AboveLegit

The Magic were a terrible first game for a rookie point guard, even one of Wall's caliber. Not only are the Magic one of the top 3 defensive teams in the league (and that might be understating them), but they're also the most prepared team coming out of the gate this season (they didn't just win every game in the preseason, but they weren't challenged in the preseason, this team is really about business) and they're also one of the best coached teams in the league (which translates especially on the defense end). Wall did try to do too much last night, but that was mainly because no one on the Wizards was ready to do much of anything. They were passing up easy shots to take harder shots, there was little to no movement, no one was even attempting to set up in the post, it was just a godawful performance. Wall will be fine once he settles down. He had some good looks but just rushed the shots. He also looked solid on defense, which is comforting (at least when he wasn't chasing down his man on the pick and roll because the help defense was just standing there and staring). He'll let the game come to him, so long as he's not playing an excellent defensive team that's really forcing the issue with him (knowing full well that no one else on the Wizards is going to hurt them). I agree with basically everything you said. I hated the hype (I guess you can call it that) surrounding JeVale McGee. He just doesn't get it. He doesn't have a good feel for the game at all, and it's a huge concern moving forward. I can somewhat understand Blatche's performance, it was abysmal in so many ways, but you gotta give credit to Orlando's defense. When they weren't doubling him, he was being guarded by Dwight, so he was really just left in no man's land. He couldn't do anything last night. I also think last night's game is a reason to look forward to Arenas' comeback next week. We need that extra boost on offense, someone to take the pressure off of Wall and give him another kick out shooter. We don't have many knock down shooters, so if Arenas is able to successfully make the transition to an off the ball scorer, we may be able to win some games and help John get more comfortable in the offense. We're still trying to figure things out, we have a ton of holes on this team, and they won't be filled in one season. This rebuilding process will take a while, and after witnessing two straight disgraceful seasons, I'm willing to stay patient.

PG - Chauncey Billups SG - Ray Allen SF - Kevin Durant PF - Antawn Jamison C - Yao Ming 2nd team PG - Deron Williams SG - Brandon Roy SF - Shane Battier PF - Dirk Nowitzki C - Dwight Howard

Rondo is just amazing, 10 points, 24 assists, 10 rebounds. Incredible performance by him. Love what Glen Davis has been doing for the C's so far this year, he's been looking great. But, they still are struggling to close out games.

That might have been one of the most dominant quarters I have ever seen. Orlando couldn't do anything in the third. I think Orlando needs to trade for another good offense weapon. First player to come to mind- Gilbert Arenas.

This trade puzzles me in so many ways. For the Bulls, why are they trying to trade one of their few knock down shooters? Iggy is a slasher, they don't need that. Deng is more than capable of playing in this offense, just give it time once Boozer comes back. They don't need Iguodala. They don't need his slashing ability nor his ability to defend (they brought in Ronnie Brewer just for that role). The Sixers should be considering offers for Iguodala, but they need to receive some picks and young talent/expiring contracts. Don't see any point in receiving virtually the same contract. If you want Evan Turner to be the main guy, then go out and trade Iggy for some useless players with nice expiring contracts.

West is known to be bipolar, so he probably was the main cause of the fight. He's screwing up his chances with the Celtics, he's walking a very fine line right now. Either that or Wafer banged Delonte's mom, would be pretty ironic.

How far do you see this team going in the playoffs? If they are healthy throughout the season, where do you think they would be in the West?

Gameover, looking forward to the game in Atlanta on Saturday now. Hopefully that's closer. -_-

Lol wow Jason Williams with two straight techs. Orlando has had 3 this quarter.

Finally Wall is attacking the basket.

Flip needs to show this team some tape of the Celtics offense. One pass, one shot, one miss, every time down the floor.

Wall with a very quiet 9 assists so far. He is still trusting his teammates and trying to get Blatche going.

You seem like a nice active poster.

Cartier Martin with a nice block on Dwight. He's earning himself some playing time till Gil comes back. Good hustle play.

Oh yeah I definitely agree with you, but let's remember, Blatche isn't exactly the smartest player in the league. When watching the Wizards, you gotta realize two things: - A lot of ill-advised shots. - Inexperience There's no flow to this offense, this is why we need Gil, and this is why we need to keep him. People don't realize what he brings to the table. His offense will be key to the growth of Wall. Otherwise he will have a frustrating year with a very low statistical output.

Ugh, no interior defense for us. McGee is just so raw...still. People really need to hold off on these predictions of him breaking out soon, it's just not happening. He hasn't shown enough promise.

He was either double teamed every time he touched the ball or guarded by the two time defensive player of the year. You really expect him to play well against one of the best defensive teams in the league? Should he have attempted some of the shots he took? Probably not, but he's a young guy trying to establish some sort of rhythm in the first game of the season. Eventually things should work out for him, it's not every day he's going to be facing a player like Dwight or a defense like Orlando. Just give him time, remember, he's still recovering from his injury in the offseason. Yeah he grew on me last year. I was really pushing for him to make the team simply because he's a smart player who knows his role and can knock down open jumpers. Honestly, I'm not even remotely shocked by the outcome of the first half. We're just not on their level, plain and simple. Wall looked a bit nervous coming into the game, had some open shots but missed (expected), and had some easy opportunities to score like that floater over Howard. He can't really rack up any assist either, he has no one to pass to. Orlando is making it so hard on us to score, no one is getting good looks. I won't criticize the team too much nor will I take much out of the game.

The crowd plays the biggest factor imo. They cheer you on and motivate you when you're down (or up). They give you energy while also trying to distract the other team. It may sound simple, but its fairly effective, especially for a young team in a playoff game. Then also you've got the familiarity with the court, surroundings, location... the comfort factor. But overall, I think the crowd is the biggest factor. Just watch the games in Oklahoma City or game 7 of the 2002 WCF in Sacramento to figure that out ... that has to boost the home team and have an impact on the road team slightly.

Because he wanted to consider it....

I remember you from RST, welcome to OTR.

Can't wait. The time has finally come. Gil isn't playing tonight or on Saturday, but right now I could careless. I'm so pumped to see John Wall in action.

Loving the discussion, while we may not have 60-70 members online at a time, we always have great quality guys online. Let's keep it up, I'll try to do some more recruiting this weekend if possible.

If the Rockets keep playing at this pace, I'm going to have to watch more of them this season.

@ the free throw disparity.

But as a first option currently, he got bounced in the first round. When you take away his shot or when he's having an off game, he's pretty ineffective if you ask me. Maybe that's more of a testament to his playing style, but nonetheless, he doesn't do much. And I'm not going to sit here and underplay his performance in the playoffs, he played well and his teammates didn't show up, but regardless we're acting as if he's consistently getting far in the playoffs. Just look at the Mavs the past few years in the playoffs: 2010: First round (4-2) 2009: Second round (4-1) 2008: First round (4-1) 2007: First round (4-2) 2006: Finals (4-2)- Which I have openly said before that the Mavs got robbed big time and should have won the series, but that's a whole different debate. To put it simply, he has been to the WCF twice, and while he has had the consistency in the regular season, it hasn't exactly translated well in May/June.