Round 2, Game 2: GET GREEDY! Wizards @ Pacers 7 PM TNT 5/7

[dlts20]

I think he started to believe his own hype (with the ASG, dunk contest, commercials etc). Paul George admitted that he did this year, and him and Wall are the same age both young franchise players.. just a learning process I guess

nah, I dont believe that with Wall. Believeing your own hype is sucking while trying to be a super star. George was sucking and shooting a ton. Wall is the opposite. He's playing without confidence when it comes to shooting. He's not cocky about it. He's shying away from it because he knows he's off. Plus he was great after the All Star game until the last 5 games of the year

[Sonny Carson]

wall is in a terrible shooting slump dating back 2 monts

last 4 games

4-15
2-13
7-19
4-14

17-61 from our max player

are you trolling? I told you last game that its not true. Its only been 12 games including the 7 playoff games. Before that he was shooting very well for over 2 months

I'm going to give you an example of what Wall is reminding me of.

LeBron in the FInals against the Mavs. (LeBron wasnt as bad as Wall is right now...but just for comparison sake)

What was the issue with LeBron? And what did he not do that guys like Dirk did the year he beat him and Kobe did the year before?

LeBron actually played "good basketball' all around #s, making the right play, etc etc.

However, the Heat NEEDED LeBron to put the game on his shoulders. Because HE was the best player on the team, not DWADE. However, he was passive and hoped doing the right things would be enough as long as others are balling (now I blame Spo, which you kinda blame Randy for this as well, of not knowing how to make things easier for LeBron. Not putting him in favorable positions to gain some confidence. SPo was FINE with LeBron taking a backseat role. A big freaking no no that cost us a championship. Not to mention he ran LeBron into the ground as well.....eh...similar to Randy with Wall...hmm..)

Dirk struggled during that game 6....but Dirk was in that IDGAF mode...and said we're winning this **** on my watch. Same with Kobe against the Celtics....struggled...but said its on ME to will us to a championship. LeBron eventually said" **** this....I'm tired of getting blamed and I'm going all out with the game on MY shoulders."

Now maybe it takes Wall failing a few times to get there. Happens to the best of them.

But if anything...People should want Wall going at the game like he's the best on the floor, aggressive, unafraid, going for it.


Now...Wall had a struggle, but finish moment against the Bulls in game 5. Missed shots, but you could see he put the game on shoulders to get the win. He wanted the ball in the biggest moments and he also wanted to set the tone early.

Wall has to come out with that mentality in game 3. WIn or lose. Its on him. And he should WANT that kind of pressure.

[barelyawake]

It was predictable that OKC and Indy would play their hearts' out in those games.

The next game will tell the tale.

Wall is young, folks, and it's his first playoffs. I agree with all the criticism, and have said it before myself. But, cut the guy a little slack this time. Rational criticism is fine. Standing on the bar and screaming seems a little inappropriate right now. Yes, we need another superstar. We shoulda known that already. That star, and Beal, take the last shot. Wall does the distributing, the defense, and the breaking down defenses for the other two. He'll never be a lights out shooter. But, with another star, we won't ever need him to be.

Understand where we are at and adjust. That's all.

[omegatronic3]

the way I look at it is that we didn't play a great game and Indiana did play well in a must win game and it was still right there for us to win it.

Is it a coincidence that Andrew Bynum is not with the team for the rest of the playoffs and all of a sudden Hibbert comes to life?

Don't forget this is the No. 1 seen in the East.

I wish Barkely would shut up about Hibbert and Indiana...he's gonna give them more motivation.

One thing that concerns me is that Hibbert's gonna have some fans back in DC and hell be pretty comfortable in Verizon coonsidering he played college there?

[Illmatic12]

I think he started to believe his own hype (with the ASG, dunk contest, commercials etc). Paul George admitted that he did this year, and him and Wall are the same age both young franchise players.. just a learning process I guess

nah, I dont believe that with Wall. Believeing your own hype is sucking while trying to be a super star. George was sucking and shooting a ton. Wall is the opposite. He's playing without confidence when it comes to shooting. He's not cocky about it. He's shying away from it because he knows he's off. Plus he was great after the All Star game until the last 5 games of the year

The reason why I say that about Wall, when he's on a roll he flexes and beats his chest after every little layup. He's trying too hard to be a star. Just let your play speak. If you don't do all that nonsense when you're playing well, when it comes to crunchtime you'll have the same even-keeled demeanor and you will be levelheaded and focused.

Let's face it, Wall has been hiding behind his teammates this whole postseason. He's been playing well, but hasn't had a signature game or moment where he takes over. And last night he saw his chance to finally be a playoffs star and have his own Lillard/Curry moment, and he just couldn't hold it in. It was a mental brainfart

[omegatronic3]

After watching the 4th quarter I dont really fault Wall...he took a wide open shot like you should. He just couldnt hit anything tonight. The turnover was just good D. My issue with wall is he needs to get to line more.

Next game he needs to take it to Hibbert strong and get him in foul trouble. Everyone had turnovers. Beal had a few bad ones, Miller had one. This game was there for the taking and they just out executed us down the stretch.

This is really the first time we are being tested so I't will tell a lot in how we respond next game.

Ariza was pretty invisible as well.

[Severn Hoos]

Ariza was pretty invisible as well.

Yep, 11 points on 5-13 shooting just isn't going to cut it.


Oh, wait - that was Paul George's line. I think Ariza did his job last night. We just didn't get the icing on the cake of 6 3-pointers. But if Ariza holds George to low double-digit scoring the rest of the way, the Wiz win this series.

[closg00]

Re: Randy, Why is it a given the John Wall MUST close all games, especially when he begins to shrivel like he did last night. I would have taken my chances with old man Miller down-the stretch.

[pancakes3]

Re: Randy, Why is it a given the John Wall MUST close all games, especially when he begins to shrivel like he did last night. I would have taken my chances with old man Miller down-the stretch.

You done outhought yourself there.

[Dat2U]

Re: Randy, Why is it a given the John Wall MUST close all games, especially when he begins to shrivel like he did last night. I would have taken my chances with old man Miller down-the stretch.

Because he's your franchise player for the next half decade at minimum. You don't overreact. Were 4-1 on the road in the playoffs. One bad game doesn't change that.

[fishercob]

Good morning, Wiz-ren! I haven't read too much of this thread, but enough to know it's a little angsty in here, yes?

Everything is about expectations, isn't it? The fact that the Wizards offense was inexplicably fine against Chicago -- really I'm still in shock over that -- shouldn't totally obscure the season-long data set. That is to say, Indiana was the best defensive team in the league and the Wiz's offense was just below average. So when Indy is doing the things they can and should do, the Wiz are going to experience some offensive struggles and droughts. The Wiz played like a middling offensive team against a really good defensive one over the last 4 minutes. Ah, well. It's part of the learning process. Progress isn't always linear. There will be struggles along the way and we soldier on.

Yeah, we need to shoot better. John needs to shoot better. We've seen him do it; I certainly think he can.

I did not love Witt skipping Booker's turn in the rotation in the 2H last night. I think his energy and intensity are very important -- even if only for a few minutes. He and Drew are fine together against IND's backup bigs. Booker running the floor helps suck in the D and open up shooters. He's good on the offensive glass. Let's keep him involved and engaged so that Marc and Nene are fresh and without foul trouble down the stretch.

Let's get 'em Friday!

[milellie111]

Overractions galore. No one expected the Wizards to beat the #1 seed back to back in Indy twice in a row. If we did, great, if we went down 0-2, not the end of the world, but we are still ahead of the pace stealing game 1. Next 2 are in Washington with a good shot to go up 3-1, worst case scenario 2-2 going back to Indiana. Clippers stole game 1 in OKC, but everyone knows when a teams back is up against the wall to go down 0-2 at home in the playoffs, game 2 they will do everything to win.

Pacers gave everything they had last night with Hibbert having a rare legendary game which most likely won't happen again. Ariza will continue to strap George and Nene can handle West. Continue to play Gooden on West as well. Lance Stephenson is who we have to worry about. We played a pretty terrible game and still had a chance to win up to the last minute. We didn't deserve to win the way we were playing. Alot of phantom foul calls going Indy's way and far too many rushed shots and not enough aggressiveness driving to the basket. I expect our boys to settle down and get back on track for the win at Friday's home opener.

[Dat2U]

Wall's issue is his thinking is backwards. I'm not sure who told him or where he's getting it from but he's put so much emphasis on his jumper that he's chosen to live and die by it. I have no idea why he would do this or if this is more of a coaching issue... But we've got arguably the quickest guy in the league with the ball who would rather shoot a 18 footer than get a layup right at the rim and a guy that can get to the rim at will whenever he wants, but does so sparingly and only to pass out to a big or shooter for a lower percentage shot. It's a trend that's disturbingly getting worse as the season has gone on. I wonder if the coaching staff is on him about it or if they are content with him being so willing to share the ball but he's sharing the ball so much he's basically letting opponents off the hook a great deal of the time.

[DCZards]

Re: Randy, Why is it a given the John Wall MUST close all games, especially when he begins to shrivel like he did last night. I would have taken my chances with old man Miller down-the stretch.

I hope Randy is not thinking about sitting JW at crunch time. Got to continue to ride the horse that got you here...win, lose or draw. And you certainly don't want to crush the young man's confidence by showing a lack of faith in him.

It was a mistake for John to take those two 3s in the last couple of minutes of the game. That was not the time for him to take a shot he hasn't been making. I wasn't that concerned about the late turnover. Got to give Hill credit for a good defensive play on that one.

[closg00]

Wall's issue is his thinking is backwards. I'm not sure who told him or where he's getting it from but he's put so much emphasis on his jumper that he's chosen to live and die by it. I have no idea why he would do this or if this is more of a coaching issue... But we've got arguably the quickest guy in the league with the ball who would rather shoot a 18 footer than get a layup right at the rim and a guy that can get to the rim at will whenever he wants, but does so sparingly and only to pass out to a big or shooter for a lower percentage shot. It's a trend that's disturbingly getting worse as the season has gone on. I wonder if the coaching staff is on him about it or if they are content with him being so willing to share the ball but he's sharing the ball so much he's basically letting opponents off the hook a great deal of the time.

Amen!! The coaches need to correct this, you see it coming at the close of every game. When John cannot speed to the hoop, his half-court game is confused resulting in those oddly selected long-twos or shots hoisted with little confidence.

[verbal8]

the way I look at it is that we didn't play a great game and Indiana did play well in a must win game and it was still right there for us to win it.

Is it a coincidence that Andrew Bynum is not with the team for the rest of the playoffs and all of a sudden Hibbert comes to life?

I had that thought initially when I saw the Wiretap headline. However it seems that reading more Bynum wasn't even with the team much and basically was signed just to keep him away from Miami or other suitors.

I think Bynum is a reverse Almond Morris, the Pacers struggles and his prescence are a coincidence.

One thing that concerns me is that Hibbert's gonna have some fans back in DC and hell be pretty comfortable in Verizon coonsidering he played college there?

It will be a lot harder for the Wizards this series if Hibbert gets close to his peak for the season.

[Dat2U]

Wall's issue is his thinking is backwards. I'm not sure who told him or where he's getting it from but he's put so much emphasis on his jumper that he's chosen to live and die by it. I have no idea why he would do this or if this is more of a coaching issue... But we've got arguably the quickest guy in the league with the ball who would rather shoot a 18 footer than get a layup right at the rim and a guy that can get to the rim at will whenever he wants, but does so sparingly and only to pass out to a big or shooter for a lower percentage shot. It's a trend that's disturbingly getting worse as the season has gone on. I wonder if the coaching staff is on him about it or if they are content with him being so willing to share the ball but he's sharing the ball so much he's basically letting opponents off the hook a great deal of the time.

Amen!! The coaches need to correct this, you see it coming at the close of every game. When John cannot speed to the hoop, his half-court game is confused resulting in those oddly selected long-twos or shots hoisted with little confidence.

No not exactly. He's run the half court offense pretty well actually, but his foot is off the peddle. I'm seeing him make the right decisions most of the time but he's to find a better balance b/w being a pass-first PG and arguably the most lethal threat on the basketball court in terms of athleticism and skill. He may be the classic over-thinker.

[Higga]

Disappointing loss, but I'm not too worried. It took Hibbert having the game of his life and Wall having the complete opposite AND us shooting 25% from 3 and 40% from FT line for them to win by a measley 4 points.

It is annoying watching Wall settle for so many jump shots though. He has got to attack the basket more. No excuse why he should only have two FT attempts. The jumpers will fall eventually.

If you look at the numbers though, we were for the most part the better team. Better FG%, more rebounds, more assists, more points off the bench, etc. Where we lost was our inability to hit 3 pointers and FTs.

It's gonna be a long series. Buckle up and get your popcorn ready...

[pineappleheadindc]

Everyone over-reacting. I just cannot believe the circumstances have aligned so that I'm actually echoing Millie. W.T.F.

But honestly, no reason for panic.

Let's cognitively and rationally review some premises for a second before we do too much teeth gnashing.

1. The Wizards are not going to go undefeated on their march to the Larry O'Brien Trophy. They're gonna lose some.
2. The lower ranked team's only goal in a 2-2-1-1-1 series set up is to steal a game on the opponent's floor and grab HCA. Can we all agree, Mission Accomplished?
3. The Pacers got a great game from Hibbert (congrats to him). Cool. The Bulls also got one good game to Dunleavy too, right?

Look, the Wiz did a lot right last night. Key Pacers were held down because of a combination of them trying to feed Hibbert and, in greater measure, because we played good D against them. HIbbert averaged 11-something points over the season. If we keep Lance and PG down and they want to try to win a series with Hibbert, more power to them. That would be like the Bulls trying to ride Dunleavy for an entire series. We gotta keep our eye on the prize.

As I thought about the game overnight, there's a lot to appreciate. And think, in order to eke out a win, the Pacers needed ALL of the following (not just one item, below, but ALL):

1. The Wizards to shoot FTs as well as Kim Kardashian would shoot them.
2. Hibbert to go 3x his average.
3. Wall to shoot like crap.
4. Have a bunch of key turnovers.
5. Ariza have a off offensive night.
6. To have the Wizards inexplicably dedicated to walking the ball down the floor on every possession.
7. Related and most important: HAVE ZERO -- ZERO -- FAST BREAK POINTS.

Coming home, Wall's shooting and shot selection isn't the issue to focus on. It's pace and attacking the cup. THAT is the key to the win and the absence of same is the reason the Wizards came out on the short end last night.

Friday is a new day. Let's get that one.

[DCZards]

Wall's issue is his thinking is backwards. I'm not sure who told him or where he's getting it from but he's put so much emphasis on his jumper that he's chosen to live and die by it. I have no idea why he would do this or if this is more of a coaching issue... But we've got arguably the quickest guy in the league with the ball who would rather shoot a 18 footer than get a layup right at the rim and a guy that can get to the rim at will whenever he wants, but does so sparingly and only to pass out to a big or shooter for a lower percentage shot. It's a trend that's disturbingly getting worse as the season has gone on. I wonder if the coaching staff is on him about it or if they are content with him being so willing to share the ball but he's sharing the ball so much he's basically letting opponents off the hook a great deal of the time.

Totally agree. It seems like I spend almost the entire game yelling "attack the basket!" whenever John has the ball. You see what happens when he does...either a layup or foul shots for himself or a dump off to one of the bigs for an easy basket. I find it hard to believe that JW's coaches and teammates aren't also imploring him to use his immense physical gifts to put more pressure on the defense.