i95Ballerz/SportsGroove Wiz Blog: Rising For a Star

Ron Bailey, Publisher

President Barack Obama's Verizon Center visit seemed to occasion the best from Washington's team.

February 28, 2009 – Entering Verizon Center yesterday evening was a chore, some might even say oppressive - not only were there metal detectors, but personal wand-downs were in order, in addition to property searches. I found myself wondering am I visiting an unfortunately incarcerated relative or childhood friend (lock up rates in the black community being what they are and all)? I sure know, to my lament, that traveling via airplane was not occuring.

The drama was understandable, given President Barack Obama's planned attendance of Washington's then pending game with his beloved Chicago Bulls. Don't let the politician in Obama fool you, he wanted the Bulls to win, even to the point of inviting them to the White House Thursday.

Andray Blatche came off the bench and supplied points and energy in the second half.

Well, his stimulus package may have largely passed, but Obama didn't get what he wanted on 7th and F, as the Wiz walked away to a 113-90 victory. The term 'walked away' was chosen purposefully, as the team raced to a 14 point first quarter lead, only to allow Chicago to claw within five at halftime.

The third quarter seemed a repeat of what has previously ailed the team - a mid-third quarter collapse, something D.C.'s coach, Ed Tapscott readily admits.

But it would not come to pass, as an Antawn Jamison (game high 27 points) initiated what was some of the best basketball the Wizards have played recently, slowly grinding the Bulls to defeat. Tapscott afterward confirmed his team met not only their overarching goal of victory, but the individual ones making that possible.

"This was an affirmation" said the coach who took over 11 games into the season. He went on to laud amongst other things his squad's bench play and efficient offense.

Bench play was singled out before the game as a true key, given Chicago's veteran non-starter crew. John Salmon's 25 point, team leading performance brings that to bear.

Javaris Crittenton, a Wizard reserve, kind of summed his unit's impartance, saying Andray Blatche (12 points, 2 blocks), Nick Young (12 points) and JaVale McGee (10 points) all made impact plays.

Was it Obama's presence that energized and focused the team? While the team definitely recognized him courstide - making even vets like Caron Butler (who as of late is playing at an All-Star level) were practically giddy in the locker room - Tapscott ascribed it more to his team's internal focus.

Heck, it could also be the change in pre-game preparation, something he's recently promised and implemented before this contest.

Whatever the culplrit, the Wizards hope to utilize it again tonight in Milwaukee.

Notes: If there is a bright spot in this 14-44 season, it's likely the development of second year man Dominic McGuire. Despite playing power and small forward at Fresno State, McGuire starts at shooting guard for the team, and during the course of a game can guard all five positions. The guy's energy and effort produce an impact that far exceeds his 3.9 point, 5.1 board a game stats.

Tapscott shared his belief McGuire has improved the most "as anybody on the team", and that he views Dominic "as a ball player" capable of making plays in multiple situations.

Who does he view him as down the line? Try Bruce Bowen, who has/had a renown ability to "guard multiple players" while providing some offensive threat.