GT: Bucks @ Wizards (4-2-08)

[miller31time]

And gave up the game winning shot on a massive mental mistake.

Look... I won't argue we're better without Gil. I always thought that was a silly debate. But the question is whether Gil can ever turn his tremendous raw athletic talent into battle hardened, mentally disciplined dominance, a la Jordan, Bird, Magic.

What I saw tonight, with that huge blown defensive assignment, I have to say he's still got room to grow. And as Gil grows, our 'chip chances go too.

One thing I noticed tonight is that Gilbert's defense is still fundamentally flawed. I'm not even talking about his ability to stay with his man (since that has to do with being fully healthy and able - which he isn't). I'm talking about him doing something he's done his entire career that's always bitten the Wizards in the ass - doubling down low when he needs to stick to his man.

And even though this deficiency was highlighted by the last play, it was happening far before that. He was constantly "cheating" in on defense, and it really bothers me. It's such an easily correctable error. And I'm not sure if anyone is telling him that it's wrong and he's just not listening or that nobody is telling him altogether, but something needs to be done.

[Cramer]

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i guess we're all supposed to be happy that we just lost what was supposed to be one of our easiest games in the remaining season. let's have a party with a big Wizards cake and invite Eddie over to open presents and play musical chairs to celebrate our awesome loss against the Milwaukee Bucks.

No, but a hint of maturity would be a pleasant change of pace around here instead of the same crap after every loss.

[newslowsad]

Raps lose by 7 in OT to Atlanta. 3 way tie for 5th.

[Wizards2Lottery]

When Leonsis finally owns this team,perhaps
EG will have the authority to send EJ packing.

Leonsis would have already fired Eddie mediocre Jordans ass. The reason the Caps are having success is because the man leading them is a fan.

Too bad Abe only cares about stupid loyalties and other useless shxt. From Wes to Eddie Jordan. We go from frickin awful to average/mediocre. Hey maybe the next guy will actually be good

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

In a way, this loss may be a blessing. It's time to stop worrying about battling for the 4-7 seed and start worrying about getting our team healthy and in synch.

Let's get back to basics. I want to see defense like we played against the Celtics. If guys aren't defending hard on every possession, EJ needs to yank them. I don't care if it's Haywood, or Jamison, or Arenas. If you want to play, you bust your butt on D.

I want to see us running the offense. I want more of Jamison in the post. I want to see more offensive rebounds out of Haywood.

Let's also play Nick Young and Andray Blatche extensive minutes. We're going to need them in the playoffs. Now's their last chance to acquire experience. It'll also mean fewer minutes for the starters and that's a good think too. They all need rest.

What I want to see is Ayers assert himself and for Eddie to stop rewarding stars with minutes. I don't care who's out there, they need to play some defense.

If AJ can't go, I think Blatche at PF is the way to go. NOT Darius. I trust Songaila to provide a spark but Blatche needs to play with Haywood because that willl automatically improve the defense (and the rebounding) and it will stop all the collapsing.

More Blatche and Young and don't forget Roger Mason.

DeShawn and AJ need to get rested for the playoffs.

I just don't trust EJ to do anything but play a short bench and ride the stars, however.

[fishercob]

CCJ, I just don't think Blatche is as good as we all want him to be right now. His mental game is a complete mess.

[LyricalRico]

Gil was in the game because he replaced Deshawn, he hurt his ankle (badly) on the previous possession. McGuire was in the game because Antawn was lying on the bench in agony.

Oh, that's right - Gilbert was the only option on the bench. It's not like there was another guard on the bench who's a better defender and has two good legs (Mason) or a 7 footer with long arms to distract the in-bounder (Blatche). You're right, EJ has zero culpability because he just didn't have any other options. It's so clear now!

Maybe the game shouldn't have come down to the last play. But it did and these are the kind of situations where head coaches earn their money, by having the right players in the game and either devising a play/scheme or reminding his players of key concepts (like not doubling down on a 7 footer with his back to the basket and less than a second on the clock). EJ obviously did none of those things. Had he done even one this could have been a win.

So yes, it's not all his fault. But he had a chance to help his team preserve the win and he didn't do it. By itself it's not a huge deal. However, since this happens like EVERY WEEK, it means the guy has a problem with in-game situations and I'm going to continue to point it out until he's fired.

[80sballboy]

Gilbert stunk defensively before so I'm not sure what we were expecting now. His lateral movement is obviously going to be affected some from the knee surgery. He should have been a spot player tonight with about 15 minutes player. Not in there at the end, especially on defense.

[Wizardspride]

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Too bad Abe only cares about stupid loyalties and other useless shxt. From Wes to Eddie Jordan. We go from frickin awful to average/mediocre. Hey maybe the next guy will actually be good

Heck,I'm not even sure that EJ is a better coach than Wes.
At least Unseld had the excuse of not having talent.

[miller31time]

Gilbert stunk defensively before so I'm not sure what we were expecting now. His lateral movement is obviously going to be affected some from the knee surgery. He should have been a spot player tonight with about 15 minutes player. Not in there at the end, especially on defense.

When the season began and Gilbert was able to play the first 10-15 games, his defense was actually not that bad. It's was pretty much average. He WASN'T doubling down low, and his man defense was decent.

Obviously, we really struggled because our team just had absolutely no cohesion on either end, but Gilbert's defense was alright.

I'm actually quite disappointed to see what I saw from Gilbert on defense, tonight. I really did think he had changed his defensive philosophy but I guess I was wrong.

[fishercob]

Right, because RMJ is Bruce Bowen now that we lost.

[closg00]

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Oh, that's right - Gilbert was the only option on the bench. It's not like there was another guard on the bench who's a better defender and has two good legs (Mason) or a 7 footer with long arms to distract the in-bounder (Blatche). You're right, EJ has zero culpability because he just didn't have any other options. It's so clear now!

Maybe the game shouldn't have come down to the last play. But it did and these are the kind of situations where head coaches earn their money, by having the right players in the game and either devising a play/scheme or reminding his players of key concepts (like not doubling down on a 7 footer with his back to the basket and less than a second on the clock). EJ obviously did none of those things. Had he done even one this could have been a win.

So yes, it's not all his fault. But he had a chance to help his team preserve the win and he didn't do it. By itself it's not a huge deal. However, since this happens like EVERY WEEK, it means the guy has a problem with in-game situations and I'm going to continue to point it out until he's fired.

Co-sign the entire post.

[Wizards2Lottery]

Oh, that's right - Gilbert was the only option on the bench. It's not like there was another guard on the bench who's a better defender and has two good legs (Mason) or a 7 footer with long arms to distract the in-bounder (Blatche). You're right, EJ has zero culpability because he just didn't have any other options. It's so clear now!

Maybe the game shouldn't have come down to the last play. But it did and these are the kind of situations where head coaches earn their money, by having the right players in the game and either devising a play/scheme or reminding his players of key concepts (like not doubling down on a 7 footer with his back to the basket and less than a second on the clock). EJ obviously did none of those things. Had he done even one this could have been a win.

So yes, it's not all his fault. But he had a chance to help his team preserve the win and he didn't do it. By itself it's not a huge deal. However, since this happens like EVERY WEEK, it means the guy has a problem with in-game situations and I'm going to continue to point it out until he's fired.

Preach on brother. Its only time that the EJ apologists will come with the injury excuses to mask his incredibly horrible late game management.

[P'Oed]

we just can't let Arenas come back and think he can run the show. I'd give more authority to Nick Young at this point. Gil had nothing to do with our record this year. Treat him like a Ben Gordon kind of bench player and go with what has been working all year long: Butler and Jamison are your go to guys who get others involved. I almost feel like Butler and Jamison were disrespected tonight and they have every right to be pissed off and neglected.

and it never shouldve even came down to that final shot. YOu guys are focusing on who was in on the final shot and what not, that doesnt matter. You put a team like the Bucks away when you're up 10 in the 4th quarter. Don't start playing one on one defense and jacking stuff up. Get to the line and increase the lead.

eerrrrrggggg Whatever...

[gowiz999]

So glad I missed this one. This team isn't really worth watching anymore. I've never seen a team with as many embarrassing losses in one season in my life.

I was busy watching the Nats win their 3rd game in a row in a 1-0 shutout of the Phils.

[I_LOVE_DC]

Jesus, a buncha bitches on this board.

I agree.

[LyricalRico]

So glad I missed this one. This team isn't really worth watching anymore. I've never seen a team with as many embarrassing losses in one season in my life.

I was busy watching the Nats win their 3rd game in a row in a 1-0 shutout of the Phils.

Nats>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Wiz
Caps>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Wiz

O's ... (well, let's not get carried away)

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

CCJ, I just don't think Blatche is as good as we all want him to be right now. His mental game is a complete mess.

I agree.

But guess what? He's still tall and highly skilled.

I don't care if he's got rocks for brains he's a better defender than Jamison. I think he'll give the team some interior passing and finishes when open that they don't get.

The Wizards IMO will be better with Blatche and Haywood at PF and C now that Gilbert is back.

I can't really say why that makes sense given Jamison's by far the leader in +/- on this team.

I just think as the season's gone on the Wizards have gone soft defensively and on the boards and the easy remedy is to put size in the game.

If Deshawn and AJ are out the Wizards could play AD, Gilbert, Caron, AB, and BH.

RM NY DS8 and DM can get it done off the bench

[fishercob]

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I agree.

Thirded.

[Wizfan41]

uuuggghhh...
what are we 7th or something now?