Bullets Forever - Wizards vs. Spurs: Washington nearly rallies, but falls in double OT"Ain't No Luck"https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48097/BulletsForever-fv.png2014-02-07T10:16:06-05:00http://www.bulletsforever.com/rss/stream/51482352014-02-07T10:16:06-05:002014-02-07T10:16:06-05:00Was switching the problem vs. the Spurs?
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<figcaption>Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Randy Wittman suggested that one reason the Wizards lost a double-digit lead to the Spurs Wednesday was excessive switching on defense. But did the Wizards actually switch too much in the second half? If so, were the switches damaging?</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wizards</a> do some curious things throughout the course of games. Sometimes they jump out to big leads by halftime, only to come out sluggish and see their lead taper before their own eyes. Other times, they break the offense by resorting to post-ups, which kills the flow of the game. According to MySynergySports.com, they rank just 25th in scoring on such plays and are turning it over 14 percent of the time.</p>
<p>Both of these things happened in Wednesday night's loss to the <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Antonio Spurs</a>, but did they cost the Wizards the game?</p>
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<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3608425/mustreads.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
<p>Not according to <span>Randy Wittman</span>. He<span> had a different explanation for his team's second half woes.</span></p>
<p>"Defensively we're not a switching team, and that's all we were doing," he said. "I don't know where it came from and when you're not a switching team and the guy you're switching with doesn't expect to be switching, that's where these guys came off screens wide open and we took some shortcuts."</p>
<p>Wittman isn't completely wrong here. Over the past month or so, the Wizards have really cut down on switching, opting to drop their bigs into the lane off pick and rolls in order to corral ball handlers rather than engaging them at the point of attack. Wings are locking and trailing ball-handlers off screens rather than switching and sticking to one side of the floor, and they're beginning to see it pay off. John Wall and Trevor Ariza in particular are beating their man to the spot, jumping passing lanes and funneling them into the teeth of the defense. They're becoming over-aggressive without all the unnecessary and lazy switching of assignments that took place earlier in the year.</p>
<p>But it's hard dropping bad habits, and it's extremely easy to resort to these "shortcuts" when you have a short rotation for much of the season. This is especially true in exhausting games such as Wednesday's double-OT loss. The Wizards had several plays in which they switched last night, and it's certainly not unheard of despite Wittman's claims.</p>
<p>I went back and took a look at all the switching done against the Spurs to determine just how much it contributed to their letdown in the second half.</p>
<h4>Switch 1</h4>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/cB6gRiqPGo8" height="315" width="560"></iframe> <br id="1391708158889"></p>
<p>This is a slow-developing play, and it's hard to really fault Bradley Beal for staying back while Marcin Gortat picks up Nando De Colo off a double-screen. It's hard fighting over two screens set by two very large men as it is, but had Beal continued to chasing De Colo around, Nene would have been responsible for both Duncan and Diaw. One is eventually going to pop out to the three-point line to free up a lane for the other to dive to the rim, and Beal was cognizant enough to stay put.</p>
<p>Switching almost always leaves you at a disadvantage on the offensive glass, and Diaw exploits just that by corralling the rebound. But because the play took so long to develop, he could not get off a clean shot at the basket.</p>
<p><b>VERDICT: </b>Good switch.</p>
<h4>Switch 2</h4>
<p>Here, the Spurs are going to run a series of cross-screens in the paint to confuse the defense and hopefully get Tim Duncan in a favorable matchup on the low block. Duncan will roll into the paint unimpeded, thanks to a down-screen set by Marco Belinelli.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3968191/ariza_switch.jpg"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3968191/ariza_switch.jpg" class="photo" alt="Ariza_switch"></a> <br id="1391703878782"></p>
<p>After the down screen is set, Duncan is going to take a cross-screen from Matt Bonner, which should get him the post-up opportunity he wants. Knowing this, Webster leaves his man and bumps Duncan which buys Gortat that extra split-second needed to recover.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3968215/ariza_switch_2.jpg"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3968215/ariza_switch_2.jpg" class="photo" alt="Ariza_switch_2"></a></p>
<p>The problem here is his original man, Danny Green, is going to pop up above the break for an easy look. Luckily, Ariza bails Martell out with a strong closeout, which forces Green to put the ball on the floor and reset.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3968223/ariza_switch_3.jpg"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3968223/ariza_switch_3.jpg" class="photo" alt="Ariza_switch_3"></a> <br id="1391704141706"></p>
<p>Green swings it back to <span>Patty Mills</span> who finds Duncan down low for the score. In this case, had the switch not been made, Green would've nailed his second three of the half.</p>
<p><b>VERDICT: </b>Necessary switch.</p>
<h4>Switch 3</h4>
<p>In the past, Wizards bigs would hedge hard, hoping for the ball handler to pick up his dribble. Instead, the Wizards are starting to have those big men drop back further, even if it means conceding mid-range shots. This goes back to what they did so well last year.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3968575/joseph.jpg"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3968575/joseph.jpg" class="photo" alt="Joseph"></a></p>
<p>But this also leaves bigs susceptible to switches if the ball handler chooses to reset. Because Bonner was the screener, Wall absolutely had to stay attached to him to prevent an open three-point. Duncan comes up and sets a second pick, and again the bigs stay put. Cory Joseph takes the bait, and nails the midrange jumper.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3968591/joseph_2.jpg"><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3968591/joseph_2.jpg" class="photo" alt="Joseph_2"></a></p>
<p>There's not much else you can do, and if you're giving up anything, it might as well be just that.</p>
<p><b>VERDICT: </b>Benign switch.</p>
<h4>Switch 4</h4>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/QBdOJjqv47g" height="315" width="560"></iframe> <br id="1391708224205"></p>
<p>Again, this is another slow-developing play, so it's not a terrible decision to switch when the primary action involves<span>De Colo</span> and Bonner, especially when it's this late in the shot clock. Trevor Booker was well on his way to shutting off the baseline completely before Gortat slid over, and that left <span>Tiago Splitter</span> wide open to catch and finish.</p>
<p><b>VERDICT: </b>Not a terrible switch, though not perfectly executed.</p>
<h4>Switch 5</h4>
<p>This is somewhat off a broken play. Splitter chases down the offensive rebound, and because the Wizards' floor balance is out of whac, De Colo knows there's a good chance he can take the dribble hand-off and finish.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3968367/seraphin_switch.jpg" style="background-color: #ffffff;"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3968367/seraphin_switch.jpg" class="photo" alt="Seraphin_switch"></a></p>
<p>Because Webster takes so long reacting to the play, Seraphin has to switch. By the time he even gets screened off by Splitter, his man had already taken the hand-off and a hard dribble to the baseline. But Seraphin takes a really poor angle here and unsuccessfully takes away the baseline, and De Colo scores at the rim.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3968399/seraphin_switch_2.jpg"><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3968399/seraphin_switch_2.jpg" class="photo" alt="Seraphin_switch_2"></a></p>
<p><b>VERDICT: </b>Poor switch.</p>
<h4>Switch 6</h4>
<p>Here's antoher side pick and roll, except this time it's going toward the middle. Booker hangs back knowing Bonner is a threat to pop out on the other side, so it's Garrett Temple's job to fight over the screen.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3968423/temple.jpg"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3968423/temple.jpg" class="photo" alt="Temple"></a></p>
<p>Except, Temple inexplicably goes under the screen, leaving Booker to dart out to contest the three. He's not the only one to go under a Mills screen that night, I caught Webster and Wall do the very same earlier in the game.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3968439/temple_2.jpg"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3968439/temple_2.jpg" class="photo" alt="Temple_2"></a></p>
<p><b>VERDICT: </b>Bad switch.</p>
<h4>Switch 7</h4>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/SY1dF6Z-KAA" height="315" width="560"></iframe> <br id="1391708944773"></p>
<p>This could've gone either way. Nene nearly had the steal, and if he did corral it, this would have been a huuuuuge play. <span>But in hindsight, should he have stayed on Duncan and trusted the Wizards' defense? </span></p>
<p><span>Tough call. Patty Mills gets a pair of staggered screens, and while Wall does a good job of navigating through the first, he's unable to fight through the second, forcing Nene to pick up the ball handler. Mills was just red-hot from the field, so the last thing you want to do is give him a look at the basket. Obviously, it didn't work out well for the Wizards, but I understand the thought process.</span></p>
<p><b>VERDICT: </b>Understandable switch.</p>
<p>***</p>
<p>In total, I counted 14 defensive possessions that included some semblance of switching. The seven I highlighted above were the ones that ended with a score. The rest led to turnovers or missed shots. As you can see, even the ones that led to a score were often justifiable.</p>
<p>You're never going to completely eliminate switching from any defense around the league, and Wittman certainly didn't imply that in his presser. Still, I don't think you can deem switching as the cause for the Spurs comeback. Other<span> issues -- halfhearted efforts in navigating through screens, a stagnated offense, and a tight rotation -- speak more toward the root of the problem in that game.</span></p>
<p><i>Quote via Satchel.</i></p>
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https://www.bulletsforever.com/2014/2/7/5386102/spurs-wizards-randy-wittman-defense-switchingUmair Khan2014-02-06T14:15:47-05:002014-02-06T14:15:47-05:00Magical Pixels: Streak continues in cruel fashion
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<figcaption>Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Can you think of a more #SoWizards way to drop back to .500 and continue an eight-year losing streak?</p> <p>It had to come to an end at some point, right? Over the last two weeks, the <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Wizards</a> defeated the <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Suns</a>, <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Warriors</a>, <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Thunder</a> and <a href="https://www.blazersedge.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Trail Blazers</a>, so can we really complain that they finished off that Western Conference Mount Rushmore stretch with a double-overtime loss to the <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Antonio Spurs</a>, the NBA's model franchise over the past decade?</p>
<p>Wait, what am I saying? Of course we can complain, that's what Wizards fans do!! The Spurs were without Manu Ginobli and <span>Kawhi Leonard</span> last night, and the Wizards built a 17-point first half lead (seemingly) as a result. Then San Antonio lost <span>Tony Parker</span> for the second half due to lower back tightness, and...the Spurs went on a massive third-quarter run? Fueled by 678-year old <span>Tim Duncan</span>?? AND PATTY MILLS?!?!</p>
<p>Then what if I told you that, after the Spurs forced overtime and appeared set for a win up four with 8.7 seconds to play, <span>John Wall</span> forced double OT with two quick layups -- his score-tying scoop coming with 1.9 seconds to go following an incredible inbounds steal and mad four-second, three-quarters court dash to the rim -- and that Duncan fouled out less than a minute into the second overtime?</p>
<p>I bet you'd tell me momentum + Duncan foul out = Wizards win, wouldn't you? Sorry kids, Wizards math doesn't work that way. Tired legs betrayed Washington in double OT, when the Wizards shot 0-for-11 and were outscored 10-3, leading to a 125-118 loss, their 16th straight (!!) to the Spurs.</p>
<p>Sure, there's been worse defeats, way worse, but it would have been really sweet to get this one and go two games above .500 heading into a two-game stretch against the imploding <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cavaliers</a> and putrid <a href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Kings</a>. Instead, it's back to .500 for the Wizards, a position they're suddenly far too familiar with.</p>
<p>Sigh.</p>
<h4>KEY LINKS</h4>
<p><b>Home team recaps: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2014/2/5/5384194/wizards-vs-spurs-nba-2013">BF StoryStream</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2014/2/4/5377148/washington-wizards-winning-record-john-wall-500">SB Nation NBA</a> | Washington Post (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/spurs-125-wizards-118-after-a-stunning-late-rally-washington-falls-in-a-heartbreaker/2014/02/05/dda26550-8edd-11e3-878e-d76656564a01_story.html">gamer</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wizards-insider/wp/2014/02/06/the-two-minutes-that-cost-the-wizards-in-double-overtime-loss-to-san-antonio/">sidebar</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/jason-reid-wizards-fall-to-spurs-in-double-overtime-but-there-is-a-silver-lining/2014/02/05/c1511ef2-8edb-11e3-84e1-27626c5ef5fb_story.html">Jason Reid column</a>) | <a href="http://washington.cbslocal.com/2014/02/05/wizards-lose-to-16th-straight-to-spurs-in-2ot-drop-back-to-500/" target="_blank">AP</a> | CSN Washington (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.csnwashington.com/basketball-washington-wizards/talk/instant-analysis-spurs-125-wizards-118-2ot">recap</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.csnwashington.com/basketball-washington-wizards/talk/wake-call-beal-shakes-wooziness">sidebar</a>) | <a href="http://nba.si.com/2014/02/05/john-wall-washington-wizards-san-antonio-spurs-double-overtime/" target="_blank">Point Forward</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://wizofawes.com/2014/02/05/wizards-fall-apart-lose-spurs-double-overtime-wall-duncan/">Wiz of Awes</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://dcsportsbox.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2744&Itemid=62">DC Sports Box</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://tedstake.monumentalnetwork.com/2014/02/06/0-for-11-in-second-ot">Ted's Take</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/wizards/game-recap-wizards-118-spurs-125">Wizards.com</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://washingtonwizardsblog.monumentalnetwork.com/2014/02/05/wizspurs-gameday-blog">Monumental Network</a></p>
<p><b>Road team recaps:</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/2014/2/5/5384958/recap-spurs-wizards-125-118-over-time-win">Pounding the Rock</a> | <a href="http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2014/02/05/spurs-125-washington-118-2ot-craziness-in-the-nations-capital/" target="_blank">San Antonio Express-News</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.48minutesofhell.com/san-antonio-spurs-washington-wizards-el-conclusion">48 Minutes of Hell</a> | <a href="http://www.projectspurs.com/2013-articles/february/spurs-erase-17-point-deficit-defeat-wizards-in-double-overtime.html" target="_blank">Project Spurs</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/wizards/video/games/wizards/2014/02/05/0021300727-sas-was-recap.nba/">Game highlights</a></p>
<p><b>Postgame interviews: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/wittman-postgame-2514">Randy Wittman</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/john-wall-postgame-2-5-14">John Wall</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/bradley-beal-postgame-2-5-14">Bradley Beal</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/trevor-ariza-postgame-2-5-14">Trevor Ariza</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/marcin-gortat-postgame-2-5-14">Marcin Gortat</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/duncan-postgame-2514">Tim Duncan</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/gregg-popovich-postgame-2514">Gregg Popovich</a></p>
<h4>KEY STATS</h4>
<p><b>0 </b>- Field goals scored by Washington in double overtime against the Spurs. The Wiz shot 0-for-11 in 2OT.</p>
<p><b>62.5 </b>- The percentage of San Antonio's field goals against Washington that came off assists.</p>
<p><b>43</b> - The percentage of Washington's field goals against San Antonio that came off assists.</p>
<h4>TWEETS OF THE NIGHT</h4>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Naked for John Wall. Who is with me?</p>
— chad dukes (@chaddukes) <a href="https://twitter.com/chaddukes/statuses/431258597465808898">February 6, 2014</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>OFGODFGdpfojadoifj[odsifjospdgjfpdshugfhpud WHAT JUST HAPPENED</p>
— Mike Prada (@MikePradaSBN) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikePradaSBN/statuses/431258162772332544">February 6, 2014</a>
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<p> </p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Spurs-Wiz has entered the ludicrous zone.</p>
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZachLowe_NBA/statuses/431258360697323520">February 6, 2014</a>
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<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>GETTIN JWALL TAT ON WE FACE RITE NOW!!!!! COOLIN!!!!!!!! $$$$$$$ RT <a href="https://twitter.com/HoopDistrictDC">@HoopDistrictDC</a>: JOHN WALL FCK THE WORLD.</p>
— wizznutzz (@wzzntzz) <a href="https://twitter.com/wzzntzz/statuses/431258617522974720">February 6, 2014</a>
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<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Pop: That was one of the best wins I've ever been associated with.</p>
— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/JMcDonald_SAEN/statuses/431267756194156545">February 6, 2014</a>
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<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Popovich on John Wall: "I don't know what else I can say about the guy...this year is a huge jump for him"</p>
— Adam McGinnis (@adammcginnis) <a href="https://twitter.com/adammcginnis/statuses/431289258608173056">February 6, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Tim Duncan on John Wall: "He’s an All-Star and he’s going to be a great one" <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Wizards&src=hash">#Wizards</a></p>
— Adam McGinnis (@adammcginnis) <a href="https://twitter.com/adammcginnis/statuses/431289573663342592">February 6, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
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<h4>VIDEO/GIF OF THE NIGHT</h4>
<p>A loss is a loss, but this was still awesome. (Make sure to play the audio to experience the full Buckhantz Effect.)</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="600" width="600" src="https://vine.co/v/MaX0B11HvUP/embed/simple" class="vine-embed"></iframe>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.vine.co/static/scripts/embed.js"></script></p>
<h4>GAMETHREAD COMMENT OF THE NIGHT</h4>
<p><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3967119/GT_comment.png"></p>
<h4>GAMETHREAD ROLLCALL</h4>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Wall_Hopeful">Wall_Hopeful</a></td>
<td>114</td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/HailSkinz">HailSkinz</a></td>
<td>96</td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BealMVP4ever">BealMVP4ever</a></td>
<td>94</td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Craig_">Craig_</a></td>
<td>82</td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Singhgidda">Singhgidda</a></td>
<td>74</td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Yeti60">Yeti60</a></td>
<td>68</td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/souldrummer">souldrummer</a></td>
<td>67</td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/neualex308">neualex308</a></td>
<td>62</td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/elliotlevy2">elliotlevy2</a></td>
<td>54</td>
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<td>10</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DMV%20Cock">DMV Cock</a></td>
<td>54</td>
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<td>11</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/jayxelo">jayxelo</a></td>
<td>52</td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/gray16">gray16</a></td>
<td>49</td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Chetho">Chetho</a></td>
<td>48</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>14</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/lobster11">lobster11</a></td>
<td>46</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/tw10">tw10</a></td>
<td>42</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>16</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/17squall">17squall</a></td>
<td>40</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Shark%20Fin%20Soup">Shark Fin Soup</a></td>
<td>36</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>18</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ZonkerBL">ZonkerBL</a></td>
<td>31</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/jaffejoe">jaffejoe</a></td>
<td>27</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>20</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/richkam14">richkam14</a></td>
<td>27</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>21</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/imperialme">imperialme</a></td>
<td>23</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>22</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/abala">abala</a></td>
<td>21</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>23</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/the%20new%20Bradfather">the new Bradfather</a></td>
<td>20</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>24</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/wizardsfan13">wizardsfan13</a></td>
<td>19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>25</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DCKRS">DCKRS</a></td>
<td>18</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>26</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Baird15">Baird15</a></td>
<td>17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>27</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/jarem">jarem</a></td>
<td>14</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>28</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Dutch%20Hoopfan">Dutch Hoopfan</a></td>
<td>14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>29</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/thewiz06">thewiz06</a></td>
<td>13</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>30</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/KINGWIZ86">KINGWIZ86</a></td>
<td>13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>31</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DCPerspective">DCPerspective</a></td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>32</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/johnny%20obeid">johnny obeid</a></td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>33</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Banode">Banode</a></td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>34</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/OTTO%20TWIGGY">OTTO TWIGGY</a></td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>35</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/cuppettcj">cuppettcj</a></td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>36</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/The%20Hoops%20Guru">The Hoops Guru</a></td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>37</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Krobify">Krobify</a></td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>38</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Rook6980">Rook6980</a></td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>39</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/cheezit">cheezit</a></td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>40</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Holt%20.70%20and%20Two%20Good%20Goals">Holt .70 and Two Good Goals</a></td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>41</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/little%20stevie%20colter">little stevie colter</a></td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>42</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DCrez">DCrez</a></td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>43</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/nesby8">nesby8</a></td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>44</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Rice2012">Rice2012</a></td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>45</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DCUniverse">DCUniverse</a></td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>46</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/spanishfalcon">spanishfalcon</a></td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>47</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/the%20birds%20clinch">the birds clinch</a></td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>48</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BulletsBandwagon">BulletsBandwagon</a></td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>49</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Gators2015_BB3">Gators2015_BB3</a></td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>50</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/p.robb87">p.robb87</a></td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>51</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/jontydeans">jontydeans</a></td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>52</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/denny%20from%20yates">denny from yates</a></td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>53</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/John%20Wall%20Stan">John Wall Stan</a></td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>54</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DCeee">DCeee</a></td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>55</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Tbonebullets">Tbonebullets</a></td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>56</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/PolishHammer">PolishHammer</a></td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>57</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/dave21110">dave21110</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>58</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/'SkinsFan214life">'SkinsFan214life</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>59</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BCinVA">BCinVA</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>60</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/RCpige">RCpige</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>61</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Clutchcity202">Clutchcity202</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>62</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BayAreaBullet">BayAreaBullet</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>63</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/makpilot23">makpilot23</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>64</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/forthepeople">forthepeople</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>65</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DCON88">DCON88</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>66</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ferrariford2">ferrariford2</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>67</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/khrabb">khrabb</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>68</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BackScreenLob">BackScreenLob</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>69</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Croftonpost">Croftonpost</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>70</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DSRalltheway">DSRalltheway</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>71</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/rykozel">rykozel</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>72</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/PAClark11">PAClark11</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>73</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/redskinz_lover">redskinz_lover</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>74</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/RonCarlos">RonCarlos</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>75</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Jormond%20Wall">Jormond Wall</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>76</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BigPenisArenas">BigPenisArenas</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>77</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/obeast">obeast</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>78</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/HijackedD">HijackedD</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>79</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/spotless">spotless</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>80</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ATrueNigerian">ATrueNigerian</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>81</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/arian1123">arian1123</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>82</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DCfaninFrance">DCfaninFrance</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>83</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/KurisuDevil">KurisuDevil</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>84</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/FTT">FTT</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>85</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/The%20Dark%20Side%20of%20the%20Sun">The Dark Side of the Sun</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>86</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/oakhillsteeze">oakhillsteeze</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>87</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/hscer">hscer</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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https://www.bulletsforever.com/2014/2/6/5385698/magical-pixels-wizards-vs-spurs-washington-falls-back-to-500-withJeff Newman2014-02-05T22:22:35-05:002014-02-05T22:22:35-05:00Wiz blow big lead, fall in double OT
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gMc5PrgPF289YvNgzE0mNIhWBgg=/0x0:2908x1939/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28154037/20140205_lbm_au3_029.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Some amazing John Wall heroics in the first overtime weren't enough to enable the Wizards to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. In the end, they blew a 17-point first half lead and fell to the Spurs, 125-118, in double OT.</p> <p>Can the Wizards at least get a point out of that game? Maybe the NHL-style overtime loss boost? Please?</p>
<p>I really don't know where to start otherwise. That one sucks to lose. The first half was so beautiful, the first overtime comeback so thrilling. But in the end, the Spurs are the Spurs, and they never get rattled. Even without the great Tim Duncan for most of the second overtime, the Spurs out-executed the Wizards and came away with a 125-118 win.</p>
<p>How we even got there was a miracle. The Wizards were down six without much time left and kept extending the game with twos. Then, this happened.</p>
<p><span> </span><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3965551/837388529.gif" style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 12px;"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3965551/837388529_medium.gif" class="photo" alt="837388529_medium"></a></p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="600" width="600" src="https://vine.co/v/MaX0B11HvUP/embed/simple" class="vine-embed"></iframe>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.vine.co/static/scripts/embed.js"></script></p>
<p>When John Wall made that improbable play to tie the game, it looked like the seal would be lifted. Momentum, if you believe such a thing, was on the Wizards' side, especially when Tim Duncan fouled out on a ticky-tack call on a rebound.</p>
<p>Sadly, momentum means diddly squat when faced off against the formidable enemy known as fatigue. The Wizards had nothing left in that second OT, and it showed in their slow offensive sets and forced jumpers that never had a chance. Wall had no business flinging the two jumpers he did that came nowhere close to going in, and his drive for a floater later in the OT seemed more like a cry for help. Meanwhile, the Spurs kept plugging away, finally taking commanding control with their<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2014/1/23/5338634/san-antonio-spurs-set-play-baseline-hammer"> patented Baseline Hammer set</a> that got Danny Green an open three and a five-point lead.</p>
<p>Instead of ending one of the league's most embarrassing losing streaks (the Wizards haven't defeated the Spurs since November of 2005), the Wizards lost to a shorthanded team missing it's top four players by the end. This is no moral victory.</p>
<p>It's especially no moral victory because of how it began. <span>I don't know if I've ever had more fun watching this team that I did seeing that first half. The ball was moving, shots were falling and the defense swarmed. Wall helped shut down Tony Parker, and the rest of the Wizards rarely gave the Spurs anything easy. San Antonio, in turn, responded by turning it over, fueling the Wizards' fast break. And when they did get in the half court, Wall's feathery touch from the perimeter bailed Washington out. It was 62-48 at halftime and it felt like a much bigger lead.</span></p>
<p>But the third quarter showed why the Spurs are the Spurs. Fighting without Parker, who left the game with a back injury, the unheralded backcourt duo of Nando de Colo and Cory Joseph went at the Wizards offensively. Duncan suddenly couldn't miss, and I checked my apartment to make sure I didn't sneak into a time machine by accident. Meanwhile, Boris Diaw entered the game and effectively took Nene out of it, providing the spacing the Spurs needed to get their offense humming again.</p>
<p>It was gutcheck time. Time to respond to a run like a good team.</p>
<p>For a while, the Wizards did. Their lockdown defense returned, mostly holding the Spurs down both with and without Duncan, with the exception of a couple Danny Green threes that made me nervous. The offense trudged along, but a couple timely Wall/Nene pick and rolls help keep the Spurs at bay. When Trevor Ariza dunked after a backcut and a beautiful pass to put the Wizards up five with under a minute and a half remaining, things looked comfortable.</p>
<p><span>But this is the Spurs. Like cockroaches, they never go away, and ultimately, it only took less than half a minute for the Wizards' lead to be erased. </span><span>First, Gregg Popovich drew up a brilliant after-timeout play to get Patty Mills a wide-open three in about 0.348343980403 seconds. Then, after Nene missed trying to throw one down, the Wizards looked like they had a steal ... until the ball trickled to Duncan, who hit the game-tying floater.</span></p>
<p>The Spurs nearly finished things off in regulation from there. The Wizards badly botched their attempt to get the go-ahead hoop, with Wall getting embarrassed by Danny Green on a shot-clock violation. It looked like the Wizards would lose in a #SoWizards fashion, especially when Marcin Gortat's heady tap-out on a rebound somehow trickled to Mills with an open lane. But Mills instead pulled up and missed a jumper, and Tiago Splitter's tip fell off. Sorry in advance to my next-door neighbors. I will accept the noise violation.</p>
<p>The Spurs really should have won in the first OT and would have if not for Wall's heroics. In the end, it was only a matter of time.</p>
<p>This one's frustrating, no doubt. San Antonio was missing its stars, and the Wizards still couldn't finish the game off when they had it under their control. Poise, execution, discipline: All things the Wizards exhibited during this recent run, but all things that let them down tonight. Yet another reminder that there's still a looong way to go.</p>
<h4>NOTES:</h4>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span>I really hope Bradley Beal's omission from overtime was on account of hitting his 34-minute limit and not because of any serious hand or finger injury.</span></li>
<li><span>Not the best game for Nene. He looked too slow against San Antonio's small lineups and too small against the Spurs' big ones.</span></li>
<li><span>I liked what I saw from Kevin Seraphin in the first half, but not the second. I like what I saw from Trevor Booker all game. Maybe he should have been given a chance to close it out.</span></li>
<li><span>Hard to complain too much about Wall when he temporarily saved the game, but the Spurs really shut him down in the fourth quarter. He has to find a way to stay poised even when teams put length like Danny Green on him.</span></li>
</ul>
<p>
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https://www.bulletsforever.com/2014/2/5/5384560/wizards-vs-spurs-score-final-john-wallMike Prada2014-02-05T20:30:15-05:002014-02-05T20:30:15-05:00Parker out for second half<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="/rss/stream/5148235">Parker out for second&nbsp;half</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p></p></div>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2014/2/5/5384494/parker-out-for-second-halfMike Prada2014-02-05T18:45:19-05:002014-02-05T18:45:19-05:00Your Wizards-Spurs game thread
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/W3t5MuEeJdOekHQzK3pM3AQV1bI=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28144319/20131113_kkt_ai1_361.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Discuss the game here.</p> <table cellspacing="5" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center"><tbody> <tr><th bgcolor="silver" align="center" style="text-align: center;" colspan="3">2013-14 NBA Regular Season</th></tr> <tr> <td width="240"><center style="text-align: center;"> <img width="80" height="72" src="http://www.logostage.com/logos/San_Antonio_Spurs.png"> </center></td> <th width="20" align="center" style="text-align: center;">vs</th> <td width="240"><center style="text-align: 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" style="text-align: center;" colspan="3"><strong>February 5, 2014</strong></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" style="text-align: center;" colspan="3"><strong>Verizon Center</strong></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" style="text-align: center;" colspan="3"><strong>7 p.m.</strong></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" style="text-align: center;" colspan="3"><strong>CSN, 106.7 The Fan</strong></td></tr> <tr><th bgcolor="silver" align="center" style="text-align: center;" colspan="3"><strong>Projected Starting Lineups</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right" style="text-align: center;"><span>Tony Parker</span></td> <th width="20" align="center" style="text-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>Cory Joseph</span></td> <th width="20" align="center" style="text-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>Danny Green</span></td> <th width="20" align="center" style="text-align: center;">SF</th> <td width="240" style="text-align: center;"><span>Trevor Ariza</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right" style="text-align: center;"><span>Tim Duncan</span></td> <th width="20" align="center" style="text-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>Tiago Splitter</span></td> <th width="20" align="center" style="text-align: center;">C</th> <td width="240" style="text-align: center;"><span>Marcin Gortat</span></td> </tr> <tr><th bgcolor="silver" align="center" style="text-align: center;" colspan="3"><strong>2013-14 Advanced Stats</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right" style="text-align: center;">94.3 (15th)</td> <th width="20" align="center" style="text-align: center;">Pace</th> <td width="240" style="text-align: center;"><span>93.7 (17th)</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right" style="text-align: center;">109.8 (6th)</td> <th width="20" align="center" style="text-align: center;">ORtg</th> <td width="240" style="text-align: center;"><span>103.7 (21st)</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right" style="text-align: center;">102.3 (5th)</td> <th width="20" align="center" style="text-align: center;">DRtg</th> <td width="240" style="text-align: center;"><span>103.9 (8th)</span></td> </tr> <tr><th height="20" bgcolor="silver" style="text-align: center;" colspan="3">Also see: <a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/">Pounding the Rock</a> | <a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2014/2/5/5376700/wizards-vs-spurs-preview-nba-2013">Preview</a> </th></tr> </tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p>LEGGGGOOOOO.</p>
<p>(Reminder: <a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2014/2/5/5382836/question-of-the-game-bradley-beal-wizards-spurs">send in your question submissions for Bradley Beal</a>, and Satchel will try to track him down to ask it after the game. Highest recs for a serious question gets the win.).</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2014/2/5/5384126/spurs-vs-wizards-game-time-tv-schedule-and-open-threadMike Prada2014-02-05T15:01:05-05:002014-02-05T15:01:05-05:00Give us a question to ask Bradley Beal
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<p>Have a question for Bradley Beal? Of course you do, he's delightful! Leave it in the comments and he might answer it after the Wizards face San Antonio tonight!</p> <p>Hey Wiz fans, ever wanted to ask one of the players a question? Like, one about basketball or sandwiches or 18th century Russian literature?</p>
<p>Well good news, because here at Bullets Forever we're taking a little idea from our friends at <a href="http://www.sactownroyalty.com/">Sactown Royalty </a>and giving you the chance to pose Bradley Beal a question tonight.</p>
<p>The Question of the Game thread <b>gives BF readers the chance to offer up a question for a particular player during a home game</b>. Based on which question gets the highest number of recs (and general reasonableness, don't get weird), one of the BF writers will try to track down that player and ask him the question following the game.</p>
<p>Tonight, that's Beal as the Wizards host the San Antonio Spurs.</p>
<p>Just a couple rules: (a) Keep it limited to one question, unless it's a two-part deal where the two questions tie directly together. (b) No questions about being over .500, under .500, around .500 or the film 500 Days of Summer.</p>
<p>So, that's pretty much it! Leave your questions for Bradley in this thread, get clicking on those recs, and legggggggo Wizards!</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2014/2/5/5382836/question-of-the-game-bradley-beal-wizards-spursSatchel Price2014-02-05T13:40:34-05:002014-02-05T13:40:34-05:00WAS vs. SA preview: The Spurs come to Chinatown
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<figcaption>Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Wizards' five game home stand continues with a Wednesday match against the defending Western Conference Champs and an opportunity to build on their 24-23 record. </p> <p><i>Editor's Note: Please welcome Albert Lee, aka thewiz06, to the BF team! Albert's a longtime community member that also contributes to SB Nation's WNBA site, <a href="http://www.swishappeal.com/">Swish Appeal</a>, so we're thrilled to have him aboard.</i></p>
<p>Last Tuesday, Satchel Price wrote that there was a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2014/1/28/5354320/wizards-road-trip-randy-wittman-firing">critical stretch of five games in nine days</a>, all against teams that are title contenders. If the <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wizards</a> were to lose all five of those games, it would only raise more questions on the team's direction and whether the front office staff, namely Ernie Grunfeld and <span>Randy Wittman</span>, should still have a job this fall.</p>
<p>Fortunately, the Wizards didn't have four straight blowout losses since last Tuesday. In fact, I think we're feeling pretty good now that this season-defining stretch is almost over. First, the Wizards beat the <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Warriors</a> on the road at ROARACLE. Then, they made a good late comeback despite a loss to the <a href="https://www.clipsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Clippers</a> at Staples Center. Then, they kicked off their current five game home stand last Saturday with a big win over the <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Thunder</a>. With last Monday's win over the <a href="https://www.blazersedge.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Trail Blazers</a>, the Wizards got above .500 for the first time this season and in <span>John Wall's</span> entire career. But they also clinched a winning record in the season defining stretch against many of the toughest opponents in the NBA.</p>
<p>Even then, we're not satisfied just yet. Now that the Wizards are <b>FINALLY</b> above .500, we want to see the positive momentum continue as we head towards All Star Break next week. We still have one more major team in this important stretch, as the 35-13 <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Antonio Spurs</a> come to Verizon Center on the second game of their nine game road trip while the <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" target="_blank" href="http://www.sarodeo.com/">San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo</a> goes on at the AT&T Center. Tony Parker will provide another major test for Wall, who continues to show on a consistent basis that he is one of the best point guards in the NBA.</p>
<p><b>Where and when?</b> Tip off is at 7 p.m. at the Verizon Center. You can watch the game on Comcast SportsNet.</p>
<p><b>Are they good?</b> At 35-13, the Spurs are damn good by virtue of their record alone. <span>However, they've been hit with injuries as of late. Still, they just happen to have the Wizards' number, as the Wizards haven't beaten the Spurs since November 12, 2005.</span></p>
<p><b>Who's out?</b> For the Wizards, <span>Al Harrington</span>. For the Spurs, multiple players will be out. One of their Big Three, <span>Manu Ginobili</span> has a hamstring injury and will be out for a few weeks. <span>Kawhi Leonard</span> is also out due to a broken hand. <span>Tiago Splitter</span><span> and </span><span>Danny Green</span><span> have just recently come back from injuries, with Splitter returning last Saturday in a win vs. the </span><a href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/" class="sbn-auto-link" style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 12px;">Kings</a><span> and Green getting back on the court Monday in their road win against the </span><a href="https://www.thebirdwrites.com/" class="sbn-auto-link" style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 12px;">Pelicans</a><span>.</span></p>
<p><b>What are they good at?</b> The Spurs rank near the top in most team offensive and defensive categories, especially when their Big Three of <span>Tony Parker</span>, <span>Tim Duncan</span>, and Manu Ginobili is healthy. With Green and Splitter back, they should improve and hold their own on their annual long road trip while the Rodeo's going on back in San Antonio.</p>
<p><b>What are they bad at?</b> If anything, it's keeping their team healthy. In their last five games, which included a three game losing streak, the <a href="http://stats.nba.com/leagueTeamGeneral.html?PerMode=PerGame&sortField=FG_PCT&sortOrder=DES&SeasonType=Regular%20Season&pageNo=1&rowsPerPage=30&filters=&LastNGames=5&MeasureType=Base" target="_blank">Spurs made 46.8 percent of their shots</a>, and grabbed 34.8 rebounds a game, while their defense allowed <a href="http://stats.nba.com/leagueTeamGeneral.html?PerMode=PerGame&sortField=OPP_FG_PCT&sortOrder=ASC&SeasonType=Regular%20Season&pageNo=1&rowsPerPage=30&filters=&LastNGames=5&MeasureType=Opponent" target="_blank">opponents to make 46.4 percent of their shots</a> and grab 43.6 rebounds a game, all numbers that are considerably worse than their season averages in those categories and aren't trends that we see in a team like the Spurs. <span>For more reading, here's a </span><a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/opinion/2014/1/31/5362532/the-worst-part-of-the-spurs-struggles-is-probably-in-the-past" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 12px;">piece from SB Nation Spurs site Pounding the Rock</a><span> that focused on their recent struggles. But with the returns of Splitter and Green, those struggles should probably be behind them going forward.</span></p>
<p><b>Who's going to win?</b> I'm going to be a homer and say that the Wizards will pull the win off in a close game, with a tight eight man rotation, even though the Spurs have the best road record in the NBA at 17-5. If the Wizards can beat the <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Heat</a>, Thunder, and Blazers all by double digits at home, they should have the ability to find a way to win against a Spurs team that is still getting its groove back from a rough January.</p>
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https://www.bulletsforever.com/2014/2/5/5376700/wizards-vs-spurs-preview-nba-2013Albert Lee