Re: Official Wizards vs Cavaliers Playoff Thread
 

[QUOTE=SmootSmack;441266]I'd have to see the play again, but I'm glad Haywood laid a hard foul on LJ. Usually though when a teammate does that and especially when they get ejected, it galvanizes his teammates and they rally. Didn't happen today. Like I said before, wizards and their fans shouldn't make excuses (we'd all be singing a different tune about LJ if he was wearing a Wizards' uniform) and start asking why our own players are stinking it up. We're better than this, fans and team alike.[/QUOTE]

At the end of the game when Damon Jones did Stevenson you cant see me thing, Oleskiy Pecherov should've done what Brendan Haywood did to LBJ.

Re: Official Wizards vs Cavaliers Playoff Thread
 

[QUOTE=SmootSmack;441280]Seeing that play again, I think it looks worse than it was. I mean I realize that the referees are watching everything move at a much quicker speed and don't have the luxury of stopping and rewinding a video clip, but it just looks so much worse because LeBron was already flying through the air. So it looks like Haywood threw him.[/QUOTE]

Actually, they *did* have that luxury. They looked at the tape after the play, and then ejected him.

Re: Official Wizards vs Cavaliers Playoff Thread
 

[QUOTE=cpayne5;441302]Actually, they *did* have that luxury. They looked at the tape after the play, and then ejected him.[/QUOTE]

Didn't know that. Thanks for pointing that out. As for Damon Jones...Stevensone basically asked for it

Re: Official Wizards vs Cavaliers Playoff Thread
 

So, after speaking with my NBA counterpart here the issue [u]is[/u] the fact that LeBron was in the air, rendering him essentially defenseless. Which I think I knew, but forgot. Anyhow, that's what made it a flagrant two.

Oh well, it's in the past now. Time to step it up. Like vs Chicago in 2005

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I really don't know what the whining is about. When you lose by 30, you should pretty much put your tail between your legs and run off to the corner.

Re: Official Wizards vs Cavaliers Playoff Thread
 

No they shouldn't. They should regroup, get back out there play hard and win. The Wizards aren't quitters. There's no need to go cry in a corner. It's cliche but...it's playoff time, leave it all out on the court.

Re: Official Wizards vs Cavaliers Playoff Thread
 

Oh, and before anyone gets overly upset about my post, you were already down by 15 when that foul occured.
For the record, I agree with the call, he was already up in the air, just cause Haywood acted like it wasn't a foul on purpose doesn't mean it wasn't on purpose. That was a cheap foul. Also, like the refs said, they heard the wizards say they are going to hit LeBron over and over, so of course when they actually hit Lebron, are they supposed to look the other way? Another case that the Wizards should keep their mouths shut.

Re: Official Wizards vs Cavaliers Playoff Thread
 

[QUOTE=SmootSmack;441325]No they shouldn't. They should regroup, get back out there play hard and win. The Wizards aren't quitters. There's no need to go cry in a corner. It's cliche but...it's playoff time, leave it all out on the court.[/QUOTE]

I'm not saying they should quit. I agree, no one should ever quit. What I'm saying is (I'll be more direct) you lost by 30, shut up.

Re: Official Wizards vs Cavaliers Playoff Thread
 

I don't care that they ejected Brenda; as you say, the game was already out of hand. What I didn't like about the call was that it was not consistent with the way they had called the game up to that point. Two instances in particular; the hard foul on Blatche by Varejao and the hard foul on AD (can't remember who hit him). Those were both hard fouls of the same nature that they didn't call Flagrant Two's on.

Honestly, I don't think the Wizards have the mentality to play hard. It seems like their tough play has detracted from their scoring. Maybe they're focusing too much on being physical. I don't know. It's not looking good, and they are going to end up letting those chumps from Cleveland beat them once again if they don't do something to correct it.

Re: Official Wizards vs Cavaliers Playoff Thread
 

[QUOTE=cpayne5;441335]I don't care that they ejected Brenda; as you say, the game was already out of hand. What I didn't like about the call was that it was not consistent with the way they had called the game up to that point. Two instances in particular; the hard foul on Blatche by Varejao and the hard foul on AD (can't remember who hit him). Those were both hard fouls of the same nature that they didn't call Flagrant Two's on. [/quote]

I can certainly see that point, but at what point do the refs put a stop to it? Maybe they were close to calling those other ones the same way they did the LeBron foul, but felt the game was getting out of hand and needed to make a statement to get it back on track? I didn't watch the whole game, it wasn't very interesting to me, but I know that refs will let players play until it goes too far.

[quote]Honestly, I don't think the Wizards have the mentality to play hard. It seems like their tough play has detracted from their scoring. Maybe they're focusing too much on being physical. I don't know. It's not looking good, and they are going to end up letting those chumps from Cleveland beat them once again if they don't do something to correct it.[/QUOTE]

Well, like I said, the Wizards are not a good road team, we'll see how they play at home.

Re: Official Wizards vs Cavaliers Playoff Thread
 

Well having Etan righ now would help, if for no other reason then he'd rough some people up. Wouldn't be surprised to see us go get a "thug" this offseason.

Re: Official Wizards vs Cavaliers Playoff Thread
 

Look I am not making excuses about the blowout, but am making a point about LeBron. I don't really see how that makes me a "whiny fan" making excuses. We do that about Skins games all the time, so I don't really see how this is any different, beside the fact Js is not a Wiz fan.

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[quote=hooskins;441414]Look I am not making excuses about the blowout, but am making a point about LeBron. I don't really see how that makes me a "whiny fan" making excuses. We do that about Skins games all the time, so I don't really see how this is any different, beside the fact Js is not a Wiz fan.[/quote]

I agree with ya hooskins, I don't like the fact that the refs treat James like he's the only reason people watch the sport. But we just have to get used to it, it's not like it's gonna change. That's the advantage that comes with being a superstar player, you are going to get all the calls. We just have to man up and not let that get to us.

Re: Official Wizards vs Cavaliers Playoff Thread
 

I agree stars get calls. Like I mentioned before Wade got a ton of ridiculous calls during miami's run towards their championship. The Wiz just have to play their game at home and not worry too much about LeBron.

Re: Official Wizards vs Cavaliers Playoff Thread
 

[quote=cpayne5;441335]I don't care that they ejected Brenda; as you say, the game was already out of hand. What I didn't like about the call was that it was not consistent with the way they had called the game up to that point. Two instances in particular; the hard foul on Blatche by Varejao and the hard foul on AD (can't remember who hit him). Those were both hard fouls of the same nature that they didn't call Flagrant Two's on.

[B] Honestly, I don't think the Wizards have the mentality to play hard. It seems like their tough play has detracted from their scoring. Maybe they're focusing too much on being physical. [/B]I don't know. It's not looking good, and they are going to end up letting those chumps from Cleveland beat them once again if they don't do something to correct it.[/quote]

I couldn't agree more. Physical gritty play isn't really our style. We decided to make this thing into a big grudge match (or at least Deshawn and Gil did anyway), and we're focusing too much on trying to be tough guys rather than playing our game. We ran our mouths, we're playing like thugs, and we look like shit. We also look like total fools for talking so much smack and then getting whipped the first two games by a combined margin of 39 points. I'm pissed off. I love the Wiz, I HATE the Cavs and prince james, and I can't believe how badly this is playing out.

As far as the foul thing- we all know how Lebron is officiated. We've seen it for 3 straight years now in the playoffs. So there is no excuse.

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I hate Lebron James and I'm starting to dislike the Cleveland area along with the Browns.

Re: Official Wizards vs Cavaliers Playoff Thread
 

[quote=SmootSmack]Well having Etan righ now would help, if for no other reason then he'd rough some people up. Wouldn't be surprised to see us go get a "thug" this offseason.[/quote]

I think a stud "big guy" has been something the Wizards have needed for several seasons. I have no idea if it's even plausible, but if we've got any shot at taking down Cleveland in the next 10 years, a "thug" is exactly what we need.

Re: Official Wizards vs Cavaliers Playoff Thread
 

[url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3359141]ESPN - Report: Haywood won't be suspended for flagrant foul on James - NBA[/url]
Good news, now he can really go after LBJ.

Re: Official Wizards vs Cavaliers Playoff Thread
 

[quote=SeanTaylor21;441682][URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3359141"]ESPN - Report: Haywood won't be suspended for flagrant foul on James - NBA[/URL]
Good news, now he can really go after LBJ.[/quote]

It's good that he wasn't suspended, but the refs are still gonna be keeping their eye on him moreso than other players. Things that he might've done in the past and not gotten called for will definitely be called now. He needs to stay out of foul trouble though, when he's not on the court Z has had a lot easier time and he's probably our most physical presence.

Re: Official Wizards vs Cavaliers Playoff Thread
 

[QUOTE=mooby;441417]I agree with ya hooskins, I don't like the fact that the refs treat James like he's the only reason people watch the sport. But we just have to get used to it, it's not like it's gonna change. That's the advantage that comes with being a superstar player, you are going to get all the calls. We just have to man up and not let that get to us.[/QUOTE]

The problem is it's Cleveland right now, so it's Lebron that is "getting the calls". If you played the Lakers you'd be saying that about Kobe. If you were playing Denver you'd say that about Iverson. If by chance you pass the Cavs, you'll say it about Garnett.
LeBron is a driver, when he drives, it's natural to foul him. I have yet to see a true phantom call against him.
Same with Arenas last year, he got a lot of ticky-tack fouls, but they were still fouls.
It's the price you pay for having a star on your team. The more a player succeeds, the more he drives into the lane, and of course, the more he gets fouled. Sure the refs are more likely to give the benefit of the doubt to a big player, but that is like that all across the NBA.
What I hate to see is when they think every little touch is a foul, and I've seen more and more of this out of Lebron lately.

This has nothing to do with me not being a wiz fan, this has to do with me being practically the only unbiased observer here. You can't complain about called when you lose by 30...you just can't.

Re: Official Wizards vs Cavaliers Playoff Thread
 

Lebron is becoming one of my most hated guys in all of sports. When I think about how I rooted for him in the finals last year I have to take a bath.

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[QUOTE=jsarno;441728]This has nothing to do with me not being a wiz fan, this has to do with me being practically the only unbiased observer here. You can't complain about called when you lose by 30...you just can't.[/QUOTE]

Sure you can. You just can't claim that it's why you lost.

It is perfectly valid to question decisions made by referees win, lose, or draw.

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[QUOTE=cpayne5;441737]Sure you can. [b]You just can't claim that it's why you lost.[/b]

It is perfectly valid to question decisions made by referees win, lose, or draw.[/QUOTE]

fair enough.

Re: Official Wizards vs Cavaliers Playoff Thread
 

[quote=jsarno;441757]fair enough.[/quote]

Yeah I was about to say that too. I was simply commenting that I don't like that Lebron gets all the calls. The Wiz lost by 30 last night because they played horrible, plain and simple. It had nothing to do with the fact that LBJ gets the calls. And I know what you're saying, every superstar in the NBA gets those calls. It just started because I disagree with some of the calls made. Some of the calls that went his way were nothing more than him barely getting touched while he drove in the paint. He's too powerful for those to really effect him, so they shouldn't have been called.

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Talent wise he's probably the Wizards best player, certainly the most electrifying, but I think the question should be asked: Are the Wizards better off not playing Arenas? He's definitely not 100% healthy and the team got this far without him. Are they trying too hard to incorporate him back into the game, is he trying too hard?

Right now we might be a better [I]team[/I] with Caron leading the way and Arenas sitting this one out.

Re: Official Wizards vs Cavaliers Playoff Thread
 

[QUOTE=SmootSmack;441789]Talent wise he's probably the Wizards best player, certainly the most electrifying, but I think the question should be asked: Are the Wizards better off not playing Arenas? He's definitely not 100% healthy and the team got this far without him. Are they trying too hard to incorporate him back into the game, is he trying too hard?

Right now we might be a better [I]team[/I] with Caron leading the way and Arenas sitting this one out.[/QUOTE]

I understand the thought process, the Wizards are only 6 and 7 with him in the lineup, (6 and 9 if you include playoffs) but I think I'd rather lose KNOWING my best players were on the court.

Re: Official Wizards vs Cavaliers Playoff Thread
 

[QUOTE=jsarno;441793]I understand the thought process, the Wizards are only 6 and 7 with him in the lineup, (6 and 9 if you include playoffs) but I think I'd rather lose KNOWING my best players were on the court.[/QUOTE]

But the question is, is he one of the best players right now?

Re: Official Wizards vs Cavaliers Playoff Thread
 

Lets resign Arenas and then trade him to the Magic for Dwight Howard. I mean it works on NBA 2K

Re: Official Wizards vs Cavaliers Playoff Thread
 

[QUOTE=cpayne5;441797]But the question is, is he one of the best players right now?[/QUOTE]

Arenas at 85% is better than about 90-95% of the league.

Re: Official Wizards vs Cavaliers Playoff Thread
 

[quote=SmootSmack;441789]Talent wise he's probably the Wizards best player, certainly the most electrifying, but I think the question should be asked: Are the Wizards better off not playing Arenas? He's definitely not 100% healthy and the team got this far without him. Are they trying too hard to incorporate him back into the game, is he trying too hard?

Right now we might be a better [I]team[/I] with Caron leading the way and Arenas sitting this one out.[/quote]

I agree. Arenas has contributed on offense since he got back, but he hasn't been quite as good on defense. Another question to lead onto the question you asked is that are the Wizards better without Arenas? While he sat out the stretch run, the team managed to survive without him and since he's been back he hasn't really put the team over the top. That's a question that will come when the season is over, but for now I think it'd be better if we rested him a little since he's clearly not 100%.

Re: Official Wizards vs Cavaliers Playoff Thread
 

Game 3

21-17 Zards end of 1st Q

Re: Official Wizards vs Cavaliers Playoff Thread
 

Halftime 49-33 Zards

Re: Official Wizards vs Cavaliers Playoff Thread
 

So much for the Wiz giving Arenas a breather this game, they started him. He went to the dressing room and he appeared to be limping a bit so we'll see. Overall though for the first half I've got to give it to the Wiz, they are playing like Game 2 never even happened. James hasn't been driving as much in the paint as usual and it's showed. They've gotten a lot better on the offensive end as well, Caron started out 0-3 but he's been dynamite after that. The bench is making big contributions as well, especially from Blatche and Mason Jr. If we can keep playing good offensive ball in the second half, combined with dominating the boards at both ends, this team should be able to win this game. I really, really hope that this doesn't make us overconfident though, I'm really enjoying the fact that the Wiz aren't saying anything and leaving it all out on the court.

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Not surprised he started. I figured he might to energize the crowd. Still he's only played 9 minutes so the numbers are pretty much the same.

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They just announced Gil's done for the night, I guess his knee is bothering him a little too much. We'll see how this affects the team for the second half.

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The Wizards are running Eddie Jordan's offense tonight; not focusing on being dominant, physically. It's making all the difference in the world right now. I hope they keep it up.

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72-43 Wizards. Caron just made an awesome strip of Lebron and returned it for 2 :). I love watching this kind of basketball.

On a side note they said Gil has a bone bruise and he's day to day.

Just saw that CP is at the game. Is anyone else suprised that Wiz fans have turned out in full force to support the team? There were rumors that the white-out wasn't gonna work because they didn't think that many people were gonna show up. But man that place looks like it has a white blanket draped over it tonight.

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I love how Mason has really emerged to be a solid contributor on this team.

And AD is such a steady floor general. His 6:0 Assist:Turnover ratio should not be overlooked tonight.

It just further reiterates my question from earlier. Are we better off right now without Arenas? We can discuss if we're better off without him next year at a later time

Re: Official Wizards vs Cavaliers Playoff Thread
 

Wiz won the game by 36 points, 108-72. While I do love seeing a blowout loss against a team I hate, I hope this game doesn't go to our head. Last time I checked we were behind in the series 2-1. But we do know this, if we play basketball like we played tonight then we can win this series.

Re: Official Wizards vs Cavaliers Playoff Thread
 

I wish I would have watched this game to see how you guys turned around a 30 point loss into a 36 point win. That's a huge turnaround, and I don't recall that ever happening.
See, I told you guys the Wiz are a poor road team...look what happened at home. Although if you keep trading wins at home, eventually you will lose.