>
<li><span>Wall and the Washington bigs deserve credit for keeping Irving away from the basket. He definitely got his, finishing the night with 41 points, but most of them came off of jumpers and step backs as opposed to free throws, layups or open three pointers. There's only so much you can do against a player like Irving. It's telling, too, that he was able to get to the line late in the game when Webster had been switched onto him.</span></li>
<li><span>The Vesely-Gortat big man duo was interesting to watch. They seem to play well off of each other and their lateral quickness and length seemed to disrupt Cleveland's offense. Can we start referring to them as The Eastern Block?</span></li>
<li><span>Washington went to Nene time and time again tonight with mostly good results. He's lost a step since his Denver heydey but still gets shots off around the basket due to superior footwork and coordination. </span></li>
<li><span>The starters noticeably slowed down late in the game. Washington's lack of depth was the real culprit tonight, as the team defense was far more effective early in the game than it was during the fourth quarter and overtime. Wall in particular looked slow in the extra period.</span></li>
</ul>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/16/5112654/wizards-vs-cavaliers-final-score-irvings-41-leads-cleveland-overThomas Pruitt2013-11-16T18:36:33-05:002013-11-16T18:36:33-05:00Cavs Wiz game thread! Come on in and chat with us!
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jC8PGTU51LM0aUbZ2-InENHj9oo=/0x1052:2844x2948/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/23335773/20131023_kkt_bk2_087.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Discuss tonight's game 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.nba.com/cavaliers/sites/cavaliers/files/elements/cavs-nav-logo-230.png"></center></td> <th width="20" align="center">@</th> <td width="240"><center><img width="80" height="72" src="http://www.underconsideration.com/brandnew/archives/wizards_alt_logo_hand.gif"></center></td> </tr> <tr><td bgcolor="silver" colspan="3" align="center"><strong>November 16, 2013</strong></td></tr> <tr><td colspan="3" align="center"><strong>Verizon Center</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" style="text-align: center;"><span>Kyrie Irving</span></td> <th width="20" align="center">PG</th> <td width="240" style="text-align: center;"><span>John Wall</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right" style="text-align: center;"><span>C.J. Miles</span></td> <th width="20" align="center">SG</th> <td width="240" style="text-align: center;"><span>Bradley Beal</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right" style="text-align: center;"><span>Earl Clark</span></td> <th width="20" align="center">SF</th> <td width="240" style="text-align: center;"><span>Martell Webster</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right" style="text-align: center;"><span>Tristan Thompson</span></td> <th width="20" align="center">PF</th> <td width="240" style="text-align: center;"><span>Nene</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right" style="text-align: center;"><span>Andrew Bynum</span></td> <th width="20" align="center">C</th> <td width="240" style="text-align: center;"><span>Marcin Gortat</span></td> </tr> <tr><th bgcolor="silver" colspan="3" align="center"><strong>2013-14 Advanced Stats</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right" style="text-align: center;">93.5 (18th)</td> <th width="20" align="center">Pace</th> <td width="240" style="text-align: center;">96.2 (12th)</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right" style="text-align: center;">95.8 (29th)</td> <th width="20" align="center">ORtg</th> <td width="240" style="text-align: center;">101.8 (21st)</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right" style="text-align: center;">104.6 (13th)</td> <th width="20" align="center">DRtg</th> <td width="240" style="text-align: center;">106.1 (22nd)</td> </tr> <tr><th colspan="3" bgcolor="silver" height="20">Also see: <a href="http://www.fearthesword.com/">Fear The Sword</a> | <a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/16/5112404/wizards-vs-cavaliers-can-washington-snap-its-three-game-losing-streak">StoryStream</a> </th></tr> </tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p>Hey there, Wiz fans! Ready to rekindle an old rivalry at the Verizon Center tonight? Sure, it's a different Cavs team than it was back when the rivalry was in full swing, but hell, it's a different <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wizards</a> team, too!</p>
<p>And rejoice! We get to see that fabled Kyrie vs. JWall matchup we've been coveting for years. Seems like nearly every time we get a chance, one of them isn't playing for some reason or another. We won't, however, get the other coveted <span>Dion Waiters</span> vs. Bradley Beal matchup, nor will we get the <span>Otto Porter</span> vs. <span>Anthony Bennett</span> matchup.</p>
<p>But still! Rejoice! There's basketball happening in DC. And it should be a fun one, tonight. Both teams are about the same aggregate talent level, both are coming off some tough losses, both are playing way below their potential, and both have reportedly had some heated discussions pop up in the locker room after losses. So this should be a close and contentious game.</p>
<p>Couple of injury things: <span>Trevor Ariza</span> is out tonight with the hamstring injury. <span>Al Harrington</span> is not listed as "out," but there's still a chance he'll get DNP'd. Dion Waiters is listed as "Inactive," and that's probably because he's reportedly sick and didn't travel with the team.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/16/5112430/wizards-vs-cavaliers-game-time-tv-schedule-and-open-threadAmin Vafa2013-11-16T18:27:40-05:002013-11-16T18:27:40-05:00Wittman talks post play before Wiz-Cavs
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<figcaption>David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Coach Wittman's pre-game on Saturday was all about post play and defense. </p> <p>WASHINGTON -- On most nights, planning for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cavaliers</a> means stopping point guard dynamo <span>Kyrie Irving</span> more than anything, but before the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Wizards</a>' game Saturday night at Verizon Center, coach <span>Randy Wittman</span> focused his pre-game talk on Cleveland's front line:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"This is a team that is big up front, especially if Bynum plays, it makes them even bigger. And we have to do a good job on the boards. We can't get beat up on the boards against this team. I think if we can control the boards, that's going to be a big factor in tonight's game, in how we can then get out and get in transition, get a little pace to the game."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>As Cavs coach <span>Mike Brown</span> said before the game, Bynum isn't only playing, he's starting Saturday night. Going forward, the former All-Star will be in the starting lineup whenever his knees allow him to take the court.</p>
<p>That could pose some interesting problems for a Wizards team that's struggled down low early this season. Between Bynum, <span>Anderson Varejao</span> and <span>Tristan Thompson</span>, the Cavaliers boast three big-bodied, physical guys who can bump in the middle and affect schemes on both sides of the court.</p>
<p>Looking at the Wizards' performance inside five feet on both sides of the court paints an ugly picture (via <a href="http://stats.nba.com/leagueTeamOppShots.html?pageNo=1&rowsPerPage=30">NBA.com</a>):</p>
<p>Offense -- 24th in shots made, 17th in percentage<br>Defense -- 21st in shots made, 30th in percentage</p>
<p>After being one of the league's best defensive teams last season with <span>Emeka Okafor</span> at center, the team's defense inside five feet has completely collapsed with <span>Marcin Gortat</span> at center. Wittman addressed that before the game Saturday, though, defending his recently-acquired big man when asked about missing Okafor:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"A little bit. Marcin's done a good job for us, I think, filling that. No question, 'Mek was solid back there for us, that last line of defense for us with his basketball knowledge. I think what Marcin brings us, though, is that big guy that can challenge at the rim. He's also got a very good I.Q."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>However, Wittman couldn't deny defense is an issue, and he's trying to motivate his guys to work harder on that end.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Defense is a matter of getting your knees dirty each and every night. It's not a fun thing, but it's a valuable thing. And that's where we got to get back to understanding how valuable that is for us, to be a solid defensive team."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Facing a Cavaliers team that's struggled badly on offense of late, this is a strong opportunity for Washington to bear down and perform well defensively. That'll start with limiting Irving, who's playing with a mask after suffering a nasal fracture, but stopping the big guys will be equally important.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/16/5112396/wizards-vs-cavaliers-randy-wittman-defenseSatchel Price2013-11-16T17:00:50-05:002013-11-16T17:00:50-05:00Can Washington end its three game losing streak?
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<figcaption>Brad Mills-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The Washington Wizards return home to face the 3-7 Cleveland Cavaliers at home. Here's what you need to know.</p> <p>After dropping three straight tough games on the road, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Washington Wizards</a> finally get to catch their breath. They're back in Washington where they'll play the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cleveland Cavaliers</a>, a struggling team that's playing the second game of a back to back and that is attempting to end its own three game losing streak.</p>
<p><b>Where and when? </b>Tip off is at 7 p.m. at the Verizon Center.</p>
<p><b>Who's out?</b> <span>Trevor Ariza</span> is out with a hamstring injury and Al Harrington's out with knee troubles. plus <span>Otto Porter</span> and <span>Chris Singleton</span> are still injured. <span>Dion Waiters</span> and <span>Andrew Bynum</span> are day to day for Cleveland.</p>
<p><b>Are they good? </b>There's definitely talent there, but the Cavs are in a minor state of crisis right now. After dropping their third game in a row, <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/9986199/cleveland-cavaliers-held-confrontational-players-only-meeting" target="_blank">the Cavs had a players-only meeting in which a few players apparently butted heads</a>. <span>Mike Brown</span> is a good coach and it's going to interesting to say the least to see how he handles this.</p>
<p><b>Why should I care?</b> Washington and Cleveland have both lost three games in a row, so someone's going to end their streak and get some positive momentum tonight.</p>
<p><b>What are they good at? </b>Even though it's really not clicking right now, Cleveland has a lot of talent in the frontcourt. <span>Anderson Varejao</span> and <span>Tristan Thompson</span> are being backed up by number one pick <span>Anthony Bennett</span> and former All-Star Andrew Bynum. If they can ever get healthy and on the same page, this could be one of the best front courts in the league, especially if they can find a decent small forward.</p>
<p><b>What are they bad at?</b> Despite their considerable talent, the Cavaliers are really struggling to score right now, fielding the NBA's <a href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/2014.html" target="_blank">second worst offense on a per-possession basis as per Basketball-Reference</a>. This just shouldn't be happening. <span>Kyrie Irving</span> is an offensive dynamo, Waiters can create shots at will, Bennett should be an elite pick and pop player one day, and the bigs all excel at crashing the offensive glass. The Cavalier's offense was the 19th best in the NBA last season despite a number of injuries and the need to phase youngsters like Waiters into their system, so it's very surprising that they've regressed this much.</p>
<p><b>Who's going to win?</b> I'm going with the Wizards tonight. Washington's playing at home and Cleveland could be imploding, so the Wizards should have an advantage in terms of the intangibles tonight. Meanwhile, Washington tends to do well against big teams and the opportunity to guard Irving should motivate <span>John Wall</span> to play extra hard. If Cleveland wins, it's going to be as a result of a big game from Irving.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/16/5112154/wizards-vs-cavaliers-preview-can-washington-snap-its-three-gameThomas Pruitt