Game Preview #11: Washington Wizards @ San Antonio Spurs

by CapHill on Nov 21, 2009 3:39 PM CST in Game Previews

Good with a little bit of yogurt and OJ in a smoothie

Why the picture of fruit, Cap? Because this is what I feel like doing: blowing razzberries, Bronx cheer, whatever you want to call it. And I'm out of beer. And the sports gods really, really hate me. More after the jump.

Warning: Massive amounts of crankiness and negativity ahead. Please keep your arms and legs within the car at all times as we plummet down the rollercoaster known as Spurs basketball fandom.

First, a musical selection that I feel appropriately symbolizes our current predicament:

Free Fallin'

Or to help you get through the next game, perhaps this is more to your liking:

Okay, this is really just for me.

And for the more hardcore, I present something completely different:

I am in awe.

Before I jump into the nitty gritty of the actual preview, let's take a little trip back to the summer:

Delusion_dwellers_medium

Delusion Dwellers (thanks, LD)

Remember when we were all gushing over the trade for RJ, ecstatic when DeBeast fell into our laps on Draft Night, giddy over Cubits' improvement and new role as Pop's favorite player? Well, throw that out the window. We stink. This is not "the glass is half-empty"; this is "not a drop of liquid was left in the glass before it shattered on the kitchen floor". We really, really suck.

So to steal from At The Hive, here's a visual recap of our season to date:

Raspberry17_medium

Defense in the Paint

Zippy-zoo-albums-zippy-s-lulu-s-crazy-photos-picture3340-zippy-blowing-raspberry_medium

Ability to Box Out and Grab Rebounds

241842866_1fb27d18ba_medium

Free Throw Shooting and Turnovers

175120623_31d236bd77_medium

Win-Loss Record

We need to win a freaking game. Not after Thanksgiving, but RIGHT NOW! Or even the annual Rodeo Road Trip won't be able to save us. I'm so depressed.

Washington Wizards @ San Antonio Spurs
Where: AT&T Center - San Antonio, TX
When: November 21, 2009, 7:30 PM Spurs time
Watch: NBA TV; My35 (SA)

How They Stack Up


4-2	Home	2-3
0-4	Road	1-5
99.2	Offense	95.6
98.8	Defense	98.1
45.8	FG%	43.6
34.3	3-pt%	34.6
73.0	FT%	75.7
41.2	Rebounds	43.3
12.7	TOs	15.4
4-6	Last 10	2-8
Lost 3	Streak	Lost 1
Not Good Enough	Position	4th, Southeast


Country/Time Zone	Game Time
Argentina	10:30 PM
Crazy Land	5:30 PM
Philippines	10:30 AM
Central Europe	2:30 AM
Palestine/Egypt	2:30 AM
Least Coast	8:30 PM
Drunken Time Zone	6:30 PM
Perth, AUS	8:30 AM
Tokyo, JP	9:30 AM
Sydney, AUS	11:30 AM

Spurs (4-6)	Matchups	Wizards (3-7)
George Hill Foul Prone	Point Guard Tony's probably out, along with our chances of winning this game. Sir Hotbod has done a decent standing in for him, except for the excessive fouling issue. Tonight he's going against Arenas, whose lack of defense is countered by his 23 ppg and 6 apg. Plus, our backup PG is Mason. It doesn't even matter who the Wizards' backup is - they automatically win the battle. Advantage: Wizards	Gilbert Arenas Finally Earning His Paycheck?

Keith Bogans Not Manu	Shooting Guard Manu is definitely out. The Boogeyman almost fouled out last game and the SGs shot a combined 2-11 from the 3-pt line. Even before I saw that Miller is shooting 60% from the field (57% from 3-pt land), I knew we were overmatched. Advantage: Wizards	Mike Miller Get a Haircut

Richard Jefferson Shoot the frickin' Ball	Small Forward Butler shoots over 80% from the FT line; RJ does not. Butler averages over 15 field goal attempts per game; RJ does not. Butler grabs almost 8 boards a game; RJ does not. Advantage: Wizards	Caron Butler Cap hates UConn

Antonio McDyess Only Option	Power Forward Dice has played decently lately, but Jamison's season debut was out of this world. His first game back from injury, Antawn drops 31 points and grabs 10 rebounds in the Wiz' upset of the Cavs. He wins. Advantage: Wizards	Antawn Jamison He's Back

Tim Duncan The Big 1	Center Haywood is actually averaging a double-double this year. (Yeah, that surprised me too.) However, he ain't Timmeh. The only one of the Big 3 left standing, Duncan has taken on more of the load, but at what expense to his body? 40 mpg during a SEGABABA ain't gonna help Duncan get to the playoffs healthy, Pop. Advantage: Spurs	Brendan Haywood Not Awful

Michael Finley No Defense	Bench & Role Players Other than SAM, our bench played like crap against Utah. Blatche and Foye are providing good production off the bench. In addition, tonight marks the return of the tip out king himself, Fab. Advantage: Wizards	Fabricio Oberto ARGENTINE

Gregg Popovich Bring back The Beard	Coach I thought Flip did a good job in Detroit, until he was unceremoniously shown the door. His job in Washington is still a work in progress. Even though Pop finally played Malik some minutes in the last game, his inconsistent lineups are driving everyone crazy. Pop needs to start taking the regular season seriously. Advantage: Tie	Flip Saunders No Caption
	images via yahoo.com

	Other Factors
Intangibles
Both of these teams are below .500. However, the Wizards did pull a big upset this week against the Cavs, and the Spurs have been One Stud and a bunch of suck. Advantage: Wizards
Mojo
We have none. Advantage: Wizards
Winner: Wizards
We shouldn't lose this game; therefore, we will. Probably in a heart-breaking double OT loss where Timmeh plays 50 minutes. Prediction: Wizards win.

Keys To The Game

Defend the Paint - This matador defense is getting old. Allowing the other teams to waltz in and out of the lane with ease is not the way you win basketball games. The Spurs used to be known for their physicality. I have no idea where that toughness went.
Box Out - The first rule for rebounding is to find and box out the opposing players, thereby not allowing them to corral the ball for easy layups and tip-ins. There's a reason the FSM gave everyone a butt.
Make Free Throws - There's a reason free throws are called "freebies" - they're supposed to be easy. Making them at a better than 75% clip means possibly a different outcome vs. Utah. And it wouldn't hurt to stop with the sloppy turnovers either.

Strength of Schedule

The Spurs had a day of rest after a SEGABABA. Timmeh played waaaay too much in both of those games (losses). Tonight is a home game, so rest shouldn't be an issue.

The Wiz lost in Oklahoma City last night, so they're on a road-and-road SEGABABA. Brutal, but they're young and athletic - except for Fab.

Last Time They Met

The Spurs last played the Wizards March 6, 2009 (last season). Here's the boxscore for anyone who cares. We won. Yippee. Doesn't matter - they were decimated by injuries and were already out of the playoff race. We didn't suck at that time. We do now.

Some Other Reading

Wizards

Bullets Forever - The Wizards SBN blog. They are happy Jamison is back. And can we get some Bullets throwback unis going this year?
Truth About It - This is the TrueHoop network blog for the Wizards. They have some funny content over there and seem to worship LeBron as much as we do.

Spurs

48 Minutes of Hell: I think Tim and Graydon are just as frustrated and disappointed about the season so far as we are. But they still kick ass with the blog.
Project Spurs: Now featuring live chats, call-in shows and podcasts (in Spanish too). I should call and see what they're drinking.

The (sort of) Daily Twitter

Cap was uncooperative on this section, so you're stuck with Tim C.

manuginobili

Good News: MRI was negative, so nothing serious. Will be back soon. Bad News: Out for a week and we lost again. //...http://bit.ly/2x5BxP

MoneyMase

Now its time to get back to some wins! Who's coming tomorrow?

And these are for Hipuks:

tp9network

Hey facebook world did anybody see new moon i was thinking about going??? http://bit.ly/07ai5rb

DeJuan45

LOL!!!!!!

You can also find all the official Spurs Sports & Entertainment Twitter accounts here: http://twitter.com/spurs/official/members

Other things of possible interest

As we in the States are preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving, I bring you The Thanksgiving Letter. If this woman were in my family, she'd probably have been brained by a can of jellied cranberries by now.

Where to Tune In

TV

This game will be aired nationwide on NBA TV (which means I get to watch it), and in the San Antonio area it will also be on My35 HD.

Online

As always, NBA league pass is recommended for those who are willing to pony up the cash. Almost every Spurs game will be broadcast there, which is especially helpful for those of us who aren't in the San Antonio area..

Please don't post links to illegal game feeds in the game thread. Links to illegal feeds are not permitted on SBNation, but you can probably find them out there on the internets if you're resourceful and desperate. In fact, nobody can stop you from googling "atdhe". You can also shoot an email to dmenendez@gmail.com for more assistance.

Spurs League Pass audio is still free this year, so check it out.

Radio

If you're in the San Antonio area and aren't near a TV, tune in to WOAI (1200 AM).

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Comments

How’s this for reasons why we lose this game?

Hollinger says we should win.

The Spurs - now playing defense again! ...but only against Dallas.

by Tim C. on Nov 21, 2009 2:46 AM CST reply actions

Thanks for putting in the Tweets, although I still think it’s newfangled crap.

My people call it "sarcasm." - Lauri

by CapHill on Nov 21, 2009 11:01 AM CST up reply actions

Great preview Nan. Just wanted to share two links.
One, What to drink on Thanksgiving. You better be prepared to spend more than 40 bucks on a wine. ( See, I do care about PtR).

Two, a song about when will win the next game. One of these days.

If you haven't lived with a squirrel, you haven't lived. - Bob Ross

by Hipuks on Nov 21, 2009 2:56 AM CST reply actions

Hipuks

I was looking for the old Dime article on Timmy as the forgotten badass so I searched “mutherfucker”. I was proud and felt a bit vulgar to find I was the only one to use this word in comments. Then I searched “motherfucker” and YOU my friend use this word almost as much as everyone else combined on PTR. A tip of my cap to you sir.
And in case you missed it the first time around, Timmy is Motherf*cker.

Just call me The Profit

by Manuwar on Nov 21, 2009 2:28 PM CST up reply actions

Thank you, I try to restrain myself from using motherfucker too much, as a word that powerful and beautiful is to savored sparingly. Cool article by the way, Timmeh doesn’t have to talk shit, he lets his game do the talking.

If you haven't lived with a squirrel, you haven't lived. - Bob Ross

by Hipuks on Nov 21, 2009 3:07 PM CST up reply actions

I love that Neil Young song. Thanks for posting.

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney

by bellasa on Nov 22, 2009 10:09 AM CST up reply actions

Interestingly enough, I found out about that song from a British hidden camera show which is known for its good music.

If you haven't lived with a squirrel, you haven't lived. - Bob Ross

by Hipuks on Nov 22, 2009 6:01 PM CST up reply actions

Also:

tp9network

Hey facebook world did anybody see new moon i was thinking about going??? http://bit.ly/07ai5rb

Trade him. Now.

If you haven't lived with a squirrel, you haven't lived. - Bob Ross

by Hipuks on Nov 21, 2009 2:57 AM CST reply actions

I’m on that comment thread somewhere telling him to save his money and see the Road next week, a ~~man’s~~ adult’s book and movie.

Neither he nor Gob were prepared for the challenges of using cats to catch a seal.

by Cedarpark on Nov 21, 2009 4:48 PM CST up reply actions

not that TP isn’t a man, it’s just that I didn’t want to offend any male Twilight readers out there, that aren’t adults.

Neither he nor Gob were prepared for the challenges of using cats to catch a seal.

by Cedarpark on Nov 21, 2009 4:50 PM CST up reply actions

I will offend Twilight male readers. He isn’t a man, and no, this doesn’t man, “oh he’s so gay!” as if the two were mutually exclusive. He isn’t a man, he’s a tween.

If you haven't lived with a squirrel, you haven't lived. - Bob Ross

by Hipuks on Nov 21, 2009 7:32 PM CST up reply actions

I have plans to see that with a girlfriend next week. Originally I felt guilty for lending her the book. The story is so powerful and the writing simple, but beautiful. We were both able to appreciate the novel in spite of the darkness.

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney

by bellasa on Nov 22, 2009 10:16 AM CST up reply actions

I was guilted into watching both twilight and new moon….

by xman130 on Nov 22, 2009 12:55 PM CST up reply actions

There isn’t enough guilt in the world. . . .

Try the new PtR--now entirely BAT-FREE!

by Lauri on Nov 22, 2009 3:11 PM CST up reply actions

Terrific preview, Cap. You’re my role model for crankiness.

The Roleplayer's Realm

by silverandblack_davis on Nov 21, 2009 5:52 AM CST reply actions

Thanks. We’ll see if bella approves.

My people call it "sarcasm." - Lauri

by CapHill on Nov 21, 2009 11:01 AM CST up reply actions

I thought it was a lovely preview… and there was just the right sprinkling of crankiness.

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney

by bellasa on Nov 22, 2009 10:18 AM CST up reply actions

the wiz are coming of a pretty ugly loss against OKC. look for them to be an angry team

If you liked it then you should have put a 5th ring on it. Oh oh oh.

by TDzilla! on Nov 21, 2009 6:08 AM CST reply actions

Just ‘chop BLAAAAIIIRR into that and it’s good to go.

The Roleplayer's Realm

by silverandblack_davis on Nov 21, 2009 12:07 PM CST up reply actions

geez, reading this preview you’d think we were playing badly.

[looks at record]

oooooooh thats right, we are.

we better win. my home town bball team lost tonight after leading by 18 at the half, so i’m not in the mood for 2 punches to the gut inside of 24 hours.

free george hill!

by sleep research facility on Nov 21, 2009 8:49 AM CST reply actions

I, for one, am in a good mood and I’m still on the positive side.

However, I don’t know why.

We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.

by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Nov 21, 2009 10:29 AM CST reply actions

Me too, right now. It’s so early in the season I don’t care much about our record. In fact, I think it’s pretty positive that we played so well against established teams like the Jazz and the Mavs.

Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Nov 21, 2009 10:33 AM CST up reply actions

pathetic below 0.5 team, which we used to own for 10 years, now owns us twice on both their and our court – now please, please, tell me how this is good news?
I think, our games against Dallas were our two best games of the season so far, and Dallas is a legit playoff team if not a contender – now, this is some good news. but Utah games? “awful” just barely starting to describe how we played against Utah.

by Kondor on Nov 21, 2009 4:14 PM CST up reply actions

Think positive.

Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Nov 21, 2009 4:29 PM CST up reply actions

I try. I even manage to see the overtime loss to Dallas as a positive thing. But I struggle with Utah games.

by Kondor on Nov 21, 2009 4:45 PM CST up reply actions

Ditto for me. Am actually not worried taking into account the injuries and new faces. What I am concerned about though is Manus inability to stay healthy…

...Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is forty five.

by alamobro on Nov 21, 2009 10:57 AM CST up reply actions

I’m in a good mood too, though that could be because I haven’t slept and I had just had a cup of coffee with a shitload of sugar.

If you haven't lived with a squirrel, you haven't lived. - Bob Ross

by Hipuks on Nov 21, 2009 3:08 PM CST up reply actions

Great preview, Cap. (I still love that Delusion Dwellers pic.)

Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Nov 21, 2009 10:34 AM CST reply actions

That Psychostick video was incredible. Tell me it’s the band’s real video, please.

Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Nov 21, 2009 10:38 AM CST reply actions

Yes.

My people call it "sarcasm." - Lauri

by CapHill on Nov 21, 2009 11:00 AM CST up reply actions

Hey, the Nuggets lost to the Clips. And Boston & the Blazers & Rockets lost too. Unfortunately the Mavs beat the Kings by 2.

The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."

by olf on Nov 21, 2009 10:46 AM CST reply actions

I’m pissed about the Blazers. How does the second best defensive team in the league lose to the Warriors?

The Spurs - now playing defense again! ...but only against Dallas.

by Tim C. on Nov 21, 2009 1:43 PM CST up reply actions

How does the second best defensive team in the league lose to the Warriors?

I know, isn’t it GREAT?

Plus, the Nuggs had 2 days off before losing to the Clips Friday so you know that Melo, K-Mart & the guys were out late Thursday in Hollywood celebrating their good start to the season. Makes me smile that they were down 20 to the Clips who were without two of their starters.

Lastly, from an unrelated article:

Jermaine O’Neal makes $23 million
Kenyon Martin gets $15 million
Larry Hughes makes $14 million
Bobby Simmons earns $11 million

Certainly makes other contracts seem not so bad.

The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."

by olf on Nov 21, 2009 3:17 PM CST up reply actions

Clips’ broadcasters booted after Iran comments
Complaint leads to 1-game suspension after remarks about Griz’s Haddadi

I didn’t know you could get people suspended by complaining. We should’ve complained the other day in that game against the Mavs.
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/34076489/ns/sports-nba/

If you haven't lived with a squirrel, you haven't lived. - Bob Ross

by Hipuks on Nov 21, 2009 3:53 PM CST up reply actions

So their pronunciation pissed someone off? Huh.

Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Nov 21, 2009 4:02 PM CST up reply actions

God, they were terrible.

“Tony Duncan”
“Anthony Mason”
“George Mason”
“Mann-oo”

The Spurs - now playing defense again! ...but only against Dallas.

by Tim C. on Nov 21, 2009 4:39 PM CST up reply actions

I gotta say, it’s a pretty sweet gig. You show up like half an hour before the game, and just wing it.

If you haven't lived with a squirrel, you haven't lived. - Bob Ross

by Hipuks on Nov 21, 2009 4:41 PM CST up reply actions

Great preview Cap! Blah…we haven’t won in a week. No excuses tonight. Tony’s back? Love the BEER! Hilarious!

by Ed (dfjmed) on Nov 21, 2009 1:38 PM CST reply actions

Pop should grow a Larry Bird creep mustache to shake things up.

And great preview Cap, as always.

Just call me The Profit

by Manuwar on Nov 21, 2009 2:15 PM CST reply actions

Good preview Cap –
have to say I agree with the positive thinking crowd – it is early in the season

BUT

The team is old and cannot keep up with the younger, more talented teams in the paint. early predictions – if Spurs make the playoffs it will be an early exit unless we get some serious help at the C-PF position. oh, guess that doesn’t exactly put me in the positive camp but I like to think that I am there in spirit……..

"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html

by Joe deLarios on Nov 21, 2009 6:03 PM CST reply actions

Stop being so positive.

Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Nov 21, 2009 6:22 PM CST up reply actions

I know….I can’t help it……I see……..(fill in the blank)

"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html

by Joe deLarios on Nov 21, 2009 8:47 PM CST up reply actions

All I want for my birthday is a Spurs win.

And lots of alcohol…

Or codiene cough syrup… Really it’s a toss up on those last two items.

GO SPURS GO!

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney

by bellasa on Nov 21, 2009 6:37 PM CST via mobile reply actions

Happy birthday!

Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Nov 21, 2009 6:41 PM CST up reply actions

Thanks, LD… that’s umm pretty…. yeah. Look at all the candles… it’s almost right.

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney

by bellasa on Nov 22, 2009 10:20 AM CST up reply actions

Happy Birthday, bella!

Sorry you’re feeling like crap, but here’s hoping a Spurs win helps you get better.

My people call it "sarcasm." - Lauri

by CapHill on Nov 21, 2009 6:46 PM CST up reply actions

It made me smile… another one would make me downright giddy.

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney

by bellasa on Nov 22, 2009 10:20 AM CST up reply actions

Happy 50th birthday Bellasa. I think what you need is some purple drank.

If you haven't lived with a squirrel, you haven't lived. - Bob Ross

by Hipuks on Nov 21, 2009 7:29 PM CST up reply actions

No wonder I feel like I have a horrible headache after I take that stuff… at least it helps me sleep.

Thanks for making me younger, H… I’m actually 65 years young this time around!

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney

by bellasa on Nov 22, 2009 10:22 AM CST up reply actions

Happy Birthday!
Here’s to beer, here’s to you
Sing happy birthday and have another brew!

"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html

by Joe deLarios on Nov 21, 2009 8:49 PM CST up reply actions

Thanks for the diddy, A-Train!

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney

by bellasa on Nov 22, 2009 10:22 AM CST up reply actions

We really, really suck.

I’m scared to click on link.

"Yes, it's important that I have good numbers, and I'm well-respected as a player. But I think it's more important that I'm respected as a man." - Some Tall Guy Who Wore #50

by theonlyromeo on Nov 22, 2009 6:04 AM CST reply actions