Instant Analysis: Wizards-Pacers

Friday, November 6, 2009

By Brian Jackson
CSNwashington.com

Gilbert And Caron Switched Roles:

Coming into the game Caron Butler promised to be more aggressive, and he did just that.  Butler led the way with 24 points and 12 rebounds but got a donut in the assist column.   Meanwhile Gilbert Arenas reverted back to the pass first at all cost point guard we saw early in the preseason.  For one reason or another Arenas decided to take a step back and assume the role of facilitator.  In 35 minutes Arenas only attempted 10 shots finishing with 13 points and 5 dimes.   The task ahead of Flip Saunders is getting his co-captains on the same page meaning they are both in attack mode.  With Mike Miller and Antawn Jamison likely out another week the Wizards can ill-afford for either Arenas or Butler to be gun shy.  

Did Flip Saunders Show Signs Of Panic?

Ok.  Maybe he didn’t panic, but under no circumstances did anyone expect Saunders to empty his bench in Indiana.  It started from the opening tip.  Nick Young has been the odd man out thus far but got the start against the Pacers with Miller out with a left shoulder sprain.  Young didn’t exactly do anything to help his cause; three points on 1-of-4 shooting in 15 minutes of play.  

The Wizards have been flat since the 2nd half of Tuesday night’s loss at Cleveland.  It was the same story against Miami and tonight the lack of energy lasted all 48 minutes.  In the first quarter the Wizards committed seven turnovers.  

Not happy with what he was seeing Saunders went to his bench for a spark.  Mike James made his season debut (22 minutes, 6 points, 3 assist) and even Paul Davis got some burn.  At points during the game Saunders experimented with all types of different lineups but nothing seemed to work.  

There Is No Flow To The Offense:

Six games into the season it appears the Wizards need a refresher course on Saunders offense.  Dare I say their offense looked Redskins like against the Pacers?  It’s very hard to win a game when you only shoot under 40 percent from the field and 58 percent from the line.  There is still too much freelancing and not enough ball movement, which is evident in the Wizards’ assist numbers over the losing streak.  They are averaging 23.5 assist in their two wins and 15.5 in the four losses.  You do the math.    

Bright Spots:

On a night when not much went the Wizards way there were a couple bright spots.  Gilbert Arenas surpassed 10,000 points for his career and Brendan Haywood’s 19 rebounds were a career high.  Saunders may want to consider starting Randy Foye against Phoenix.  He continues to impress (16 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assist) but putting him the starting lineup would deprive the Wizards of any firepower off the bench.  

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