Written By Chris C-Ford ---- Sunday, January 13, 2013
Not exactly the most excited the Verizon Center and Wizards fans have been, in fact it was a little sad...but John Wall was back! (Blame the Ravens game & the NFL playoffs)
After months and months of waiting, the Washington Wizards finally welcomed back John Wall to the lineup on Saturday night at Verizon. Wall was not in the starting lineup, and entered the game with just under 5 minutes remaining in the first quarter. For the first seven minutes of the game, fans had their eyes fixated on the guy in the #2 warm-ups, anxiously awaiting the hand gesture from Randy Wittman that signaled John Wall to check into his first game since April of 2012.
The Verizon Center was extremely empty on Saturday night despite the fans knowing of Wall's return for several days in advance. On StubHub at the time of the game tickets could be purchased for as low as $10 a seat.
But that didn't stop the fans that did attend from giving Wall an extended standing ovation, sparking life into a once dead Washington Wizards fanbase. Wall acknowledged the crowd with a little salute. Here is what it looked like and sounded like from the rafters:
Wall missed his first shot attempt, an elbow jumper, and scored his first point of the season on a foul shot. Shortly after getting on the floor, Wall dished a nice pass to rookie Bradley Beal who threw down the monster jam electrifying the Verizon Center. Wall gave a JaVale McGee salute to the crowd as he ran back on defense.
Wall's 14 points, 4 assists, and all around presence helped lead the Wizards to their second consecutive win. (Read the game recap here) It was more exciting than this guy would lead you to believe.
Written By Chris C-Ford ---- Saturday, January 12, 2013
John Wall made his season debut leading a replenished Wizards roster to their sixth win beating Atlanta 93-83 Saturday night in D.C.
It's the wizards first two game win streak of the year.
With Wall and Trevor Booker making their return from injury the Wizards roster was complete for the first time all season and it showed. Washington looked like a different team playing much better than their 6-28 record would suggest.
Wall scored 14 points in 20 minutes off the bench to go along with four assists. The Wizards are going to try to ease Wall back into action but if tonight is any indication, Wall looks like he is already at full speed. It's clear Wall gives this Wizards team another gear on offense.
Rookie Bradly Beal had another good game coming off his first career game winning shot Monday night against the Thunder. Beal had 16 points, three steals and four rebounds. Beal also seems to have his confidence at an all time high and rightfully so, the 19 year old has proved he can be a consistent scorer without John Wall, no he can really start to progress.
Martell Webster also continued his strong play scoring 15. A.J. Price was tied with Bradley Beal for leading the team in scoring with 16.
Jordan Crawford became the leading scorer in John Wall's absence but did not play tonight. Crawford is coming of a sprained ankle but it's hard to imagine where he will fit into Randy Wittman's offense now that he isn't the only scoring option.
It's clear John Wall could help turn the Wizards season around. Playoffs are still out of the question but with Wall, Nene and Booker all healthy for the first time, a lengthy win streak is not out of the question.
Written By Chris C-Ford ---- Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Written By Jeremy Batka @EastCoastAssn
It was a game that at times was very slow paced and ugly, just the type of game the Wizards can win. But unfortunately for Washington Atlanta held on in overtime handing the Wizards a 100-95 loss.
Despite their second overtime loss to the Hawks this season the Wizards overall played well and had many bright spots on the night. The biggest being the play of Jordan Crawford.
Crawford had a triple double on the night leading the team in points with 27 to go with his 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Crawford seems to get more confidence with each game and while at times he still forces questionable shots it's clear that for this Wizards team to win, Crawford has to be heavily involved in the offense.
The Wizards did a good job of moving the ball on offense and finding the open man, something they've had trouble with for most of the season. As a team the Wizards had 28 assists and it seemed like the improved ball movement would be enough to get the win.
Bradley Beal was one of the players to benefit from the improved team offense, he had 17 points on the night. He also had a scary moment in the third when landed on his back and head after trying to dunk over Josh Smith, no foul was called. Beal spent the rest of the third in the locker room before returning to the bench and eventually the game.
The Wizards seemed to outplay the Hawks for most of the game but as the game wore on it was clear Atlanta had more weapons than Washington. The game was essentially sealed in overtime when former Wizard DeShawn Stevenson drained a three with just two minutes to play.
Earl Barron hasn't seen many minutes for the Wizards this year but saw substantial playing time tonight including starting the second half and overtime. Barron had 14 rebounds and four blocks on the night to go with four points including his first basket of the game which came with 23 seconds left in regulation tying the game at 90.
Randy Wittman claimed after the game that he made the move to Barron for "activity." Said he wasn't happy with the activity he was getting from that position. Possibly a dig at Kevin Seraphin who had just four points and five rebounds.
Written By Chris C-Ford ---- Sunday, December 9, 2012
Fan Story Written By Chris C-Ford, Wizards Fan!
Welcome to Atlanta where the playas play...the Hawks playas...not the Wiz playas...
I've been dying to go down to Atlanta for a long time. During the baseball season I bought tickets to all the Braves vs Nats playoff games. Unfortunately the Cardinals ended up winning the Wild Card. I saved over $1,000, but then the Nats lost to the Cards, so blah.
So when the opportunity came up for me to get down to Hot-Lanta for some southern hospitality and a Wiz game I jumped at the chance. I charged up my Breeze card, packed up my Wiz gear, and put on my 2-chainz shirt and my 2 chains. I was ready for a bad b***h contest, and I would be in first place. Bows would be thrown. This was going to be legendary!
After the shortest plane ride I've ever taken, I was basking in the 70 degree temperatures of the ATL. I went straight to the liquor store and bought enough beer for 5 people...for one person. Let the pregaming begin! Oh it's only 2pm...
I scooped up my ATL crew and we headed down to Phillips Arena, grabbing a few Sweetwater Lowryeders at the Taco Mec next door beforehand, wondering why there was a Joe Johnson jersey hanging behind the bar.
We rolled into the arena, me in my Wiz gear and every other fan in the building in their "coolin'" clothes. And when I say every other fan I mean less fans than at a Wizards vs Bobcats game. I didn't see one Hawks fan with a jersey on. Some shirts, lots of hats, but lots of steez. The upper deck behind the basket was literally empty. Not even 1 person.
I was all reved up for the game. I had all sorts of Wizards zings ready to go. But all the Jan Vesely, Randy Wittman, and Kevin Seraphin chants & screams were not exactly killing. Maybe pronouncing Jan like the woman's name was confusing. The Hawks fans were not feelin' it. In fact, I don't think anyone outside of the die-hard Wiz fans who even know who those 3 people are. Ask your mom who Jan Vesely is. She has no idea.
One of the unique things about this particular game was that the Hawks have a "college section". It's about 50 kids who take up an entire section. They stand the whole time, all have signs, and start chants. It's just like a college basketball game. But other than that one crazy corner, there wasn't much buzz for the Hawks. Wiz need to do something like this.
The best part about the game was DeShawn Stevenson. He was knocking down 3's left and right. Every time I stood up, cheered, and did the I can't feel my face thing. Hawks fans weren't down. Perhaps they were confused that I was cheering for the Hawks. I did get to tell the Hawks fans around me about the good old days in DC with Abe Lincoln tats, his #2 tattoo, his black card, and in-home ATMs. SWAG!
Now all that was great. But we all know why I was in the ATL. I was there to see my favorite basketball player, Jan Vesely. But every time I looked up, him and his lesbians that look like Justin Bieber haircut were just chillin' in warmups. What the hell Wittman! You got treasure and it is stashed on your damn bench! GRRR.
At halftime I let Wittman have it. Sort of. See the video below...and then see the dagger that Jan Vesely put into my heart:
Don't worry, Jan responded below. You all really need to see Randy Wittman up close and in person. Randy Wittman faces are so much better in real life. You should have seen him when Chris Singleton put out one of the worst defensive efforts I've ever seen allowing the Hawks to sink a dagger 3 pointer. Wittman went crazy. Lol. Poor guy! Oh...wiz lost the game...played really bad in the clutch...but...we still had like 3 hours of bartime left!
Here are two of the drinks offered at this bar down there...
Written By Chris C-Ford ---- Friday, December 7, 2012
By Jeremy Batka @EastCoastAssn
Wizards fans were hoping their team could do something in Atlanta that they couldn't do in New York, win their second game in a row. Josh Smith and company had other plans though as the Hawks handled Washington 104-95.
The Wizards battled late in the third quarter to make this a game and at one point in the second half they trailed by only two. But once again they were unable to complete the comeback and dig themselves out of an 18 point hole.
Kevin Seraphin lead the Wizards with 19 points on his birthday, he also added 7 rebounds and for a few stretches in the second half his post game actually looked impressive. He also boasted a new hair cut that looked..... interesting, and that's being kind.
Another positive for the Wizards was Bradley Beal's play in the third quarter. Beal had 14 of his 18 in the third and got in a pretty good rhythm with his long range shot. Unfortunately though outside of the third Beal looked like a rookie who is struggling with the transition to the NBA.
Martell Webster made the start for the injured Trevor Ariza and the Wizards offense struggled, scoring only 19 in the first quarter. Webster also posted a -21 rating tonight, by the far the worst on the team.
Jeff Teague scored 12 of his 19 in the first half and defensively Washington could do nothing to contain him. The former Wizard, DeShawn "Can't see me" Stevenson also had a big night, he had 15 points all coming from beyond the arc. You think the Wizards defense would have remembered he liked to shoot the trey but then you'd be giving them too much credit.
Josh Smith led the hawks with 23 points including a three pointer to put Atlanta up six and seal the win with just over two minutes. For some reason though Buckhantz didn't pull out the "DAGGER" call. Maybe he's used to watching this team fail in many, many different ways.
Written By Chris C-Ford ---- Friday, July 13, 2012
Hawks 102, Wizards 82
The Washington Wizards started their summer league off with a dud, suffering a 102-82 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Friday afternoon in Las Vegas. The more experienced Wizards were never even close to the Hawks, and gave up over 100 points in a game that was 8 minutes shorter than a typical NBA game.
The Wizards new draft picks Bradley Beal and Tomas Satoransky joined forces with Shelvin Mack, Chris Singleton, and Jan Vesely to take on an Atlanta squad that featured no players from their 2011-12 roster.
Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 22 points and Chris Singleton put in another 20 despite turning the ball over 5 times (and here is Chris getting dunked on). Overall the Wizards had 19 turnovers and only 13 assists in a Jordan Crawford style one on one offensive showing.
The highlight for the Wizards was the play of Beal who shot 6-14 from the field and hit 9-10 free throws (1-3 from 3). Beal looked the most NBA ready on the court, outplaying even the experience Wizards players.
Jan Vesely displayed his new and improved jump shot in the contest going 5-9 on the day with 11 points, 3 missed dunks (2 he was fouled on), and 10 fouls. No, that is not a misprint. Jan Vesely fouled out of a 40 minute game where they allowed players to have 10 fouls. The Wizards fouled the Hawks 33 times, and almost 1/3 were Jan.
Tomas Satoransky made his American debut (after almost not even showing up) and looked shaky to say the least. In one quick span, Satoransky turned the ball over followed by a play where he picked up his dribble early and turned the ball over again. The Czech draftee finished the game with 4 points in 15 minutes running the point. No left hand.
The Hawks were led by Vanderbilt rookie John Jenkins who went 4-5 from 3 point range and scored 19 points.
Next up for the Wiz summer team are the Rockets tommorow night at 10pm...
Written By Chris C-Ford ---- Sunday, March 25, 2012
For the second straight game the Washington Wizards turned a large lead into a loss, this time blowing a 16 point lead against the Hawks for the 95-92 loss. The Zards outplayed the Hawks for most of the game, but when it came time to end the game Atlanta stepped up and Washington let up.
Nene came alive again and the crowd is really getting behind him. He finished with a game high 21 points, a game high 11 rebounds, and a game high 3 blocks. Nene had 10 points and 6 boards in the first 8 minutes of the game and got a well deserved round of applause from the crowd.
The Wizards are fighting hard and playing some good basketball behind NeNe's leadership but they still can't close out games. Jordan Crawford is the main guy on offense, not John Wall, which is kind of disappointing. Wall had 8 Points, 3 Assists, and 1-10 from the field. That is our #1 pick. Clearly having a ball hog scorer like Crawford playing the 2 is not helping John Wall AT ALL. Jordan Crawford is the John Wall Killer.
In the closing minutes of close games the star players step up (except Lebron). John Wall does not do this. Having the ball in his hands with the game on the line does not scare the other team. It does not give us as fans the same excitement that we experienced when Gilbert had the ball in his hands.
Wizards play the 2nd of the back to back today against the Celtics in Boston at 6pm...
Buckhantz quote of the game (about Jordan Crawford): "Phil sometimes he gets off some outrageous looking jumpers and I don't know how he does it"
Written By Chris C-Ford ---- Friday, March 16, 2012
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Washington Wizards 102-88 on Friday night in the ATL after draining open three pointers all game. The Wizards were up at the half but they started to fall apart in the 3rd and 4th quarter and the Hawks pulled away.
Joe Johnson hit 6 three pointers and scored his season high 34 points. The Wizards NEVER cover Johnson, and he wishes he could play DC every night because he would average 30. 12 Threes for ATL to the Wizards 5.
Without Nick Young, when Crawford is out of the game, the offense runs a lot smoother. Lots more passing. Lots more driving and dishing. However having the 2nd worst Defense in the game and nobody stepping up on offense the Wizards will lose no matter who they play. John Wall disappeared in the 2nd half.
Andray Blatche continues to be awful. He is getting slower and fatter each day and now he is playing really weak. He has developed a habit of shooting his 17 footer and then holding up his follow through as he springs backwards instead of crashing the boards (especially since he always misses). The Wizards need to send him home when Nene & Cook get here. (next week according to Buck...WTF)
Game Notes:
I say it every time, but that stupid Hawks in-game announcer who says THREEEEEEE like a girl is very annoying.
The Wizards give up threes, fall asleep on D, and play one on one basketball which is part of the reason why they lose so much.
"What a horrible miss by Violet Palmer" What do you expect Buckhantz. She is the worst official in the NBA and has been for years.
I like that John Wall pulls up at the elbow but he still doesn't make enough of those shots
Decent game for Booker who should NOT be the leading scorer. Where was Wall/Crawford?
Written By Chris C-Ford ---- Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Washington Wizards 83, Atlanta Hawks 101
The Wizards started off winning the tip which became a John Wall turnover which led to a layup at the other end. On the next possession Blatche took a 17 foot jumper which he proceeded to brick. The Hawks came down and hit a 3 pointer. Next possession McGee steps on the baseline, cue the Hawks, Marvin Williams hit a 3 pointer. The Wiz get it back and McGee misses another shot from 2 feet away which leads to ... a Hawks 3 pointer. 11-0 just two minutes into the game. Timeout Flip. Welcome to the Wizards 2011-12 season....
Is it ironic that Blatche after saying he was taking too many shots and wanted the ball in the post came out and took another 17 foot jumper? When that shot went up, Flip Saunders should have benched Andray's ass.
Later in the half Dray Day got it in the post! He made a move, pump faked, and did what he does. Missed a layup. What would Shaq do? Lay it in weakly I'm sure. Even John Wall tries to slam it down when he gets close to the rim. Oh Captain, My Captain, 4 points, 4 rebounds...
Andray finished shooting 15% -- Mostly Layups
Then there is Nick Young. The guy can shoot. But he doesn't do ANYTHING else. He doesn't produce assists, rebounds, or steals. He doesn't even shoot layups. Just jumpers. 21 points...great, you lost by 20.
This was the Wizards best offense...What happens if they double Lewis in the post. You have 3 terrible shooters waiting for the kickout?
Next up Friday night in Wisconsin against the Bucks...
Game Notes:
Buck went with a "I'm Ron Burgundy?" quote...A+ Buck
McGee played well but also goal tended and never boxed out
Singleton was a good pickup
John Wall needs to finish and stop missing layups, even when fouled. He also needs to make a foul shot and maybe a jumper.
Shaq went to the game, Barkley did not
OMG is that Hawks in arena announcer annoying. Especially when he screams Threeeeee like a girl.
Written By Chris C-Ford ---- Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Wednesday, Dec 28th: Wizards @ Hawks (7:30pm - CSN)
Damn...Damn...Damn...James...
On Wednesday night the 0-1 Wizards will head down to the ATL for a matchup against Jordan Crawford's former team the so fresh & so clean Atlanta Hawks. The game will have a 7:30 start time and will probably be on CSN (Caps on Vs), so me and you, your momma and your cousin too, can all watch it.
Atlanta will be playing the 2nd of a back to back, after destroying the same team that beat the Wizards (the Nets) on Tuesday night in New Jersey by 36 points. The player that the Wizards made look like a superstar, Kris Kardashian was "held" to 11 points and 6 rebounds.
Da Art Of Storytelling Part I
Last season the Wizards lost 3 out of 4 to the Hawks who were the 5th seed in the east and made it to the 2nd round after defeating the Magic. The Hawks were led by Joe Johnson and Josh Smith who averaged 18 and 16 ppg respectively. Now Joe & Josh had a partner name Zaza...Oh he stinks, forget about him, I don't remember his number like the summer.
Da Art Of Storytelling Part II
Kirk Hinrich is still injured and will not be playing. The rest of the gang is back except for Jamal Crawford who is now on the Blazers. BREAKING NEWS: Tracy McGrady and Jerry Stackhouse are still in the league and they are on the Hawks. But baby, don't be scared, it's gonna be alright, it's just the lord doin his work...okay?
Do You Wanna Bump & Slump With Us
The Wizards are coming off of a tough loss at home in the opening game where "leaders" like John Wall and Andray Blatche were colder than a polar bear's toenail. If they Wiz want to beat the Hawks they need those two guys to git up, git out, & git somethin...
Written By Chris C-Ford ---- Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Mark Bradley at the Atlanta Journal Constitution believes that the Hawks should make a trade to get Caron Butler from the Wizards. (Found Via Twitter)
Caron Butler & Javaris Crittenton for Marvin Williams & Acie Law
Bradley suggests that this trade could go down because the Wizards are looking to get younger, and dump some of their current salary. These stats listed by Mark show the reason why the Win Now Wizards will never go for this awful trade.
"He averaged 20.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists last season to Marvin’s 13.9, 6.3 and 1.3."
And although i was hoping that Law would fall to the 16th pick and the Wizards in 2007, the Acie Law part of the deal also doesn't make much sense. Law played less last season than in his rookie year, while Crittendon slowly improved.
Other current rumors include the Wizards ending up with Manu Ginobili or Amare Stoudemire, why would they even think about a Marvin Williams. Seriously who the hell is Marvin Williams?
