Another Back-2-Back for the Wizards

6 total back-2-backs in December and this was the fifth set. The two teams, Memphis and Charlotte, do not have a good record. But, they have beaten top teams in the league this year.

Wizards-Bobcats 2 (postgame)

I saw the Wizards surge out to another 35+ point first quarter. It's not how you start, it's how you finish. Well, the Wizards lost the lead in the 2nd half because no one can slow down Gerald Wallace. Luckily, some clutch shots by Jamison and Arenas real late in the game along with missed jumpers by Adam Morrison and Wallace took the air out of the Bobcats arena. Losing Raymond Felton to foul trouble also hurt Charlotte and I thought that was the turning point in the game.

Washington: 16-12
Charlotte: 7-21

Grizzlies-Wizards (postgame)

I'm shocked that Memphis didn't go inside to Gasol more. I know he's coming back from injury but he's still their best player even at 80%. Memphis plays a very slow, half-court style offense and that's not what the Wizards do. A contrast of styles placed Memphis at a disadvantage all game. Arenas was incredibly efficient, making 9 of 13 baskets. Alexander Johnson, a rookie for the Grizzlies, had a career game. Mike Miller didn't do as much as I thought he would.

Memphis: 6-23
Washington: 15-12

Wizards vs. "The West"

Much has been written in the national media about the Wizards play against top teams in the Western Conference. I watched 3 of the 4 games (didn't catch the Sacramento game). I shall only provide bits of thought on those games. I was hoping for a 2-2 split on this road trip, but a 3-1 result was even better.

Wizards-Suns (postgame)

Phoenix is a tremendously fun team to watch; however, their defensive liabilities will not carry them in the long run against the Spurs and the Mavericks. The Wizards are exactly like the Suns, but they don't run as much all game and doesn't take quite nearly as many 3s. Washington ended Phoenix's 15-game winning streak in OT. Wow.

Washington: 14-12
Phoenix: 18-7

Wizards-Kings (postgame)

Didn't catch the game on tv. I just saw that the Wizards had an explosive 3rd quarter scoring 44 points and that's what did the Kings in. Kevin Martin on the Kings is for real.

Washington: 13-12
Sacramento: 10-14

Wizards-Nuggets (postgame)

No Melo, JR Smith, and Nene. Good odds for the Wizards? Not really as the Nuggets used Earl Boykins and Camby to take out the weary Wizards. Washington was down 31 but cut the lead to 2. However, the team being tired from the Laker game the night before did them in. Glen Consor of Comcast said it best - "the Wizards played fatigue, then inspired, and fatigue again".

Washington: 12-12
Denver: 14-9

Wizards-Lakers (postgame)

Kobe vs. Arenas. That's what it boiled down to. This OT thriller made Kobe said some things about Arenas' shot selection. Oh, and Agent Zero took a bow for his hometown crowd after scoring 60.

Washington: 12-11
Los Angeles Lakers: 16-8