For the first time in a while (or at least that I can remember), Maryland has won three straight ACC games in convincing fashion. First, the Terps went to Boston College and won handily, and then they came home and blew out N.C. State and Miami (with a victory over Longwood thrown in for good measure).
Greivis Vasquez is the Terps' best player, but by no means has he had to carry them to victory in any of those games. Right now the Terps are sharing the ball and have a balanced attack, and last night's game was no different. Vasquez and Landon Milbourne each had 16 points, with Eric Hayes and Sean Mosley each chipping in 10. Jordan Williams and Dino Gregory each had eight points, and Adrian Bowie had nine. Vasquez also dished out a game-high nine assists.
The Terps (14-5, 4-1) played suffocating defense in the first half, which led to plenty of turnovers for Miami (15-5, 1-5) and a large share of fast-break opportunities and free throws for Maryland. Not only did Miami shoot just 38.3 percent from the field, but the Hurricanes had just five assists -- and 16 turnovers. Maryland, on the other hand, shot over 50 percent from the field and accumulated 19 assists before getting a little sloppy in the second half with the game already decided and ending up with 11 turnovers.
The scariest thing about the Terps is that Gary Williams already seems to have figured out a solid eight-man rotation. Vasquez-Hayes-Mosley-Milbourne-Williams is a strong starting lineup, and Bowie, Cliff Tucker, and Gregory all bring something to the table when they come off the bench. All eight players possess position flexibility, which gives Gary Williams plenty of lineup options and combinations to utilize in various game situations. The Terps are versatile; most of them can handle the ball, slash to the basket, and shoot. And opposing teams have to respect that.
After playing three straight home games, the Terps go on the road to face No. 21 Clemson on Sunday.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Championship game picks
Despite the large number of blowouts in the playoffs so far, I can't complain about the matchups in both the AFC and NFC Championship games (especially since the Cowboys and Eagles have been eliminated). The Saints and Vikings were easily the two best teams in the NFC this year, the Colts had the NFL's best record and could still be undefeated if they actually wanted to be, and the Jets have the NFL's best defense and rushing attack and have caught fire at the right time. All four teams deserve to be playing today, and each certainly has a decent chance to get to the Super Bowl.
Here are my picks for the two games:
COLTS (-8) over Jets
To me, the biggest matchup in this game isn't Peyton Manning vs. the Jets defense -- it's the other way around. The Colts are going to do everything in their power to shut down the Jets' ground game and force Mark Sanchez to beat them. Sanchez, as many rookies can be, is turnover prone, and the Colts will try to confuse him and put pressure on him in ways that they didn't show in the teams' first meeting late in the regular season.
In that game (a 29-15 Jets win), which isn't the best example since the Colts pulled their starters early in the third quarter, the Jets only scored one offensive touchdown (a one-yard run by Thomas Jones). Their two other touchdowns came in the third quarter on fluky plays: a 106-yard kickoff return by Brad Smith and a fumble return for a touchdown with backup quarterback Curtis Painter in the game for the Colts. The Jets were able to run the ball (202 yards on 44 carries), but Sanchez didn't do anything out of the ordinary (12-19 for 106 yards).
Sanchez doesn't have to have a big game for the Jets to win, but he does have to take care of the ball and move the chains on more than a few instances. If he plays somewhere in the middle of how he played in the Bengals game (12-15 for 182 yards, one TD) and the Chargers game (12-23 for 100 yards, one TD, one INT), then the Jets should have a shot.
The Jets defense will slow down Manning and the Colts a little bit, but their offense is still going to need to score points. At some point, they may even have to move the ball down the field quickly and won't be able to simply lean on the running game. I just don't think Sanchez can do that in such a big game against a team that's been in this situation many times before.
Colts 24, Jets 13
Vikings (+4) over SAINTS
First, let me say this: I'm pulling for the Saints. I respect Brett Favre and think he's a great quarterback, but I don't want to see him in the Super Bowl.
Back to the game: This has a chance to be a phenomenal playoff game. Now that Percy Harvin has participated in practice, both teams have all of their offensive weapons ready to go (except for Jeremy Shockey, but really, who cares about Shockey?). The Vikings and Saints are both loaded at running back and wide receiver, not to mention that Drew Brees and Favre are two of the best quarterbacks in the game and had fantastic seasons.
Both teams are going to get their points, but I think one of the game's biggest factors is Reggie Bush. He looked awesome last week -- where did that come from? He's always been a threat on special teams, but he was running over Cardinals' defenders and finishing runs in a way that I've never seen him do before. If Bush morphs into that running back threat again, the Saints offense will be almost impossible to stop.
The Vikings, though, looked just as good as the Saints in their 34-3 blowout win over the Cowboys. Favre threw four touchdown passes -- three to Sidney Rice -- and their defense sacked Tony Romo six times and forced three turnovers. Adrian Peterson didn't have a big game (26 carries for 63 yards), but he didn't have to with Favre picking the Cowboys defense apart.
I don't have a particularly strong feeling either way on who's going to win, but I do like that the Vikings led the NFL in sacks with 48 while the Saints only had 35. I expect a ton of yards and points in this game, and one quarterback pressure or sack may be the difference in this shootout.
Saints 34, Vikings 31
Regular season: 132-116-8
Playoffs: 3-5
Overall record: 135-121-8
Here are my picks for the two games:
COLTS (-8) over Jets
To me, the biggest matchup in this game isn't Peyton Manning vs. the Jets defense -- it's the other way around. The Colts are going to do everything in their power to shut down the Jets' ground game and force Mark Sanchez to beat them. Sanchez, as many rookies can be, is turnover prone, and the Colts will try to confuse him and put pressure on him in ways that they didn't show in the teams' first meeting late in the regular season.
In that game (a 29-15 Jets win), which isn't the best example since the Colts pulled their starters early in the third quarter, the Jets only scored one offensive touchdown (a one-yard run by Thomas Jones). Their two other touchdowns came in the third quarter on fluky plays: a 106-yard kickoff return by Brad Smith and a fumble return for a touchdown with backup quarterback Curtis Painter in the game for the Colts. The Jets were able to run the ball (202 yards on 44 carries), but Sanchez didn't do anything out of the ordinary (12-19 for 106 yards).
Sanchez doesn't have to have a big game for the Jets to win, but he does have to take care of the ball and move the chains on more than a few instances. If he plays somewhere in the middle of how he played in the Bengals game (12-15 for 182 yards, one TD) and the Chargers game (12-23 for 100 yards, one TD, one INT), then the Jets should have a shot.
The Jets defense will slow down Manning and the Colts a little bit, but their offense is still going to need to score points. At some point, they may even have to move the ball down the field quickly and won't be able to simply lean on the running game. I just don't think Sanchez can do that in such a big game against a team that's been in this situation many times before.
Colts 24, Jets 13
Vikings (+4) over SAINTS
First, let me say this: I'm pulling for the Saints. I respect Brett Favre and think he's a great quarterback, but I don't want to see him in the Super Bowl.
Back to the game: This has a chance to be a phenomenal playoff game. Now that Percy Harvin has participated in practice, both teams have all of their offensive weapons ready to go (except for Jeremy Shockey, but really, who cares about Shockey?). The Vikings and Saints are both loaded at running back and wide receiver, not to mention that Drew Brees and Favre are two of the best quarterbacks in the game and had fantastic seasons.
Both teams are going to get their points, but I think one of the game's biggest factors is Reggie Bush. He looked awesome last week -- where did that come from? He's always been a threat on special teams, but he was running over Cardinals' defenders and finishing runs in a way that I've never seen him do before. If Bush morphs into that running back threat again, the Saints offense will be almost impossible to stop.
The Vikings, though, looked just as good as the Saints in their 34-3 blowout win over the Cowboys. Favre threw four touchdown passes -- three to Sidney Rice -- and their defense sacked Tony Romo six times and forced three turnovers. Adrian Peterson didn't have a big game (26 carries for 63 yards), but he didn't have to with Favre picking the Cowboys defense apart.
I don't have a particularly strong feeling either way on who's going to win, but I do like that the Vikings led the NFL in sacks with 48 while the Saints only had 35. I expect a ton of yards and points in this game, and one quarterback pressure or sack may be the difference in this shootout.
Saints 34, Vikings 31
Regular season: 132-116-8
Playoffs: 3-5
Overall record: 135-121-8
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Wizards fall short against Mavericks
With about six seconds left and the Wizards trailing by one, Flip Saunders decided to get Caron Butler the ball to give him a chance to win the game. That plan didn't work out, though, as Shawn Marion read Butler's move and blocked his shot to give the Mavericks a tough road win.
I have to say, though, that I was proud of the Wizards for not throwing in the towel last night. With about seven minutes left in the third quarter, the Mavericks were up 11 (62-51), but the Wizards fought back and eventually took the lead early in the fourth quarter -- and that's despite Antawn Jamison having one of his worst games this season (seven points on 2-10 shooting and only three rebounds).
The Wizards were led by Brendan Haywood (13 points, 18 rebounds, two blocks), Butler (20 points, 10 rebounds), and Randy Foye (26 points, three assists). Mike Miller played a solid 31 minutes off the bench (eight points, three rebounds, four assists) and, of course, only took five shots. He also made both of his three-point attempts. Earl Boykins (11 points, three assists) and Andray Blatche (eight points, four rebounds, two blocks) also played pretty well coming off the bench. Blatche played pretty good defense on Dirk Nowitzki on a few possessions, which is noteworthy since the Wizards don't usually play much defense.
Two other notes:
-- I still don't understand why DeShawn Stevenson is playing anything more than a few minutes a game. He didn't score a point last night, missing all three of his shots in 17 minutes. His only other contribution was a single rebound (and two turnovers!). The only reasonable excuse for playing Stevenson would be if he was an elite defensive player, which he is not. At this point in his career, I'm not sure that he's even a much better defensive player than someone like Nick Young, who is apparently in the doghouse again and has played just three minutes combined in the last two games. Do you realize that Stevenson isn't even shooting 30 percent from the field? Right now, he's shooting 28.8 percent; the only other shooting guards shooting worse than that are Daequan Cook (28.6 percent) and Lindsey Hunter (16.7 percent). It's time to stop the madness, Flip.
-- It remains to be seen whether or not Foye can be a point guard, but still, he's averaging 16.5 points and 5.1 assists in January and is shooting much better from the field this month too (48.2 percent). With the team's only other point guard option being Earl Boykins (unless you count Mike James, who never plays), then it's worth it for the Wizards to keep Foye at the one to see what he can do. For two interesting articles on Foye, check out Truth About It and Empty the Bench.
The Wizards, now 14-27 on the season, host Miami on Friday.
I have to say, though, that I was proud of the Wizards for not throwing in the towel last night. With about seven minutes left in the third quarter, the Mavericks were up 11 (62-51), but the Wizards fought back and eventually took the lead early in the fourth quarter -- and that's despite Antawn Jamison having one of his worst games this season (seven points on 2-10 shooting and only three rebounds).
The Wizards were led by Brendan Haywood (13 points, 18 rebounds, two blocks), Butler (20 points, 10 rebounds), and Randy Foye (26 points, three assists). Mike Miller played a solid 31 minutes off the bench (eight points, three rebounds, four assists) and, of course, only took five shots. He also made both of his three-point attempts. Earl Boykins (11 points, three assists) and Andray Blatche (eight points, four rebounds, two blocks) also played pretty well coming off the bench. Blatche played pretty good defense on Dirk Nowitzki on a few possessions, which is noteworthy since the Wizards don't usually play much defense.
Two other notes:
-- I still don't understand why DeShawn Stevenson is playing anything more than a few minutes a game. He didn't score a point last night, missing all three of his shots in 17 minutes. His only other contribution was a single rebound (and two turnovers!). The only reasonable excuse for playing Stevenson would be if he was an elite defensive player, which he is not. At this point in his career, I'm not sure that he's even a much better defensive player than someone like Nick Young, who is apparently in the doghouse again and has played just three minutes combined in the last two games. Do you realize that Stevenson isn't even shooting 30 percent from the field? Right now, he's shooting 28.8 percent; the only other shooting guards shooting worse than that are Daequan Cook (28.6 percent) and Lindsey Hunter (16.7 percent). It's time to stop the madness, Flip.
-- It remains to be seen whether or not Foye can be a point guard, but still, he's averaging 16.5 points and 5.1 assists in January and is shooting much better from the field this month too (48.2 percent). With the team's only other point guard option being Earl Boykins (unless you count Mike James, who never plays), then it's worth it for the Wizards to keep Foye at the one to see what he can do. For two interesting articles on Foye, check out Truth About It and Empty the Bench.
The Wizards, now 14-27 on the season, host Miami on Friday.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Sunday playoff picks (Divisional round)
Well, that was impressive. Both well-rested after first-round byes, the Saints and Colts took care of business on Saturday. The Saints dominated the Cardinals, overwhelming Arizona with 35 first-half points and winning 45-14. The Saints defense was also effective and held Kurt Warner to a mediocre game -- not to mention knocking him out of the game at one point with a huge hit before halftime.
And the Colts shut down the Ravens, 20-3, in another game that seemed decided at halftime (when the Colts led 17-3). Peyton Manning had a solid game (30-44 for 246 yards, two touchdowns, one interception), but the Colts defense was phenomenal, not only holding the Ravens to just three points, but also forcing turnovers, flying around the field, and making solid tackles. The defense forced three turnovers (another was forced by receiver Pierre Garcon on an amazing hustle play to force an Ed Reed fumble after an interception) and held the Ravens to 270 total yards and only 12 first downs. If the Colts defense keeps playing this well, there's no question that they possess strong Super Bowl Odds going forward in the playoffs.
As for my picks yesterday, I went 1-1 (not too bad). I didn't think the Cardinals would get destroyed like that, but I must have underestimated the power of the Superdome.
Here are my picks for the two games today:
Cowboys (+3) over VIKINGS
Which Brett Favre shows up today for the Vikings? And can they get Adrian Peterson going on the ground? I'm not so sure, especially with how well the Cowboys are playing on defense. Basically, what I'm trying to say is that I have no idea what's going to happen in this game.
Jets (+8) over CHARGERS
So which team is better? The Chargers, right? They've won 11 games in a row, they have the better quarterback, and they had a first-round bye. Let's compare some regular season statistics:
Points per game scored: Chargers 28.4 (4th); Jets 21.8 (17th)
Passing yards per game: Chargers 271.1 (5th); Jets 148.8 (31st)
Rushing yards per game: Chargers 88.9 (31st); Jets 172.3 (1st)
Points per game allowed: Chargers 20.0 (11th); Jets 14.8 (1st)
Passing yards per game allowed: Chargers 209.3 (11th); Jets 153.7 (1st)
Rushing yards per game allowed: Chargers 117.6 (20th); Jets 98.6 (8th)
Now, after looking at all that, who's the better team? You at least have to think a little bit harder about it. Obviously, stats aren't everything, but it's certainly impressive that the Jets are very good at running the ball and allow the fewest points on defense. The Chargers, on the other hand, score more points, throw the ball more -- and much more effectively -- and are still decent on defense (allowing 20 points per game isn't bad at all).
So what do we have in this game? The Chargers have a great quarterback and, as they should, love to throw the ball and keep the ball in his hands. But they don't particularly run the ball well. They also have a decent defense and led the AFC in turnover differential (+10). The Jets, on the other hand, have a rookie quarterback who threw 20 interceptions during the regular season, but they have an outstanding offensive line and have no problem pounding the ball until the opposing defense breaks. They also have arguably the best defense in the NFL and the best cornerback as well, who will certainly affect the Chargers' passing attack in some way.
I still like the Chargers, but the Jets might be a little better than many people give them credit for (including me). If Mark Sanchez doesn't turn the ball over and the Jets can force a few turnovers, the Jets certainly have a chance. I think the Chargers win at home, but I'm expecting a close game.
Regular season: 132-116-8
Playoffs: 2-4
Overall record: 134-120-8
And the Colts shut down the Ravens, 20-3, in another game that seemed decided at halftime (when the Colts led 17-3). Peyton Manning had a solid game (30-44 for 246 yards, two touchdowns, one interception), but the Colts defense was phenomenal, not only holding the Ravens to just three points, but also forcing turnovers, flying around the field, and making solid tackles. The defense forced three turnovers (another was forced by receiver Pierre Garcon on an amazing hustle play to force an Ed Reed fumble after an interception) and held the Ravens to 270 total yards and only 12 first downs. If the Colts defense keeps playing this well, there's no question that they possess strong Super Bowl Odds going forward in the playoffs.
As for my picks yesterday, I went 1-1 (not too bad). I didn't think the Cardinals would get destroyed like that, but I must have underestimated the power of the Superdome.
Here are my picks for the two games today:
Cowboys (+3) over VIKINGS
Which Brett Favre shows up today for the Vikings? And can they get Adrian Peterson going on the ground? I'm not so sure, especially with how well the Cowboys are playing on defense. Basically, what I'm trying to say is that I have no idea what's going to happen in this game.
Jets (+8) over CHARGERS
So which team is better? The Chargers, right? They've won 11 games in a row, they have the better quarterback, and they had a first-round bye. Let's compare some regular season statistics:
Points per game scored: Chargers 28.4 (4th); Jets 21.8 (17th)
Passing yards per game: Chargers 271.1 (5th); Jets 148.8 (31st)
Rushing yards per game: Chargers 88.9 (31st); Jets 172.3 (1st)
Points per game allowed: Chargers 20.0 (11th); Jets 14.8 (1st)
Passing yards per game allowed: Chargers 209.3 (11th); Jets 153.7 (1st)
Rushing yards per game allowed: Chargers 117.6 (20th); Jets 98.6 (8th)
Now, after looking at all that, who's the better team? You at least have to think a little bit harder about it. Obviously, stats aren't everything, but it's certainly impressive that the Jets are very good at running the ball and allow the fewest points on defense. The Chargers, on the other hand, score more points, throw the ball more -- and much more effectively -- and are still decent on defense (allowing 20 points per game isn't bad at all).
So what do we have in this game? The Chargers have a great quarterback and, as they should, love to throw the ball and keep the ball in his hands. But they don't particularly run the ball well. They also have a decent defense and led the AFC in turnover differential (+10). The Jets, on the other hand, have a rookie quarterback who threw 20 interceptions during the regular season, but they have an outstanding offensive line and have no problem pounding the ball until the opposing defense breaks. They also have arguably the best defense in the NFL and the best cornerback as well, who will certainly affect the Chargers' passing attack in some way.
I still like the Chargers, but the Jets might be a little better than many people give them credit for (including me). If Mark Sanchez doesn't turn the ball over and the Jets can force a few turnovers, the Jets certainly have a chance. I think the Chargers win at home, but I'm expecting a close game.
Regular season: 132-116-8
Playoffs: 2-4
Overall record: 134-120-8
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Saturday playoff picks (Divisional round)
So last week's games didn't turn out too well for me (1-3 record). Let's see if I can improve on that mark. Here are my picks for today's two games:
Cardinals (+7) over SAINTS
COLTS (-7) over Ravens
Regular reason: 132-116-8
Playoffs: 1-3
Overall record: 133-119-8
Cardinals (+7) over SAINTS
COLTS (-7) over Ravens
Regular reason: 132-116-8
Playoffs: 1-3
Overall record: 133-119-8
Friday, January 15, 2010
Redskins decide to part ways with Sherman Smith
According to Redskins Insider's Jason Reid, Mike Shanahan and the Redskins have decided not to retain Sherman Smith, the team's offensive coordinator the last two seasons. Shanahan's son, Kyle, will be the offensive coordinator, and the new running backs coach (under the position "assistant head coach-running backs" according to Reid) will be Bobby Turner, the Denver Broncos' former running backs coach.
Some speculated that Smith would be given a chance to stay, but his fate was ultimately sealed when the Redskins hired Turner.
Jason Campbell, who still isn't completely sure what his role will be next season, or if he'll even be playing in Washington, had some nice things to say about Smith:
Defensive coordinator Greg Blache and offensive line coach Joe Bugel are both retiring. Jim Haslett has been hired to be the team's defensive coordinator, and former Steelers defensive assistant Lou Spanos has agreed to become the Redskins' new linebackers coach under Haslett. Other than that, it's all speculation. Svlruga thinks defensive backs coach Jerry Gray is on his way out, and here are some of the other possibilities he lists for coaching positions:
Defense backs: Bob Slowik
Special teams: Danny Smith (retained)
Defensive line: Mike Waufle or Tim Krumrie
Receivers coach: Richard Mann
Again, those are just Svlruga's educated guesses. Svlruga mentions that there are still question marks at offensive line coach, quarterbacks coach, safeties coach, and tight ends coach. He also asks an interesting question: "Will linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti, the longest-tenured member of the Redskins staff, remain with the team?" With Spanos on board, that doesn't seem likely.
Anyway, this is just a quick summary of the coaching staff situation. Both articles contain a lot of information and should be read by anyone looking for more information on the process taking place. Still, at least one thing's for sure: The Redskins coaching staff is going to look a whole lot different next season.
Some speculated that Smith would be given a chance to stay, but his fate was ultimately sealed when the Redskins hired Turner.
Jason Campbell, who still isn't completely sure what his role will be next season, or if he'll even be playing in Washington, had some nice things to say about Smith:
As far as the rest of Shanahan's coaching staff goes, Barry Svlruga did his best in an earlier Redskins Insider post to sort out the situation so far.
"I'm definitely sorry to see him go. . . . Coach Sherman Smith is a great guy. He's a guy full of character. When he spoke, he spoke with a lot of knowledge.
"You just listened when he spoke because the words he used were so meaningful. He knew how to get your attention. He's a real motivator. I just wish him all the best. Wherever he winds up, the team he goes to will be lucky to have him on the staff."
Defensive coordinator Greg Blache and offensive line coach Joe Bugel are both retiring. Jim Haslett has been hired to be the team's defensive coordinator, and former Steelers defensive assistant Lou Spanos has agreed to become the Redskins' new linebackers coach under Haslett. Other than that, it's all speculation. Svlruga thinks defensive backs coach Jerry Gray is on his way out, and here are some of the other possibilities he lists for coaching positions:
Defense backs: Bob Slowik
Special teams: Danny Smith (retained)
Defensive line: Mike Waufle or Tim Krumrie
Receivers coach: Richard Mann
Again, those are just Svlruga's educated guesses. Svlruga mentions that there are still question marks at offensive line coach, quarterbacks coach, safeties coach, and tight ends coach. He also asks an interesting question: "Will linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti, the longest-tenured member of the Redskins staff, remain with the team?" With Spanos on board, that doesn't seem likely.
Anyway, this is just a quick summary of the coaching staff situation. Both articles contain a lot of information and should be read by anyone looking for more information on the process taking place. Still, at least one thing's for sure: The Redskins coaching staff is going to look a whole lot different next season.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Wiz drop another, fall to 12-25 on the season
Playing some uninspired basketball at least until the third quarter, the Wizards fell to the Atlanta Hawks, 94-82. And you'll never believe this: the Wizards cut into the Hawks' lead and were down only four heading into the fourth quarter -- and then they were outplayed yet again in the game's final frame.
Here's what you need to know about the game from Washington's perspective: 1) The Wizards shot 35.8 percent from the field; 2) despite their cold shooting, they were still six of 12 from three-point range; 3) they scored 33 first-half points; 4) DeShawn Stevenson played the most minutes off the bench, with 20, and he actually made a three!; and 5) Antawn Jamison played (and is playing) like an All Star.
More on Jamison: At this point, I feel a little sorry for him. I'm the first person to admit that, while he's an outstanding offensive player, he's not exactly a defensive force and that hurts the Wizards since no one else other than Brendan Haywood actually plays much defense. But still: Jamison always plays hard. Last night, Jamison scored 25 points and had 19 rebounds. In January, he's averaging 27.3 points and 10.4 rebounds per game while shooting over 50 percent from the field. Either Jamison's been feeling it lately, or he's desperately trying to play his best so the Wizards can send him to a contender. And if that's the case, it's hard to blame him.
On the other hand, Caron Butler is not playing like an All Star. With Gilbert Arenas out, Butler should be getting all the touches on offense that he wants, yet he's not doing much with them. Last night his 15 points came on 18 shots, though he deserves a little credit for grabbing 11 rebounds. Right now, he's averaging 16.5 points on the season, his lowest since his 2004-2005 season with the Lakers (15.5 points). I don't know if he wants to get out of Washington, or if he really misses Mountain Dew, but Butler doesn't look like the same player of the last few seasons.
Other than that, Haywood had a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds -- and he made all seven of his free throws -- and Randy Foye chipped in 18 points, eight assists, and four rebounds. Remember earlier in the season when Foye couldn't get on the court because of Earl Boykins? That sure seems like a long time ago.
Here's what you need to know about the game from Washington's perspective: 1) The Wizards shot 35.8 percent from the field; 2) despite their cold shooting, they were still six of 12 from three-point range; 3) they scored 33 first-half points; 4) DeShawn Stevenson played the most minutes off the bench, with 20, and he actually made a three!; and 5) Antawn Jamison played (and is playing) like an All Star.
More on Jamison: At this point, I feel a little sorry for him. I'm the first person to admit that, while he's an outstanding offensive player, he's not exactly a defensive force and that hurts the Wizards since no one else other than Brendan Haywood actually plays much defense. But still: Jamison always plays hard. Last night, Jamison scored 25 points and had 19 rebounds. In January, he's averaging 27.3 points and 10.4 rebounds per game while shooting over 50 percent from the field. Either Jamison's been feeling it lately, or he's desperately trying to play his best so the Wizards can send him to a contender. And if that's the case, it's hard to blame him.
On the other hand, Caron Butler is not playing like an All Star. With Gilbert Arenas out, Butler should be getting all the touches on offense that he wants, yet he's not doing much with them. Last night his 15 points came on 18 shots, though he deserves a little credit for grabbing 11 rebounds. Right now, he's averaging 16.5 points on the season, his lowest since his 2004-2005 season with the Lakers (15.5 points). I don't know if he wants to get out of Washington, or if he really misses Mountain Dew, but Butler doesn't look like the same player of the last few seasons.
Other than that, Haywood had a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds -- and he made all seven of his free throws -- and Randy Foye chipped in 18 points, eight assists, and four rebounds. Remember earlier in the season when Foye couldn't get on the court because of Earl Boykins? That sure seems like a long time ago.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Wake Forest edges Maryland in OT as bad Greivis surfaces
There's no question that not only is Greivis Vasquez Maryland's best player, but that the Terps will only go so far this year as Vasquez can take them. And yesterday, with the Terps battling on the road at Wake Forest and pushing the game into overtime, Maryland needed just one or two more plays from Vasquez down the stretch -- and didn't get it.
Let's be clear: I'm not saying the Terps lost the game because of Vasquez -- far from it. They wouldn't have even been in the game without him on the floor. All I'm saying is that Vasquez wasn't particularly efficient, scoring 30 points on 27 shots (a season-high for him) while dishing out seven assists -- and also turning the ball over six times. Efficient shooting has never been a big part of Vasquez's offensive arsenal, but with smaller guards on him for most of the game, he shot 12 three-pointers instead of attacking the paint more. Again, Vasquez didn't have a bad game -- just not the type of game that Maryland needed from him on the road against a tough opponent.
As for overall team stats, the game was extremely close. Wake Forest shot better from the field (45.7 percent to 40.0 percent), but Maryland made three more three-pointers and three more free throws. Also, despite a size advantage for Wake Forest, each team grabbed 40 rebounds. The Terps dished out six more assists, but Wake blocked six more shots.
Missing a golden opportunity to start 2-0 in the conference, Maryland falls to 1-1 in the ACC. The Terps' next three ACC opponents are Boston College, NC State, and Miami -- and then things start to get difficult, with a five-game stretch that includes No. 19 Clemson, No. 25 Florida State, No. 13 North Carolina, Virginia, and No. 7 Duke.
Let's be clear: I'm not saying the Terps lost the game because of Vasquez -- far from it. They wouldn't have even been in the game without him on the floor. All I'm saying is that Vasquez wasn't particularly efficient, scoring 30 points on 27 shots (a season-high for him) while dishing out seven assists -- and also turning the ball over six times. Efficient shooting has never been a big part of Vasquez's offensive arsenal, but with smaller guards on him for most of the game, he shot 12 three-pointers instead of attacking the paint more. Again, Vasquez didn't have a bad game -- just not the type of game that Maryland needed from him on the road against a tough opponent.
As for overall team stats, the game was extremely close. Wake Forest shot better from the field (45.7 percent to 40.0 percent), but Maryland made three more three-pointers and three more free throws. Also, despite a size advantage for Wake Forest, each team grabbed 40 rebounds. The Terps dished out six more assists, but Wake blocked six more shots.
Missing a golden opportunity to start 2-0 in the conference, Maryland falls to 1-1 in the ACC. The Terps' next three ACC opponents are Boston College, NC State, and Miami -- and then things start to get difficult, with a five-game stretch that includes No. 19 Clemson, No. 25 Florida State, No. 13 North Carolina, Virginia, and No. 7 Duke.
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