Player of the Game (Round 2, Game 1: Wizards @ Pacers)

[MikeTheKid]

The Real POTG:

[Ruzious]

When EG signed Gooden, I thought it was a mistake (I wanted Tiny Gallon), but I'm going to take a bottle of ketchup and eat crow to vote for Gooden on this one. Ariza was brilliant against an all-star, but he had Wall set up most of his good offense. Beal had great streaks, but he disappeared in the 3rd quarter, missed a few wide open shots, and got sloppy with the ball at times, and missed 3 straight 4th quarter foul shots. Having Gooden come off the bench and play that well against an outstanding tough veteran PF was phenominal (credit Bill Walton).

[CntOutSmrtCrazy]

Have to agree with Ruzious. If anything I gave it to Gooden because it was unexpected, especially the 13 rebounds. Ariza was fantastic in the first half on offense and all game defensively and Beal was great during the 4th, but Gooden's play really took the wind out of Indiania's sails. He was tenacious on the offensive boards when we needed it most. He was basically our sole provider of bench production (save a lucky three by Miller) and probably alone outplayed Indy's bench in the second half. Even bigger game from him considering our benches production so far in these playoffs.

On another note, we need the guys to step up off the bench they are killing us. We haven't been able to really get more than 1 guy to produce in a single game. In game 1 against the Bulls, Miller had 10 points but we only got 6 points from the other guys (3 apiece from Booker/Webster). Game 2 was by far the best game from the bench with 9 points and 8 rebounds from Booker, 10 points for Webster, and 8 points from Miller. Game 3 we got a total of 10 bench points (Webster with 6). Only 10 points (8 from Webster) again in game 4. Game 5 Booker was basically the only player who gave anything with 6 points and 7 boards. We know the situation from this past games.

[Zonkerbl]

ERNIE GRUNFELD

[pineappleheadindc]

ERNIE GRUNFELD

It's probably against the TOS to post stuff for the sole purpose of baiting some And1s from Millie and hands to add to your totals.

Weak sauce. You, Zonker, are better than that.

[queridiculo]

I voted Gortat because I didn't view the game. 15 rebounds and 3 block seem huge. Gooden's offensive rebounds in such limited time also seem like Herculean numbers. He would have gotten my statistical vote if I could recast.

(Great game to miss! I could have watched it but was nervous and busy being productive. I knew they were ahead so I didn't want to change the mojo. )

Gortat killed it on the glass, and literally killed the Wizards momentum in the third almost by himself.

He had a great rebounding game, but his poor showing on offense really takes him out of the race for player of the game.

[payitforward]

So great just to be able to have this thread -- you could give the nod to any of them.

It was a tremendous treat to watch the game.

[AFM]

Was that a positive, non combatant post by PIF? The sky is falling....

[Illmatic12]

[CobraCommander]

I vote it was a tie - lord threeza and Beal the real deal- if I can only have one- Lord Threeza! Cause beal got lit up in stretches on defense and got sloppy with the ball even if it works out