Another Blown Win

The Wizards' strengths in the Chicago series have turned into the worst of weaknesses against the Pacers. After a Game 1 win in Indiana, the Wiz have dropped 3 straight -- 2 at home -- and face a 3-1 series deficit upon their game tomorrow.

What happened?

1. Paul George
2. Roy Hibbert
3. The third quarter
4. The inability to step on the Pacers' throats

Ariza hasn't been effective in stopping Paul George, who set a playoff career high with 39 points in Game 4. That's three consecutive games where he's been more productive, efficient, and effective in leading the Pacers' backcourt.

Hibbert is awake. He heard the criticism after his 0-0, 5 foul Game 1. No more, he says. A 28-9 Game 2 effort was followed by a 14-5 Game 3, then 17-9 in Game 4. He has 2-3 blocks per game, but more importantly, is severely altering Washington's shots in the paint, which is almost as good as a turnover (especially if Andre Miller is driving).

The Wiz Kids are getting DOMINATED in the 3rd quarter; Indiana has outscored them by an increasing amount in each game's 3rd period (6, 6, 14, 17). Coming out flat, ceasing to run a transition offense, and settling for contested jumpers are all contributors to this statistic.

It's no secret that the Wiz were up by 17 at halftime and 19 after a quick bucket to start the 3rd. And then came the collapse.

In spurts.

Up 17... up 10.

Up 14... up 7.

Game-changing moment: Up 9, Bradley Beal misses an uncontested, reverse right-handed layup. Indiana hits a 3. 

Then the Pacers cut it to 2, and at that point, it was anyone's game.

If the Wizards don't learn how to "Spur" their games, making a 20 point lead into 30, effectively cutting off their opponent's oxygen supply, the next level will never be reached.

Am I still confident about the Wizards' chances, down 3-1?

Yes.

But at this point, I predict Indy in 7.

Game 5 prediction: 91-83, Wizards

Game 2 Recap; Game 3 Predictions

Well, so much for ex-NBA stars trolling Young Roy Hibbert on social media.

The troubled center scored the first 5 points for the Pacers, setting his own pace for the remainder of the game. I wouldn't describe his play as dominant; he just played smart basketball, putting himself in the right places at the right times to get timely put backs, hook shots, and scoops.

He finished with 28 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks, and altered numerous other Wizards attempts.

For the Wiz, Ariza, a long-range threat and defensive specialist, found himself under the weather and scored only 6 points in 39 minutes of play.

John Wall couldn't find a stroke all night, finishing 2-13 with 6 points and 8 assists.

Cumulatively, these poor games by so many Washington starters would lead one to believe they were on the losing end of a blowout. Surprisingly, Washington was down only 3 with just over 2:00 left to play in the game.

John Wall missed 2 threes and Bradley Beal missed another, forfeiting 3 straight possessions and wasting 3 defensive stops.

My question: Washington, what got you here? Yes, outside shooting has been of a higher percentage this year, but that's because they have been taken carefully at timely moments in games all season.

Wall's best game comes from the drive-and-dish, or driving and scoring in the lane with the possibility of a foul.

Admittedly, in his post-game interview, Wall took the loss on his back, acknowledging his mistakes in the final period.

But wait, there's more!!!

It shouldn't have even gotten to that point. The Wizards only attempted 12 free throws all game, a consequence of settling for jumpers and failing to be aggressive in the paint on drives.

Nene missed the first 4 FT attempts of the game, and Washington finished just 5-12, or under 42% to Indiana's 18/21 - 86%.

THAT was where the Wizards almost blew it in Game 1 when George Hill made desperation 3s at the end. THIS is where they blew it in Game 2.

My thoughts...

1. Hibbert won't have another season-high scoring game this series.
2. Wall and Ariza won't combine to shoot 4-21, or 19%, in another game.
3. Wittman will rescind his obligatory dunk from his squad's series win over the Bulls if the team doesn't shoot over 70% from the charity stripe in each game from here on out.
4. Andre Miller deserves a maximum of 10 minutes a game; maybe even less, but certainly not more.

Tonight's Game 3 in Washington will be showtime for the Wizards. An 8:00pm tip-off in the nation's capital city allows plenty of time for the home crowd to show up on time, loud enough to take on anyone, maybe even Nenê.

Washington will lead for almost the entirety of the game, in another defensive battle holding both teams under the 100-point mark (the Over/Under is 183.5). Beal will go off for 25-5-5 or more, and Nene/Gortat will combine for 40/20+

Indiana will get huge offensive surges from Lance Stephenson and Paul George, as Hibbert returns to maybe a 12-5 line.

Prediction: 93-87, Wizards

REMINDER: IF the Wiz score 100+ and win, use code WIZ50 to get 50% off anything full price from Papa John's in the DC/Metro area.