An Ending Worth Noting
You could fault tonight's loss against New Jersey on Arenas not making that shot, if you know nothing about basketball. He was double-teamed. Really, how many famous game-winners where done while a player was obviously double-teamed (and with one person being an All-Star)?
No, the loss was more about giving up 30 points in the forth quarter. I think it goes without saying that this "focus on defense" will continue to be a work in progress. It will take time, but if they are serious they'll get results. However, let me add that the defense starts with Haywood (as it should be).
But as I said, the team looks like they are coming back to familiar territory: the Big Three totaled 66 points, Jamison and Butler did good on the boards, and Arenas had a decent number of assists. Unfortunately, Haywood had three boards in almost 30 minutes (although since most of rebounds in the first three games were offensive ones, that's kinda understandable) and the bench's contribution just wasn't enough.
One thing I can say is that I'm impressed with Eddie Jordan's substitutions for this game, especially the ones in the last minute or so. Jordan's gotten some criticism for not being a "chess player," particularly late in games, and it's refreshing to see that he's showing that he manage a game.
I'm looking at the minutes played for the Wiz, and I can't help but think that Pecherov's injury put a wrench in Jordan's substitution plans.
With all that said, I think we'll be looking at a different team by the end of next week.
No, the loss was more about giving up 30 points in the forth quarter. I think it goes without saying that this "focus on defense" will continue to be a work in progress. It will take time, but if they are serious they'll get results. However, let me add that the defense starts with Haywood (as it should be).
But as I said, the team looks like they are coming back to familiar territory: the Big Three totaled 66 points, Jamison and Butler did good on the boards, and Arenas had a decent number of assists. Unfortunately, Haywood had three boards in almost 30 minutes (although since most of rebounds in the first three games were offensive ones, that's kinda understandable) and the bench's contribution just wasn't enough.
One thing I can say is that I'm impressed with Eddie Jordan's substitutions for this game, especially the ones in the last minute or so. Jordan's gotten some criticism for not being a "chess player," particularly late in games, and it's refreshing to see that he's showing that he manage a game.
I'm looking at the minutes played for the Wiz, and I can't help but think that Pecherov's injury put a wrench in Jordan's substitution plans.
With all that said, I think we'll be looking at a different team by the end of next week.
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