Bullets Forever - Wizards at Nuggets: Turnovers, other mistakes doom Washington"Ain't No Luck"https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48097/BulletsForever-fv.png2014-03-24T13:31:03-04:00http://www.bulletsforever.com/rss/stream/53042772014-03-24T13:31:03-04:002014-03-24T13:31:03-04:00Magical Pixels: Wizards lose grip on win
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<p>The Wizards just couldn't keep possession of the ball in a 105-102 loss to the Nuggets, but remain somewhat secure as the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference...for now.</p> <p>So that road trip was terrible.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wizards</a> finished up a four-game West Coast swing with a 105-102 loss to the depleted <a href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Nuggets</a>, giving them a 1-3 record for the trip and a 36-34 overall record with the next two games against the <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Suns</a> and <a href="https://www.indycornrows.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pacers</a>. And you thought we were done talking about .500 this season...</p>
<p><span>John Wall</span> sure did pick an awful time to have his worst game in awhile. <span>Bradley Beal</span> finally kinda-sorta broke out of a bad shooting slump, scoring 21 points on 8-of-18 shooting. <span>Trevor Ariza</span> chipped in 18 points on 8-of-13 shooting, and <span>Marcin Gortat</span> racked up another double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, and <span>Drew Gooden</span> continued to singe off the bench with 15 points (7-of-12 shooting).</p>
<p>But Wall turned it over eight times to go with 15 points and four assists, and if Washington could have gotten just a little more from him, this is probably a win. In fact, it's a testament to how winnable this game was that the Wizards were still in it despite 24 turnovers on the road. Sigh. More coulda-woulda-shoulda with this team.</p>
<p>The Wizards remain seeded sixth in the Eastern Conference, two games back of the <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Nets</a> for the fifth seed, and two games up on the seventh-seeded <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Bobcats</a>. Luckily, the Bobcats play the <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Rockets</a> and Nets in their next two games, so even if the Wizards drop their next two, it's unlikely Charlotte will catch them...for now.</p>
<h4>KEY LINKS</h4>
<p><b>Road team recaps: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2014/3/23/5540236/washington-wizards-denver-nuggets-march-2014">BF StoryStream</a> | Washington Post (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards-vs-nuggets-washingtons-road-trip-ends-with-105-102-loss-to-denver/2014/03/23/8053369a-b2cd-11e3-8cb6-284052554d74_story.html">gamer</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wizards-insider/wp/2014/03/24/jan-vesely-gets-injured-while-helping-denver-hurt-wizards-playoff-position/">sidebar</a>) | <a target="_blank" href="http://washingtontimes.csnwashington.com/news/2014/mar/23/wizards-cant-overcome-nuggets-end-trip-1-3-mark/">AP</a> | CSN Washington (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.csnwashington.com/basketball-washington-wizards/talk/instant-analysis-nuggets-105-wizards-102">recap</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.csnwashington.com/basketball-washington-wizards/talk/wake-call-poor-ball-handling-still-plagues-wizards">sidebar</a>) | <a target="_blank" href="http://wizofawes.com/2014/03/23/wizards-vs-nuggets-final-score-jan-vesely-leads-comeback/">Wiz of Awes</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://districtsportspage.com/washington-wizards-game-70-recap-wiz-commit-24-turnovers-in-loss-to-nuggets/22249">District Sports Page</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://tedstake.monumentalnetwork.com/2014/03/24/24-turn-overs-for-30-points-against">Ted's Take</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/wizards/game-recap-wizards-102-nuggets-105">Wizards.com</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://washingtonwizardsblog.monumentalnetwork.com/2014/03/23/wiznuggets-gameday-blog">Monumental Network</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://dailywizdom.monumentalnetwork.com/2014/03/24/dailywizdommar24">Daily Wizdom</a></p>
<p><b>Home team recaps:</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.denverstiffs.com/2014/3/23/5540462/wizards-vs-nuggets-recap-foye-faried-help-lead-nuggets-to-victory">Denver Stiffs</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.roundballminingcompany.com/2014/03/23/rapid-reaction-denver-nuggets-105-washington-wizards-102/">Roundball Mining Company</a></p>
<p><a href="http://atlallday.com/2014/02/19/atlanta-hawks-worn-washington-wizards-114-97/" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.nba.com/wizards/video/games/grizzlies/2014/02/11/0021300773-was-mem-recap.nba/" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/wizards/video/games/blazers/2014/03/20/0021301020-was-por-recap.nba/"></a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/wizards/video/games/blazers/2014/03/20/0021301020-was-por-recap.nba/"></a><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/wizards/video/games/nuggets/2014/03/23/0021301042-was-den-recap.nba/">Game highlights</a></p>
<p><b>Postgame interviews:</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/randy-wittman-postgame-3-23-14">Randy Wittman</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/john-wall-postgame-3-23-14">John Wall</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/bradley-beal-postgame-3-23-14">Bradley Beal</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/marcin-gortat-postgame-3-23-14">Marcin Gortat</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/drew-gooden-postgame-3-23-14">Drew Gooden</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/andre-miller-postgame-3-23-14">Andre Miller</a><a href="http://www.nba.com/wizards/video/games/grizzlies/2014/02/11/0021300773-was-mem-recap.nba/" target="_blank"></a></p>
<h4>KEY STATS</h4>
<p><b>24</b> - Wizards' turnovers against the Nuggets. This is definitely the stat of the game. Wall accounted for eight of those turnovers.</p>
<p><b>48</b> - Washington's shooting percentage against Denver. It isn't often the Wizards shoot that well and outrebound their opponents (46 to 38) in a losing effort. Again, see turnovers.</p>
<h4>TWEETS OF THE NIGHT</h4>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Drew Gooden is like French Montana. He ain't got no worries. Teams act like he can't shoot. He keeps shooting. And hitting. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23wizards&src=hash">#wizards</a></p>
— <span>Michael Lee</span> (@MrMichaelLee) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrMichaelLee/statuses/447868823593447425">March 23, 2014</a>
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<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>If <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Wizards&src=hash">#Wizards</a> want fans to believe they are who they talk about being, shit like this can't happen. 2-2 is ok, 1-3 is not on this road trip</p>
— Hoop District (@HoopDistrictDC) <a href="https://twitter.com/HoopDistrictDC/statuses/447870416980566016">March 23, 2014</a>
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<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Second-best 3-point shooting team in the NBA doesn't take a lot of 3s, but prematurely ejaculates every time they're open from 15 feet.</p>
— Conor Dirks (@ConorDDirks) <a href="https://twitter.com/ConorDDirks/statuses/447870760426954752">March 23, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Can't feast at the line doing this <a href="http://t.co/TVzMHLkrQJ">pic.twitter.com/TVzMHLkrQJ</a></p>
— dc_fusion (@dc_fusion) <a href="https://twitter.com/dc_fusion/statuses/447873182922711040">March 23, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>With this L @ DEN, the Wizards are looking more & more like the East's 6 seed, though seeds probably don't matter in the 3-6 range.</p>
— John Schuhmann (@johnschuhmann) <a href="https://twitter.com/johnschuhmann/statuses/447877574036029440">March 23, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>With this L @ DEN, the Wizards are looking more & more like the East's 6 seed, though seeds probably don't matter in the 3-6 range.</p>
— John Schuhmann (@johnschuhmann) <a href="https://twitter.com/johnschuhmann/statuses/447877574036029440">March 23, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>24 turnovers for the Wizards tonight. One every two minutes.</p>
— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletsForever/statuses/447878152975814657">March 23, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>I didnt know we have some many polish people in Denver/colorado !!! Crazy! <a href="http://t.co/1MVDpsNQod">pic.twitter.com/1MVDpsNQod</a></p>
— Marcin Gortat (@MGortat) <a href="https://twitter.com/MGortat/statuses/447896965167075328">March 24, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
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<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Wizards: easiest remaining schedule in East -8/12 vs <500 teams -8/12 at home -0 road games vs +500 teams</p>
— NBA Guru (@NBAGuru) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBAGuru/statuses/448096297607004160">March 24, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Wizards&src=hash">#Wizards</a> have 7th easiest remaining schedule in the NBA. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Raptors&src=hash">#Raptors</a> have easiest, <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bobcats&src=hash">#Bobcats</a> have 2nd easiest, <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Nets&src=hash">#Nets</a> have 3rd easiest.</p>
— Kyle Weidie (@Truth_About_It) <a href="https://twitter.com/Truth_About_It/statuses/448122776311062528">March 24, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<h4>VIDEO/GIF OF THE NIGHT</h4>
<p>Sweet gugga mugga, Bradley Beal.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/wGFmwLn0e54" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<h4>GAMETHREAD COMMENT OF THE NIGHT</h4>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/4180341/GT_comment.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/4180341/GT_comment.png" class="photo" alt="Gt_comment"></a> <br id="1395675551972"></p>
<h4>GAMETHREAD ROLLCALL</h4>
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<th width="20">#</th> <th>Commenter</th> <th># Comments</th>
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<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Wall_Hopeful">Wall_Hopeful</a></td>
<td>61</td>
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<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/HailSkinz">HailSkinz</a></td>
<td>57</td>
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<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BealMVP4ever">BealMVP4ever</a></td>
<td>54</td>
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<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/richkam14">richkam14</a></td>
<td>44</td>
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<td>5</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/elliotlevy2">elliotlevy2</a></td>
<td>43</td>
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<td>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/KappakidToo">KappakidToo</a></td>
<td>24</td>
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<td>7</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Krobify">Krobify</a></td>
<td>23</td>
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<td>8</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/jarem">jarem</a></td>
<td>22</td>
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<td>9</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Banode">Banode</a></td>
<td>21</td>
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<td>10</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ryanwadams">ryanwadams</a></td>
<td>20</td>
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<td>11</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Baird15">Baird15</a></td>
<td>20</td>
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<td>12</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/KurisuDevil">KurisuDevil</a></td>
<td>19</td>
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<td>13</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Bradley_B3al">Bradley_B3al</a></td>
<td>16</td>
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<td>14</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JimmyWall">JimmyWall</a></td>
<td>15</td>
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<td>15</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DMV%20Cock">DMV Cock</a></td>
<td>15</td>
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<td>16</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/LRJ">LRJ</a></td>
<td>14</td>
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<td>17</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/WizADeveryday">WizADeveryday</a></td>
<td>13</td>
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<td>18</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/WizKid27">WizKid27</a></td>
<td>10</td>
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<td>19</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/novadada">novadada</a></td>
<td>8</td>
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<td>20</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Inside%20Job">Inside Job</a></td>
<td>7</td>
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<td>21</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/abala">abala</a></td>
<td>7</td>
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<td>22</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/KB5">KB5</a></td>
<td>5</td>
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<td>23</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Jormond%20Wall">Jormond Wall</a></td>
<td>4</td>
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<td>24</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Wiz%20fan%20rocks">Wiz fan rocks</a></td>
<td>3</td>
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<td>25</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/K-Bro">K-Bro</a></td>
<td>3</td>
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<td>26</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/wizncards">wizncards</a></td>
<td>3</td>
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<td>27</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Izzy.Bae">Izzy.Bae</a></td>
<td>2</td>
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<td>28</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Patrick%20Rasmussen">Patrick Rasmussen</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>29</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Jaba">Jaba</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>30</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BulletsBaby">BulletsBaby</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>31</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/t0Shihiro">t0Shihiro</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>32</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ATrueNigerian">ATrueNigerian</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>33</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/g_andal16">g_andal16</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>34</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/NewCavsfan">NewCavsfan</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>35</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Knowledge92">Knowledge92</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>36</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/jazzy1">jazzy1</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>37</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Horcasitas4">Horcasitas4</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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</table>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2014/3/24/5542346/magical-pixels-wizards-vs-nuggetsJeff Newman2014-03-23T19:43:25-04:002014-03-23T19:43:25-04:00Wall struggles as WAS falls to DEN, 105-102
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/A1gvJSgl2niAZ4t5rciaXAbmxwY=/0x19:4000x2686/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/30566631/20140323_jcd_bd3_326.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>The Nuggets went small, John Wall struggled and the Wizards fell, 105-102.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Wizards</a> fell to 36-34 after a 105-102 loss to the <a href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Denver Nuggets</a>. Washington got off to a hot start, let the Nuggets get back into it late in the first quarter, kept things close for the entire game and never seemed to develop an offensive rhythm.</p>
<p>The Nuggets' small-ball lineups, in which they played three players 6'3 or shorter next to Kenneth Faried and Timofey Mozgov, gave Washington problems all night. The Wizards have a tendency to attempt to beat teams with one-on-one post play when they have a large size advantage and, as is usually the case, it led to poor ball movement and isolations for players like Trevor Booker and Trevor Ariza. Meanwhile, as Washington's offense stalled, Denver's took off due to excellent spacing created by having three excellent shooters and playmakers on the floor at once.</p>
<p>The small lineups also seemed to flummox John Wall. With three point guards and the super-quick Faried on the floor at the same time, Wall struggled to get all the way to the basket and had way too many turnover to boot. Sure, he's big enough that it wasn't too difficult for him to simply pull up for a jumper, but when he's taking that shot, the rest of the Washington offense falls apart since no one else can command a double team. To his credit he played solid defense tonight in spite of how much energy it takes to stick with players like Aaron Brooks and Ty Lawson.</p>
<p>Washington's next game is Wednesday at home against the <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Phoenix Suns</a>. Hopefully the days off will give them time to recharge and get back on track.</p>
<ul>
<li> <span>Bradley Beal</span> had a nasty block on Faried to go along with a solid overall game. He finished with 21 points, seven rebounds and four assists and was the only Wizard perimeter player other than Ariza who seemed to be able to get anything going.</li>
<li> <span>Martell Webster</span> had a quiet game and has been fairly unimpressive lately. I don't know if he's simply coming back down to earth a bit after overperforming for a year, if he's having health problems or if it's something else, but he's looked less mobile lately and it shows at both ends of the court. He was a defensive liability against Denver's smaller lineups and he struggled to free himself for three pointers. It may be worth it to give Porter another shot at earning some bench minutes.</li>
<li>Faried's motor was on full display tonight. He played with limitless energy and made a lot happen simply through sheer effort. He needs to play next to a steady, conservative rim protecting big man a la <span>Roy Hibbert</span> or <span>Tyson Chandler</span> and be allowed to fully embrace a sort of free safety role on defense. He gambles too much so he occasionally does more harm than good in Denver, but if he was on a team with better defensive fundamentals and a veteran core he could be really special.</li>
<li> <span>Jan Vesely</span> was more aggressive than normal today (what are the odds?) and had a good game, finishing with ten points almost entirely as a result of effort. He still looks awkward when he's doing anything other than dunking or running the floor and it will be interesting to see if Denver can do anything with him over the next month.</li>
<li>If Faried was the player of the game, <span>Randy Foye</span> was a strong runner up. The former Wizard finished with 17 points off of only 11 field goal attempts and drained three after three from above the break. None of the other Denver perimeter players could get much going and his outside threat, combined with Faried's garbage buckets and dunks, was the backbone of the Denver offense.</li>
<li> <span>Andre Miller</span> had a very quiet game in his return to Denver. I expected him to attempt to get back at the team that he had a huge falling out with and the players who took his spot but he more or less did his usual thing and didn't appear to force anything.</li>
<li>More good stuff from <span>Drew Gooden</span> who finished with 15 points in 18 minutes. His jumper is practically automatic right now.</li>
</ul>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2014/3/23/5540482/wizards-vs-nuggets-final-score-wall-struggles-with-small-ball-asThomas Pruitt2014-03-23T17:36:50-04:002014-03-23T17:36:50-04:00Wizards-Nuggets game thread
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<p>John Wall and company conclude their Western Conference road trip in Colorado.</p> <table align="center" border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="5"><tbody> <tr><th style="text-align: center;" colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver">2013-2014 NBA Regular Season</th></tr> <tr> <td width="240"><center style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://content.sportslogos.net/logos/6/229/full/gs5fgn4fn5pd6gmfs0re4lvcx.gif" height="72" width="80"></center></td> <th style="text-align: center;" align="center" width="20">@</th> <td width="240"><center style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.underconsideration.com/brandnew/archives/wizards_alt_logo_hand.gif" height="72" width="80"></center></td> </tr> <tr><td style="text-align: center;" colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver"><strong>March 23, 2014</strong></td></tr> <tr><td style="text-align: center;" colspan="3" align="center"><strong>Pepsi Center</strong></td></tr> <tr><td style="text-align: center;" colspan="3" align="center"><strong>5 p.m.</strong></td></tr> <tr><td style="text-align: center;" colspan="3" align="center"><strong>CSN, 106.7 The Fan</strong></td></tr> <tr><th style="text-align: center;" colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver"><strong>Starting Lineups</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;" align="right" width="240"><span>Ty Lawson</span></td> <th style="text-align: center;" align="center" width="20">PG</th> <td style="text-align: center;" width="240"><span>John Wall</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;" align="right" width="240"><span>Randy Foye</span></td> <th style="text-align: center;" align="center" width="20">SG</th> <td style="text-align: center;" width="240"> <span>Bradley Beal</span><br> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;" align="right" width="240"><span>Anthony Randolph</span></td> <th style="text-align: center;" align="center" width="20">SF</th> <td style="text-align: center;" width="240"><span>Trevor Ariza</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;" align="right" width="240"><span>Kenneth Faried</span></td> <th style="text-align: center;" align="center" width="20">PF</th> <td style="text-align: center;" width="240"><span>Trevor Booker</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;" align="right" width="240"><span>Timofey Mozgov</span></td> <th style="text-align: center;" align="center" width="20">C</th> <td style="text-align: center;" width="240"><span>Marcin Gortat</span></td> </tr> <tr><th style="text-align: center;" colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver"><strong>2013-14 Advanced Stats</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;" align="right" width="240">97.6 (3rd)</td> <th style="text-align: center;" align="center" width="20">Pace</th> <td style="text-align: center;" width="240">93.5 (17th)</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;" align="right" width="240">106.0 (15th)</td> <th style="text-align: center;" align="center" width="20">ORtg</th> <td style="text-align: center;" width="240">105.8 (18th)</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;" align="right" width="240">108.1 (21st)</td> <th style="text-align: center;" align="center" width="20">DRtg</th> <td style="text-align: center;" width="240">105.2 (10th)</td> </tr> <tr><th style="text-align: center;" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver" height="20">Also see: <a href="http://www.denverstiffs.com/">Denver Stiffs</a> | <a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2014/3/23/5539270/washington-wizards-denver-nuggets-west-coast-road-trip-march-2014">Preview</a> </th></tr> </tbody></table>
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<p>The road trip across the West finishes Sunday evening at Pepsi Center. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/">Nuggets</a> are badly ailing these days, missing five key rotation players, so this is an obvious opportunity for Washington to get another key victory.</p>
<p>We also get to see old friend Jan Vesely again, which should be nice/terrible/whatever.</p>
<p>Go Wiz!</p>
<p><em><strong>Editor's Note: Apologies for the multiple game threads today -- had a technical issue.</strong></em></p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2014/3/23/5540230/wizards-vs-nuggets-game-time-tv-schedule-and-open-threadSatchel Price2014-03-23T12:19:55-04:002014-03-23T12:19:55-04:00Your Wizards-Nuggets preview
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<p>The Wizards wrap up their west coast road trip today against the Nuggets in Denver. Can they end it on a high note?</p> <p>After a disappointing first two games on their short road trip out west, the <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wizards</a> took care of business against the struggling <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Lakers</a> on Friday night. A much needed win, in which the only casualty seemed to be Drew Gooden's <a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2014/3/23/5539304/drew-gooden-fined-15000-flagrant-foul-nick-young-lakers">wallet</a>,</p>
<p><b>Where and when? </b>The game is at 5:00 PM Eastern Time, which is the best time. So like 3:00 PM Mountain Time, which is clearly the worst of the four US time zones. Also, it's being played at the Pepsi Center in Denver, where the lack of oxygen is always an advantage for the home team. The game will be on Comcast Sports Net.</p>
<p><b>Who is out?</b> Nene's still out for the Wizards, and JaVale McGee's out for the <a href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Nuggets</a>. So those two revenge game plot lines will have to be shelved for now. HOWEVER, we have the <span>Andre Miller</span> and <span>Jan Vesely</span> revenge games to look forward to! Bring the points, Professor Miller. And Airwolf it up, Airwolf!</p>
<p><b>What are they good at? </b>They're great at being fast (thanks <span>Ty Lawson</span>!), and that's... about it. Lawson's always been a problem for Washington, but with Denver's depleted roster due to trade and injury, a new coaching system, an average offense and a below average defense, the Wizards should (SHOULD) be able to hold their own against them.</p>
<p><b>What are they bad at? </b>They have four core rotation players that are out for the year (McGee, <span>J.J. Hickson</span>, Danilo Galinari, and <span>Nate Robinson</span>). They're bad at having luck on their side w/r/t injuries.</p>
<p><b>Are we going to get some revenge games, or what? </b>Oh boy, do I hope so. I love revenge games. And frankly, as much as I don't want the Nuggets to win (obviously), I'd really like to see Vesely tear it up today.</p>
<p><i>Ed. Note: Some site difficulties today. Please continue to use this post as the game thread. Now, back to your regularly scheduled 'Zards-rooting.</i></p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2014/3/23/5539270/washington-wizards-denver-nuggets-west-coast-road-trip-march-2014Amin Vafa