The Wizards showed a lot of heart last night against the reining NBA World Champions, the Los Angeles Lakers.
From Nick Young's 360 layup, to JaVale McGee's thunderous slam dunk up the middle (a play of the night), to John Wall's blocked shot against veteran, Derek Fisher (leaving Fisher's feelings just a bit hurt) this team showed they have talent. And a lot of it.
The team rallied to come back from nearly an early 20 point deficit in the first half to within three points late in the third quarter.
I couldn't have been more proud. Skeptical, but proud.
I am, however, still questioning a few of the basic fundamental skills that continue to hold this team hostage, preventing them from being the team they could be.
While I don't play basketball in the NBA, (I did in high school and college, even helped coached a little league team back in the day), I do know that one of the basic fundamental rules of basketball is never run down the court with your back turned.
I saw this repeatedly last night. Unless you have eyes in the back of you head, how can you see what's going on behind you, if your back is turned to the action?
Let's work it: Be cognizant of what is going on around you at all times.
Another thing that concerns me is the disruption of the flow at times when both Gilbert and John Wall are in the game at the same time. There was an instance in the second half where, when after inbounding the ball, the player wasn't sure who to throw the ball to next, Gil or John.
Wall is explosive, can score on a dime, shake things up and make things happen.
Gilbert can provide assists, and occasionally make 3's.
I'd go with Wall.
As a result of this confusion, the ball was lost and rolled into the back court.
Let's work on it: Defining who is the team's main go-to guy on inbound passes.
One other item that continues to plaque the team are fouls. Fouls, along with the opposing team's points from the charity stripe, like it or not, can kill ya.
Let's work on it: Less fouls. Better defensive judgement.
Again, this team has talent and dedication, evidenced by the five three-point shots provided by Nick Young, and some gutsy play action by Trevor Booker, and again that thunderous, straight-up-the-middle slam dunk by JaVale McGee.
All in all, a gutsy 108-115 performance that kept me tuned into the game 'til the end.
On the night for the Wizards: John Wall: 22 points and 14 assists. Nick Young: 30 points, 18 from three-point range. Arenas: 22 points and 4 assists. Not bad.
For the Lakers: Kobe (just Kobe): 32 points. Pau Gasol: 21 points, and 14 rebounds. He was just too much (too tall) under the basket for the Wizards. Lamar Odom (Kardashian): 24 points.
What are you going to do? Not that they can't be beat, but I mean, hey, let's be real - they are the Lakers (15-6).
I also saw a solid performance by former Wizard, Steve Blake. Albeit, he had just 9 points in the contest for the Lakers, I still wondered why the Wizards chose to trade him.
To the Washington Wizards (6-14) who are still trying to get their first road win of the season: Good effort. Keep up the good work. You're lookin' good.
Your gift of an improved record at home, and on the road, is near this Holiday Season.
Comments