Wizards Insider: February 6, 2011 - February 12, 2011
Nick Young believes pressure still on Wizards in Cleveland
Nick Young watched the Cleveland Cavaliers defeat the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday to end a 26-game, 55-day streak without a win and came away with a sense of relief and disappointment. Relief, that the Wizards wouldn't have to head to the Cleveland worried about being the team that finally...
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Michael Lee
| February 12, 2011; 7:56 PM ET |
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Flip Saunders, Josh Howard, Nick Young
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Open thread: Wizards (14-37) vs. Spurs (44-9)
The Wizards signed Mustafa Shakur to his second 10-day contract on Saturday and he will likely get some extended minutes with the team again depleted. Rashard Lewis is forced to sit out with tendinitis in his right knee, Al Thornton will miss his second game with a dislocated finger and...
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Michael Lee
| February 12, 2011; 7:00 PM ET |
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Josh Howard, Rashard Lewis uncertain for Spurs game
The Washington Wizards went through practice today unsure of the status of several players for tomorrow night's game against San Antonio, which brings the league's best record and a four-game winning streak to Verizon Center. Among those questionable include swingman Josh Howard and forward Rashard Lewis, both of whom have...
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Gene Wang
| February 11, 2011; 2:15 PM ET |
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Al Thornton, Josh Howard, Rashard Lewis
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Jump ball: Who wins -- Wizards or Cavs?
This just might be the most highly anticipated game on the NBA calendar this weekend: Your Washington Wizards vs. the LeBron-less Cleveland Cavaliers. Only half-kidding. But clearly, some of you are eagerly anticipating Sunday's tipoff. Commented MeviousMan: Who cares about the Spurs... I'm really excited to see this 'Toilet Bowl'...
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Washington Post Sports
| February 11, 2011; 12:00 PM ET |
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Wizards risk looking ahead to Cavaliers game
The Wizards are in an unusual position of trying to avoid focusing on the worst team in the NBA by overlooking the best team in the league. They have one of the more unique back-to-back sets as they host the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday, then travel to Cleveland the...
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Michael Lee
| February 11, 2011; 11:00 AM ET |
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Morning brew
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John Wall trying to "take the challenge" defensively
I can't let you get around me this time, Brandon. (By Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post) John Wall may have excited the crowd on Wednesday against Milwaukee when he was alone on the fast break, raised the ball above his head with his left hand, dunked and swung on...
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Michael Lee
| February 11, 2011; 10:00 AM ET |
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Flip Saunders, John Wall
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Rashard Lewis says "surgery is an option" but plans to play through right knee pain
Cut me some slack, ref. You try playing through knee tendinitis. (AP Photo/Mike Fuentes) Rashard Lewis's troubles with his right knee were evident early into his run with the Wizards, when he showed up with a bag of ice wrapped around it -- at halftime -- on Dec. 27,...
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Michael Lee
| February 10, 2011; 1:53 PM ET |
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Rashard Lewis
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Jump ball: Must-see TV?
Sunday's matchup between the Wizards (nearing the record for consecutive losses on the road) and the Cleveland Cavaliers (26 straight losses) is drawing a lot of attention, including some snarky remarks from former Cav LeBron James, via the Miami Herald: "Something has to give in that game where they play...
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Washington Post editors
| February 10, 2011; 12:02 PM ET |
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One losing streak snapped
Besides the win itself, some unusual sights were beheld last night when the Wizards ended a season-high eight-game losing streak with a 100-85 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. Here's the postgame wrap-up. John Wall made a quick trip to Rupp Arena on Tuesday. Box Seats blogger Kevin Broom says Wall...
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Washington Post editors
| February 10, 2011; 8:30 AM ET |
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Morning brew
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JaVale McGee, Cartier Martin help Wizards end eight-game slide
This is the only way you'll be able to slow me down tonight, Andrew. (By Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post) The Wizards needed a game like the one they had on Wednesday night, when they played so well to end an eight-game losing streak -- against an opponent that...
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Michael Lee
| February 10, 2011; 12:39 AM ET |
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Cartier Martin, Flip Saunders, JaVale McGee, Nick Young, Rashard Lewis
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Open thread: Wizards (13-37) vs. Bucks (20-30)
The Wizards will only dress 10 players, but they might be down to just nine healthy bodies with Rashard Lewis developing some stiffness in his right knee. Yi Jianlian and Al Thornton are both out and Coach Flip Saunders said Lewis would be limited. Lewis complained about soreness in his...
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Michael Lee
| February 9, 2011; 6:18 PM ET |
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John Wall back to work after brief visit at Kentucky
John Wall was at shoot-around on Wednesday after returning to Rupp Arena the night before for Kentucky's win over rival Tennessee. Wall flew to Lexington after practice on Tuesday, sat courtside at the game, and formed the honorary "Y" in Kentucky's cheer. He offered words of encouragement and hung out...
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Michael Lee
| February 9, 2011; 1:00 PM ET |
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John Wall
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Al Thornton is out against Milwaukee
Reserve forward Al Thornton will miss Wednesday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks with a dislocated right middle finger. Thornton sustained the injury while attempting to make a steal on Monday in practice. He popped the finger back in place, but has been limited. What? You need me at the three?...
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Michael Lee
| February 9, 2011; 12:08 PM ET |
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Al Thornton, Flip Saunders, Josh Howard, Trevor Booker, Yi Jianlian
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Jump ball: Suggest a dunk for JaVale
While JaVale McGee is trying bounce back from illness and a slump, he is also preparing to compete in the NBA's slam dunk contest, which will take place on Feb. 19 during All Star Weekend. "I got three of my four ideas already, so I'm kind of good," McGee...
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Washington Post editors
| February 9, 2011; 11:45 AM ET |
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Keeping their heads up, despite losing streak
The Wizards have lost eight straight overall, including three in a row at home, but they are hoping to end both skids as they host the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday at Verizon Center. Although the Wizards haven't won since Jan. 22, Coach Flip Saunders said his players have continued to...
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Michael Lee
| February 9, 2011; 8:05 AM ET |
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Morning brew
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Nick Young returns to practice after left knee "scare"
Nick Young returned to practice on Tuesday after developing some discomfort in his left knee the day before. Coach Flip Saunders said that Young was able to go through every drill without any complications and should be available when the Wizards host Milwaukee on Wednesday. I'm fine. (Photo by Jonathan...
By
Michael Lee
| February 8, 2011; 3:23 PM ET |
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Andray Blatche, Flip Saunders, Nick Young, Yi Jianlian
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Jump ball: Evaluating Young, McGee and Blatche
In the reader comments, Samson151 asks an intriguing personnel question. I'm wondering if all 3 of the young Wiz -- Nick Young, McGee, and Blatche -- are 'role players' on a contender. That's not to say one or more wouldn't start at some point and be productive. They've all played...
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Washington Post editors
| February 8, 2011; 1:17 PM ET |
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Hinrich regaining his touch, not dwelling on trade rumors
Since returning from a hyperextended right elbow injury that cost him four games, Kirk Hinrich has finally started to find his rhythm again. Hinrich has scored in double figures in each of his past three games, averaging 13.3 points on 55.2 percent shooting, for the Wizards (13-37). Hinrich admitted that...
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Michael Lee
| February 8, 2011; 8:05 AM ET |
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Morning brew
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Wizards dealing with injuries, Josh Howard closer to return
Al Thornton sat out the end of practice after dislocating his right middle finger while trying to go for a steal. Thornton popped his finger back into place and returned to the court shortly after practice with his finger encased in black tape. "It should be fine," Thornton said. Nick...
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Michael Lee
| February 7, 2011; 2:31 PM ET |
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Al Thornton, Josh Howard, Nick Young, Yi Jianlian
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Jump ball: Who could save the day?
The NBA has announced a collaboration with Marvel Entertainment to launch a collection of merchandise featuring team logos alongside Marvel super heroes. The line will include apparel and accessories, with artwork featuring a variety of characters, including Spider-Man, Iron Man and Captain America. The New York Knicks will be...
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Washington Post editors
| February 7, 2011; 12:00 PM ET |
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"Small margin of error," difficult schedule adds up to losing streak
The Wizards have lost a season-high eight in a row and 10 of their past 11 games, and now the team is closer to catching the Cleveland Cavaliers for the worst record in the Eastern Conference than the eighth playoff spot. After the Wizards lost to the Atlanta Hawks, 99-92,...
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Michael Lee
| February 7, 2011; 8:06 AM ET |
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Morning brew
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Trevor Booker learning to play small forward
Yi Jianlian sprained his left ankle in the fourth quarter of the Wizards' loss on Saturday to the Atlanta Hawks. Yi landed on John Wall's foot after attempting to block a layup attempt by Hawks reserve forward Damien Wilkins in the fourth quarter. He limped off the floor, went to...
By
Michael Lee
| February 6, 2011; 3:29 PM ET |
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Flip Saunders, Josh Howard, Trevor Booker, Yi Jianlian
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Wizards get lost searching for fourth-quarter hero against Atlanta
With the Wizards struggling to get a win on Saturday, there was no shortage of volunteers to take on the role of hero. Problem was, as Nick Young tried to take his man off the dribble, or Andray Blatche worked his way in the post, or John Wall drove inside,...
By
Michael Lee
| February 6, 2011; 1:02 AM ET |
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Andray Blatche, Flip Saunders, John Wall, Kirk Hinrich, Nick Young
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