Bullets Forever - Wizards vs. Lakers: 4th win in 5 games feels GREAT"Ain't No Luck"https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48097/BulletsForever-fv.png2013-11-27T13:08:56-05:00http://www.bulletsforever.com/rss/stream/49133732013-11-27T13:08:56-05:002013-11-27T13:08:56-05:00Magical Pixels: Staying afloat
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/W68-Yf-boGeGfPjnwq9JqxOJ3h8=/0x23:4000x2690/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24065905/452165767.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rob Carr</figcaption>
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<p>Despite missing their stud shooting guard, the Washington Wizards were able to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers, largely due to the efforts of John Wall and Nene.</p> <p>With the news that <span>Bradley Beal</span> will miss at least two weeks <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/26/5147962/bradley-beal-injury-washington-wizards-nba-2013">with a stress injury in his leg</a>, yesterday was a bit of a downer. But the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Washington Wizards</a> ended the night on a good note by picking up a solid 116-111 win at home against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a>, who were missing their star shooting guard, as well.</p>
<p><span>John Wall</span> and Nene led the way, the former posting a third-straight 30-point game for the first time in his career, the latter recording a career-high 30 points. <span>Trevor Ariza</span> returned to the starting lineup, but not at the expense of <span>Martell Webster</span>, who filled in for Beal at shooting guard. Each Wizards starter scored in double figures, the team outrebounded the Lakers 42-34, and forced 16 turnovers while committing only 10 itself. To top it off, Wall played the closer role to a tee, scoring 11 of his 13 fourth-quarter points in the final five minutes. All in all, just a solid win.</p>
<h4><b>KEY LINKS</b></h4>
<p><b>Home team recaps: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/26/5149332/Washington-Wizards-Los-Angeles-Lakers-2013">BF StoryStream</a> | Washington Post (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards-vs-lakers-minus-bradley-beal-washington-defeats-los-angeles/2013/11/26/54770c8c-56dd-11e3-835d-e7173847c7cc_story.html">gamer</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wizards-insider/wp/2013/11/27/wizards-john-wall-making-a-statement-with-his-play/">Wall sidebar</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wizards-insider/wp/2013/11/27/nene-feels-like-wine-after-getting-new-career-high/">Nene sidebar</a>) | CSN Washington (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.csnwashington.com/basketball-washington-wizards/talk/instant-analysis-wizards-116-lakers-111">recap</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.csnwashington.com/basketball-washington-wizards/talk/wake-call-wall-takes-criticisms-personal">Wall sidebar</a>) | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/nov/26/wizards-snap-lakers-win-streak-kobe-looks/">AP</a> | <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/dailydime/_/page/dime-131126/wizards-looking-better-john-wall" target="_blank">Daily Dime</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://wizofawes.com/2013/11/26/recap-wall-wizards-win-over-lakers/">Wiz of Awes</a> | <a href="http://dcprosportsreport.com/game-report-14-wizards-116-lakers-111/" target="_blank">DC Pro Sports Report</a> | <a href="http://smokingsection.uproxx.com/TSS/2013/11/john-wall-wizards-lakers-score" target="_blank">The Smoking Section</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://tedstake.monumentalnetwork.com/2013/11/27/quality-team-win-for-wizards-over-lakers">Ted's Take</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/wizards/game-recap-wizards-111-lakers-106">Wizards.com</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://washingtonwizardsblog.monumentalnetwork.com/2013/11/26/wizlakers-gameday-blog">Monumental Network</a></p>
<p><b>Road team recaps: </b><a href="http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2013/11/26/5149988/los-angeles-lakers-lose-shootout-in-d-c-fall-to-washington-wizards-116-111" target="_blank">Silver Screen & Roll</a> | <a href="http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-wizards-20131127,0,1488964.story#axzz2lrz8OZQb" target="_blank">LA Times</a> | <a href="http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20131126/lakers-cant-finish-wizards-as-pau-gasol-tries-not-to-think-about-contract" target="_blank">LA Daily News</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/37943/rapid-reaction-wizards-116-lakers-111">ESPN LA</a> | <a href="http://www.nbclosangeles.com/blogs/triple-threat/Lakers-Lose-to-Wizards-John-Wall-31-233556351.html" target="_blank">NBC LA</a> | <a href="http://www.lakersnation.com/game-recap-late-turnovers-cost-lakers-fourth-straight-victory/2013/11/26/" target="_blank">Lakers Nation</a> | <a href="http://lakernation.com/lakers-road-struggles-continue-in-loss-to-wizards/" target="_blank">Laker Nation</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/wizards/video/2013/11/26/VSLAHIGHLIGHTSRECAPmp4-3055092">Game highlights</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/wizards/video/games/wizards/2013/11/26/0021300212-nene-highlights.nba/">Nene highlights</a></p>
<p><b>Postgame interviews: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/wittman-postgame-112613">Randy Wittman</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/john-wall-postgame-11-26-13">John Wall</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/nene-postgame-11-26-13">Nene</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/trevor-ariza-postgame-11-26-13">Trevor Ariza</a></p>
<h4><b>KEY STATS</b></h4>
<p><b>3 </b>- Consecutive games Wall has scored 30 points or more, the first time he has done so in his career.</p>
<p><b>30</b> - Points scored by Nene against the Lakers, a career high.</p>
<p><b>7 </b>- Points scored by Washington's bench against the Lakers.</p>
<p><b>48 </b>- Points scored by L.A.'s bench against the Wizards.</p>
<h4><b>TWEETS OF THE NIGHT</b></h4>
<p> </p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>If this were NBA Jam, the ball would have smoke coming out of it when Nene touched it.</p>
— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletsForever/statuses/405491865815760896">November 27, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>D'Antoni on whether that inbounds play was designed for NY: "Nick is in his house, right? He was gonna do it. Should've been a better play."</p>
— HELLO my name is (@JohnCTownsend) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnCTownsend/statuses/405532223140401152">November 27, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
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<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
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<p> </p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>The Otto Porter expression! (through the glass as <span>Nick Young</span> misses a late 3 pointer) <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Wizards&src=hash">#Wizards</a> <a href="http://t.co/HIYLWqsQhX">pic.twitter.com/HIYLWqsQhX</a></p>
— Danny (@recordsANDradio) <a href="https://twitter.com/recordsANDradio/statuses/405521007349215232">November 27, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
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<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Damn right that's Gio Gonzalez celebrating a John Wall dunk against the Lakers in DC. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Nats&src=hash">#Nats</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Wizards&src=hash">#Wizards</a> <a href="http://t.co/Fxw3o7KUXS">pic.twitter.com/Fxw3o7KUXS</a></p>
— Danny (@recordsANDradio) <a href="https://twitter.com/recordsANDradio/statuses/405527410235674624">November 27, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
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<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Blatche almost Blatched as Blatche as he Blatched against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Pistons</a>, but it was slightly less Blatche because he Blatched the shot.</p>
— devin kharpertian (@uuords) <a href="https://twitter.com/uuords/statuses/405510401040740352">November 27, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
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<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
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<h4><b>VIDEO/GIF OF THE NIGHT</b></h4>
<p>No contest.</p>
<p><img src="http://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/large/824252570.gif?1385532646" alt="GIF: John Wall, 360, dunkems: "></p>
<h4><b>GAMETHREAD COMMENT OF THE NIGHT</b></h4>
<h2 style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 5px; line-height: 17px; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Gotham SSm A', 'Gotham SSm B', Arial, sans-serif; overflow: hidden; background-image: url(http://cdn2.sbnation.com/images/icons/thumb-green.vaa5927d.png); background-color: transparent; padding-left: 20px; color: #292929; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;" class="title collapse_toggle ">LEGGO JOHN</h2>
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<p> </p>
<h4><b style="font-size: 1.25em;">GAMETHREAD ROLLCALL</b></h4>
<p>
</p>
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
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<th width="20">#</th>
<th>Commenter</th>
<th># Comments</th>
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<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JimmyWall">JimmyWall</a></td>
<td>69</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Wall_Hopeful">Wall_Hopeful</a></td>
<td>51</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/terpsDC">terpsDC</a></td>
<td>51</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/souldrummer">souldrummer</a></td>
<td>46</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/qthaballa">qthaballa</a></td>
<td>37</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Baird15">Baird15</a></td>
<td>28</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/KB5">KB5</a></td>
<td>22</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>8</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ExtraSpecialBitter">ExtraSpecialBitter</a></td>
<td>21</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Asdesas">Asdesas</a></td>
<td>17</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>10</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/wync">wync</a></td>
<td>16</td>
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<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Banode">Banode</a></td>
<td>15</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>12</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/LRJ">LRJ</a></td>
<td>15</td>
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<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/WindyRindy">WindyRindy</a></td>
<td>12</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>14</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Craig_">Craig_</a></td>
<td>11</td>
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<td>15</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Horcasitas4">Horcasitas4</a></td>
<td>9</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>16</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Jormond%20Wall">Jormond Wall</a></td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Destino">Destino</a></td>
<td>7</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>18</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/johnwallposterizes">johnwallposterizes</a></td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Young%20Wook%20Lee">Young Wook Lee</a></td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>20</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Entr0py">Entr0py</a></td>
<td>6</td>
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<tr>
<td>21</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/PhenomenalSwag">PhenomenalSwag</a></td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>22</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/'SkinsFan214life">'SkinsFan214life</a></td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>23</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/neualex308">neualex308</a></td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>24</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/KurisuDevil">KurisuDevil</a></td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>25</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Mac%20The%20Fan">Mac The Fan</a></td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>26</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BackScreenLob">BackScreenLob</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>27</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DeadheadSkins">DeadheadSkins</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>28</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Do%20The%20John%20Wall">Do The John Wall</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>29</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Kend3zy">Kend3zy</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>30</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Born%20of%20Osiris">Born of Osiris</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>31</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/WizKid27">WizKid27</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>32</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/abovelegit">abovelegit</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>33</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/dmatos2">dmatos2</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>34</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/capital%20city%20banana%20smushers">capital city banana smushers</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>35</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DCnhokies">DCnhokies</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>36</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/abdou77">abdou77</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>37</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Amin%20Vafa">Amin Vafa</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>38</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/jontydeans">jontydeans</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>39</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/LeHalfrican">LeHalfrican</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>40</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Akbar264">Akbar264</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>41</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Thomas%20Pruitt">Thomas Pruitt</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>42</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/WAAAAALL-E">WAAAAALL-E</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>43</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/moe%20jobe">moe jobe</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>44</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/cheezit">cheezit</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>45</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Just_Win_Baby">Just_Win_Baby</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>46</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Dutch%20Hoopfan">Dutch Hoopfan</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>47</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/thewiz06">thewiz06</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>48</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/John%20Wall%20Stan">John Wall Stan</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>49</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Big%20Spoon">Big Spoon</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>50</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/returnofswagger">returnofswagger</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
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https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/27/5151360/magical-pixels-wizards-vs-lakers-washington-stays-afloat-withoutJeff Newman2013-11-27T09:39:06-05:002013-11-27T09:39:06-05:00Watch: Nene's career night
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<figcaption>Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sport</figcaption>
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<p>In case you missed it, here are highlights of Nene's career-high 30 points and five assists in the Wizards' win over the Lakers.</p> <p>Cannot believe 30 points is a career high for Nene. SO WEIRD.</p>
<p>(Via the great <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/DawkinsMTA?feature=watch">Dawk Ins</a>)</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/27/5151210/watch-nenes-big-nightMike Prada2013-11-26T21:26:05-05:002013-11-26T21:26:05-05:00Wall and Nene lead Wizards to victory
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<figcaption>Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Despite the absence of Bradley Beal, John Wall and Nene turn in big games to secure a win over the Los Angeles Lakers to improve to 6-8 on the year. </p> <p>On Saturday night, we discussed whether or not <span>John Wall</span> is making"the leap." Tonight just adds to the discussion as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Wizards</a> saw their max player close out yet another down-to-the-wire game. In the final 5 minutes of the game, Wall hit three elbow jumpers, whipped a pass to a rolling Nene for a dunk to take the lead, and hit eleven of his twelve free throws that led to their 116-111 victory over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Lakers</a>.</p>
<p>But Wall wasn't the only reason why the Wizards escaped this game with a win on their home floor. With <span>Bradley Beal</span> watching from the sidelines, <span>Martell Webster</span> and Nene turned in huge performances to help shoulder the load on offense. If this team is going to continue their ascension up the Eastern Conference standings, they're going to do it through a collective effort.</p>
<p>The defensive effort was far from great, and giving up 111 points to the Lakers is never ideal, but pulling out these type of victories never came easy for this team in the past.</p>
<p>Here's my game notes in chronological order:</p>
<ul>
<li><span>The offense has found a really nice rhythm the past few days, and you can thank Nene and Gortat for it. Really helps when you have two bigs capable of handling the ball and facilitating from the elbows. Early on we saw Webster get an easy dunk off a backdoor cut, and then followed it up later with a dribble handoff from Nene. It's been a pleasant change-of-pace from the traditional pick and rolls ran with John Wall.</span></li>
<li><span>If there's one thing that has stuck out most about the defense, it's been the undisciplined effort from the wings along the perimeter. Part of it is by design, Ariza and Wall are at their best when they're playing passing lanes and freelancing on the floor, but there has to be some sort of middle ground between that and staying home on shooters. The Lakers had 14 assists on 19 made field goals all before the 5 minute mark of the second quarter, and most came on the Wizards helping one pass away.</span></li>
<li><span>Defensive rotations were a problem the entire night. John Wall in particular was lazy fighting over screens, and fell asleep quite a few times on Steve Blake. We always talk about him struggling against crafty PG's that keep their dribble alive, and it's not hard to see why.</span></li>
<li><span>The offense went away from what was working in the first half, and a lot of it had to do with their insistence on pushing the ball off rebounds. Both Webster and Wall tried splitting two defenders on a fastbreak instead of waiting for his teammates to get back. But it's hard to knock them for doing so when Wall is playing the way he did tonight</span></li>
<li><span>I don't think anyone's getting down on Vesely if he keeps playing like this. He's never going to live up his draft selection and he's never going to fill up the stat sheet, but he's playing productive minutes on a team without many other options at his position. Webster will get most of the credit for leading the second unit's surge at the beginning of the fourth, but it was Vesely who freed up shooters with instinctive back screens and tip outs from the paint. </span></li>
<li><span>The bench is only going to be credited for 7 points on the night, but leaving Webster out there with the second unit was a huge boost to the offense. Obviously this kind of shooting is unsustainable, but you can't blast Wittman for his rotations. It's going to be really interesting how he integrates <span>Otto Porter</span> into the mix.</span></li>
</ul>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/26/5149918/wizards-vs-lakers-final-score-john-wall-and-nene-combine-for-61Umair Khan2013-11-26T19:58:16-05:002013-11-26T19:58:16-05:00John Wall 360 all up in your face<iframe allowfullscreen="true" width="853" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/okw1KoFo9tM" height="480"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Dunks are fun. via <a href="http://www.twitter.com/cjzero">@cjzero</a></p></p></div>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/26/5149812/john-wall-360Amin Vafa2013-11-26T18:30:02-05:002013-11-26T18:30:02-05:00Your Wizards Lakers Swaggy game thread
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<figcaption>Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Discuss tonight's game here.</p> <table cellspacing="5" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center"><tbody> <tr><th bgcolor="silver" align="center" colspan="3">2013-14 NBA Regular Season</th></tr> <tr> <td width="240"><center><img width="80" height="72" src="http://lakers.topbuzz.com/gallery/d/7433-2/team-laker-logo-capt_sge_gyw92_310707161140_photo00_photo_default-504x374.jpg"></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" align="center" colspan="3"><strong>November 26, 2013</strong></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><strong>Verizon Center</strong></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><strong>7 p.m.</strong></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><strong>CSN, 106.7 The Fan</strong></td></tr> <tr><th bgcolor="silver" align="center" colspan="3"><strong>Projected Starting Lineups</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right"> <span>Steve Blake</span><br> </td> <th width="20" align="center">PG</th> <td width="240"> <span>John Wall</span><br> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right"> <span>Jodie Meeks</span><br> </td> <th width="20" align="center">SG</th> <td width="240"> <span>Martell Webster</span><br> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right"> <span>Wesley Johnson</span><br> </td> <th width="20" align="center">SF</th> <td width="240"><span>Trevor Ariza</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right"> <span>Pau Gasol</span><br> </td> <th width="20" align="center">PF</th> <td width="240"> <span>Nene</span><br> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right"> <span>Jordan Hill</span><br> </td> <th width="20" align="center">C</th> <td width="240"> <span>Marcin Gortat</span><br> </td> </tr> <tr><th bgcolor="silver" align="center" colspan="3"><strong>2012/13 Advanced Stats</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right">98.1 (3rd)</td> <th width="20" align="center">Pace</th> <td width="240">94.0 (15th)</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right">101.5 (22nd)</td> <th width="20" align="center">ORtg</th> <td width="240">102.9 (18th)</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right">103.9 (12th)</td> <th width="20" align="center">DRtg</th> <td width="240">105.2 (15th)</td> </tr> <tr><th height="20" bgcolor="silver" colspan="3">Also see: <a href="http://www.silverscreenandroll.com">Silver Screen & Roll</a> | <a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/26/5146452/wizards-vs-lakers-preview-nba-2013">Preview</a> </th></tr> </tbody></table>
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<p><span>Bradley Beal</span> is out, breaking all of our hearts. Trevor Ariza is back, helping us heal. <span>Nick Young</span> is in the PhoneBooth tonight, acting as the swag that heals all wounds.</p>
<p>Welcome back to DC, SwaggyP! I hope you don't mind if we send you and your new friends home with a loss. It's nothing personal, to be sure. It's just business. And proving to ourselves that we can continue to win with a less-than-complete roster. But more than anything, it's business.</p>
<p>GO WIZARDS!</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/26/5149290/wizards-vs-lakers-game-time-tv-schedule-and-open-threadAmin Vafa2013-11-26T17:29:12-05:002013-11-26T17:29:12-05:00Chris Singleton might play tonight<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="/rss/stream/4913373">Chris Singleton might play&nbsp;tonight</a></h3>
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https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/26/5149404/chris-singleton-might-play-tonightMike Prada2013-11-26T13:42:54-05:002013-11-26T13:42:54-05:00Wiz-Lakers preview: Nick Young back!
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<figcaption>Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Nick "The Bean Burrito"/"Swaggy P" Young and the Los Angeles Lakers play the Washington Wizards in DC tonight. Here's what you need to know.</p> <p>Try not to think about what's going on with Bradley Beal. The injury really sucks, but there's nothing that can be done about it right now. There will be wicked pixels a plenty dedicated to how many minutes he's played, what this means for the team's immediate future and when he'll be back.</p>
<p>But that's neither here nor there right now. The <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wizards</a> have a game tonight.</p>
<p><b>Where and when?</b> Tip off is at 7 p.m. at the Verizon Center.</p>
<p><b>Why should I care?</b> Despite their struggles, the <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Lakers</a> are still a fascinating team to follow, both for better and for worse. <strike>Also, <span>Nick Young</span> is the player Michael Jordan wishes he could have been.</strike></p>
<p><b>Are they good?</b> Shockingly so, although who knows how long it will last. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/2014.html">The Lakers are a solid 7-7</a> thanks to a few out of nowhere performances from guys like <span>Jodie Meeks</span> and Steve Blake. Jordan Hill in particular has been great this season, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hilljo01.html">averaging about 16 points and 14 rebounds per 36 minutes while shooting 59 percent from the floor</a> and finishing almost every pick and roll that involves him with a dunk.</p>
<p>That said, there's only so far you can go when your best player is either <span>Chris Kaman</span> or the ghost of <span>Pau Gasol</span>, so they should come back to earth eventually. Even if Kobe Bryant defies the odds and manages to come back from an injury that is notoriously difficult to rehab, there's no guarantee that he'll be good enough to be much of a difference maker. Keep in mind that <span>Elton Brand</span> was a top ten player when he suffered the same kind of injury to his Achilles tendon and was never much more than a good role player afterward.</p>
<p><b>Who's out?</b> Not <span>Trevor Ariza</span>!!! Yep, Ariza is back tonight and is expected to start. <span>Otto Porter</span>, <span>Chris Singleton</span> and, more likely than not, <span>Al Harrington</span> will still be out for Washington, though, with Beal joining them. The Lakers will be missing Kobe and <span>Steve Nash</span>, plus Chris Kaman is questionable due to a sore back.</p>
<p><b>What are they good at?</b> It hasn't manifested itself yet, but this Laker team should be really good on the glass. Gasol, Kaman and Hill are all capable of averaging double digit rebounds if given adequate playing time. Even though the rest of the team kind of sucks at rebounding -- Wes Johnson might do better now that he's finally playing more minutes at his natural position of small forward -- Los Angeles should have a major advantage in the paint every night.</p>
<p><b>What are they bad at?</b> Getting to the line. This is where the absence of Bryant and <span>Dwight Howard</span> really hurts them. Los Angeles is 28th in the NBA in free throw rate, largely due to playing two finesse-oriented centers along with a bunch of perimeter players who lack the will or capability to draw contact and earn trips to the line. Of the rotation players, <span>Xavier Henry</span> is the only one who gets to the line more than five times per 36 minutes, and he's a notoriously weak offensive player. Young, Gasol and Kaman are the most capable scorers on the team and all three prefer shooting jumpers from midrange rather than taking the ball strong to the basket.</p>
<p><b>How's Nick Young doing?</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.truthaboutit.net/2007/12/results-are-innick-youngs-new-nickname.html">The Bean Burrito</a> is off to one of his best starts in years. Check out his stats, per 36 minutes, <a href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/y/youngni01.html" target="_blank">courtesy of Basketball-Reference</a>:</p>
<table width="589" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">
<colgroup>
<col width="35">
<col width="42">
<col width="31">
<col width="42">
<col width="35">
<col width="42">
<col width="30">
<col width="42">
<col width="33">
<col span="2" width="30">
<col width="28">
<col width="29">
<col width="33">
<col width="35">
<col width="30">
<col width="42">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="20">
<td width="35" height="20"><b>FGA</b></td>
<td width="42"><b>FG%</b></td>
<td width="31"><b>3PA</b></td>
<td width="42"><b>3P%</b></td>
<td width="35"><b>2PA</b></td>
<td width="42"><b>2P%</b></td>
<td width="30"><b>FTA</b></td>
<td width="42"><b>FT%</b></td>
<td width="33"><b>ORB</b></td>
<td width="30"><b>TRB</b></td>
<td width="30"><b>AST</b></td>
<td width="28"><b>STL</b></td>
<td width="29"><b>BLK</b></td>
<td width="33"><b>TOV</b></td>
<td width="35"><b>PTS</b></td>
<td width="30"><b>PER</b></td>
<td width="42"><b>TS%</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">15.4</td>
<td align="right">0.439</td>
<td align="right">5.3</td>
<td align="right">0.333</td>
<td align="right">10.1</td>
<td align="right">0.495</td>
<td align="right">4.9</td>
<td align="right">0.787</td>
<td align="right">0.8</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">1.4</td>
<td align="right">1.2</td>
<td align="right">0.3</td>
<td align="right">1.2</td>
<td align="right">19.1</td>
<td align="right">15</td>
<td align="right">0.545</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p><span>Young is still a volume shooter and not much of a well-rounded player, but ... ok, that's all he is: a volume scorer who contributes little else. Still, he's one of the coolest players in the NBA and has always been a joy to follow. I can't find any clips, but The Domi.Nick Effect, a web series that Young and </span><span>Dominic McGuire</span><span> produced during their rookie season, is still one of the funniest things I've ever seen that was produced by professional athletes. Unfortunately it seems to have been scrubbed from the internet. There are a few clips spliced into this video, which also serves as a nice nostalgia trip for those of you who followed the team during the knucklehead years.</span></p>
<p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ttStceLSNY4" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>Young is one of my favorite players and his good and bad qualities had a lot to do with renewing my interest in basketball back in 2007. Even if the rest of the world sees him as just a chucker and knucklehead, I'm still holding out hope that, with the game tied in overtime, he'll <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ugo.com/sports/professional-wrestlings-best-face-turns">turn face</a>, rip off his Lakers jersey to reveal a teal and gold Wizards one, then hit a game-winning shot for Washington.</p>
<p><b>Who's going to win?</b> Washington's playing at home and should in theory be the favorites. That said, LA is playing .500 ball against a tough schedule, so maybe the experts were wrong? I'll go out on a limb and predict a Washington victory tonight and a big game from John Wall. Steve Blake is in for a looooong night.</p>
<p><b>Where can I read more about the Lakers?</b> Check out our sister site, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Silver Screen and Roll</a>. In fact, I'll even go so far as to recommend <a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/user/sbnlakers">checking out their YouTube channel</a>. They have a lot of original content and it's super slick looking.</p>
<h4>More from Bullets Forever:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/26/5148098/bradley-beal-injury-washington-wizards-status?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Bradley Beal says his right leg injury is 'nothing major'</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/26/5147962/bradley-beal-injury-washington-wizards-nba-2013?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Bradley Beal injury: Wizards' SG reinjures right leg, out at least 2 weeks</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/26/5147834/bradley-beal-injury-to-sideline-wizards-guard-for-at-least-two-weeks?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Bradley Beal injury to sideline Wizards' guard for at least two weeks</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/26/5140378/washington-wizards-depth-bench-analysis?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">What can be done to improve the Washington Wizards' bench?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/25/5146644/bradley-beal-injury-leg-washington-wizards?utm_source=bulletsforever&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Bradley Beal may have reinjured his leg, according to reports</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/11/26/5146452/wizards-vs-lakers-preview-nba-2013Thomas Pruitt