Because Price remains on the roster, Derek Smith (the assistant coach) did not get the call to the active roster, as a player-coach. If further injuries strike the Bullets, he could be the first player called up. But don't expect him to play much.
3 November 95. Philadelphia 76ers 105, Washington Bullets
103 (record: 0-1)
Game leaders: Howard (25 points), Howard, Muresan (10 rebounds),
Pack, B. Price (6 assists)
This was a game that the Bullets should not have been in. I caught a replay of the first half on HTS late Friday night, and they started so slow (down 11-0 early, with lots of turnovers by both teams). Both teams rebounded poorly on the defensive glass. Pack was on edge in his first start, and it fed the rest of the team. And, once again, the Bullets collapsed in the final 2 minutes of a game. Enough of this one.
4 November 95. Washington Bullets 100, Detroit Pistons 89
(record: 1-1)
Game leaders: Pack (26 points), Howard (8 rebounds), Pack (7
assists)
Wow, what a game. This isn't the Bullets home crowd of old, when up to half of the crowd was there to see the opponents. This was definitely a pro-Bullets crowd, even with hometown favorite Grant Hill playing for the Pistons. The Bullets had a typical collapse (14 points in the 2nd quarter), but then outscored the Pistons 52-32 in the second half to win the game.
Pack started this game hot, with 16 1st quarter points. Unfortunately, the Bullets weren't getting many points in the paint in the first half (nor were they looking for it), and they paid for it, being down at halftime. Their second quarter resurgence goes to two players and their defensive efforts: Mitchell Butler and Rasheed Wallace. Butler first shut down Allan Houston, then took defensive assignment on Grant Hill and prevented him from scoring a FG in the 4th quarter. Wallace played great help defense and provided good pressure in finally shutting down the pick and roll of the Pistons. Of course, Wallace got his proverbial technical during the game.
Boy, do these replacement refs suck! Why can't the NBA at least hire 3 replacement refs, it would help the game officiating a lot better. The fouls are really being wracked up in these first couple of games of the season.
Turns out that we did get something from the Rex Chapman trade. Jeff Webster might be qualified as a player similar to Anthony Tucker last year, although Webster has a MUCH better offensive game, but Tucker is a much better defender. Tucker was with the NY Knicks in the pre-season and they kept him.
Also, Bob McCann is an interesting addition; something worthwhile for Kevin Duckworth. I'd compare McCann (an undersized PF) to Kenny Walker with an offensive game. McCann can leap and block shots and does get physical.
6 November 95. Orlando Magic 105, Washington Bullets 95
(record: 1-2)
Game leaders: Howard (18 points), McIlvaine (9 rebounds), Howard,
Pack (5 assists)
Well, they looked oh-so-good for almost three full quarters, and then they collapsed. They were outscored 38-15 over the last 16:14 of the game, after Bob Hill blew up at his team during a timeout. The Bullets generally played good defense, although they had some problems with cutters to the basket on the pick-and-roll. But the Bullets were killed by their turnovers and the disparity in fouls called.
Still, they looked relatively good on the whole. It's so exciting to watch Robert Pack streak down the court with the ball. Wallace has good shooting form and range (although one really doesn't want him shooting a lot of 3-pointers). What has really impressed me is the help defense the Bullets are playing. McIlvaine and Wallace are key to this, they are often in the right place, even though they may occasionally commit the foul. But the offense collapsed in the fourth quarter (see my negative quick observations, below, because they all came true) and cost them the game.
Well, some quick notes through the first three games. Two players in particular have improved themselves physically over the summer--Juwan Howard and Jim McIlvaine. Juwan Howard really worked on his hops and is leaping much better. He really explodes off the floor now, which is something he never did last year. Joe Buzzcut (aka McIlvaine) actually has biceps and a much better physical cut to his body, and he's much more active and alive on the floor, especially on the offensive end. He's pounding the glass and even scoring, a definite plus.
Some negatives thus far. Pack needs to learn how to feed the low post, even when the post player is fighting for position. He seems to be waiting for position to be established and settled, which is often difficult. Sometimes, he has to trust that the Bullets player will get to the ball when it's delivered. Also, the Bullets passing out of the post needs some work. Some of it comes down to their poor spacing on the perimeter. When bodies are in the wrong places, it becomes difficult to make the proper pass, and many times it is picked off or deflected.
Last note: The Bullets put Mark Price on IR on November 7; he's scheduled for foot surgery on November 10 and should be out at least through the All Star break. They signed Mike Peplowski, a 6'10" forward/center, to fill his roster spot.
8 November 95. Washington Bullets 110, Charlotte Hornets
96 (record: 2-2)
Game leaders: Muresan (31 points), Muresan (9 rebounds), Pack (18
assists)
All bow before King Gheorghe! I couldn't attend this game, but I did catch the 4th quarter on TV. Muresan had career highs in points (31) and blocked shots (9), and probably minutes (39, though no one said so). He dominated the 4th quarter so thoroughly that Charlotte was reduced to trying Larry Johnson (a full foot shorter) against him on defense. And the Bullets needed it to overcome 38 points by Glen Rice; luckily, he only had 2 points in the fourth quarter. Muresan even gave a pelvic thrust in celebration following a late dunk.
The one negative I'd take out of this one was the 24 turnovers committed by the Bullets. But when they held on to the ball, they executed well on offense and played good defense against the Hornets. It didn't matter against Rice, because he was scoring no matter how close a player guarded him. This was an exciting win for the Bullets; next up is the New York Knicks at home.
10 November 95. New York Knicks 110, Washington Bullets
109 (record: 2-3)
Game leaders: Cheaney (22 points), Muresan (10 rebounds), Pack
(12 assists)
The Bullets dominate this game from beginning to end, but Derek Harper hits a 27-footer with 2.2 seconds left to stun the Bullets. I almost want to forget this game, but it's really just the ending that you want to forget. The Bullets almost looked like playoff material, running against an experienced playoff team like the Knicks. But Juwan missed 4 straight free throws, and Calbert only made 1 of 2, in the final minute, and that's all the gap that an experienced team needs to make you pay. Hopefully, the Bullets learn from this experience, and live for the next time it happens (and not choke again).
15 November 95. Washington Bullets 127, Philadelphia 76ers
95 (record: 3-3)
Game leaders: Pack (26 points), Howard, Butler (8 rebounds), Pack
(10 assists)
An old-fashioned blowout that makes it feel good to be a Bullets fan. They showed no ill effects from the disappointing loss to the Knicks last Friday. They dominated from the start, and the 76ers scrambled to find any offense in the first three quarters. Bench players from both teams played the entire 4th quarter. The Sixers showed no offensive concept almost the entire game, and the Bullets scored easy fast break points almost at will. Very satisfying (especially when watched on HTS replay late at night, because you missed the game doing client work).
17 November 95. Boston Celtics 110, Washington Bullets 100
(record: 3-4)
Game leaders: Howard (22 points), Muresan (11 rebounds), Pack (8
assists)
An old-fashioned let-down. They struggled from the beginning and allowed the Celtics to be the first team to shoot over 50% from the field against them. Rasheed Wallace did not play in this game; he was with his mother in North Carolina, who had just suffered a stroke. They were pounded in most facets of the game by a team that is still searching for its identity. Yuck! At least the Raptors are coming up.
18 November 95. Toronto Raptors 103, Washington Bullets
102 (record: 3-5)
Game leaders: Howard (25 points), Muresan (12 rebounds), Pack (14
assists)
The Raptors get their first road win in franchise history against the Bullets. The Bullets were down by 15 points at halftime, yet clawed their way back. Damon Stoudamire is looking like Rookie of the Year if he keeps his performance up. His pull-up jumper in the lane with 2.5 seconds left was the mark of a veteran, not a rookie. This is also the second straight game the Bullets allowed an opponent to shoot over 50% from the field.
Chris Webber is expected to start basketball practice away from the team this week. This is to test out range of motion and strength in non-contact drills, to avoid risking further injury to the shoulder. If the drills go well, Webber could start practicing with the team next week and possibly be ready for active duty a week or two after that.
Chris is itching to get back on the court. He also realizes that if he re-separates the shoulder, he will have to have surgery immediately. Recovery will probably last the entire season. If Webber survives the season without re-injuring the shoulder, he expects to have surgery in the off-season.
22 November 95. Washington Bullets 98, Detroit Pistons 97
(record: 4-5)
Game leaders: Butler (22 points), Howard (8 rebounds), Pack (9
assists)
For once, it's the Bullets who steal a game in the waning seconds. Down by 4 points, 16 seconds remaining, they have little hope. Except Butler nails a pump-fake, line-drive 3-pointer around Grant Hill with just over 9 seconds left. Then Howard steal the inbounds pass at half-court (following a Pistons' timeout) and feeds Cheaney for the go-ahead dunk with just over 5 seconds left. Lindsey Hunter can't hit the jumper as time expires and the Bullets win. Hooray for the good guys (for once).
24 November 95. Washington Bullets 110, Miami Heat 94
(record: 5-5)
Game leaders: Pack (21 points), Muresan (15 rebounds), Pack (6
assists)
In a game played at the Baltimore Arena, the Bullets beat a good Miami team in almost every phase of the game. Especially impressive is the 55.7% shooting against the solid Pat Reilly/Miami Heat defense. On the down side, the Bullets lost Rasheed Wallace for the near future with an ankle sprain. It's unclear when he might return to the lineup.
25 November 95. Orlando Magic 114, Washington Bullets 112
(record: 5-6)
Game leaders: Pack (35 points), Muresan (14 rebounds), Pack (8
assists)
Robert Pack scored a career-high 35 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Magic's 3-point barrage (11 of 21). The Bullets made a game of it late, and could have taken the lead in the final seconds, but were called for a 5-second violation on the inbounds play (which I don't believe it was). Wallace sat out this game nursing the sore ankle. more coming...
Chris Webber is expected to start practicing with the Bullets this week, with a possible return to the lineup in a week or two. He still has to sit out one game on the active roster, to serve his suspension for the pre-season fight with Luc Longley. Rasheed Wallace will come off the bench when Webber returns to the lineup.
Well, Webber was so impressive in practice on Monday that he was cleared to play and was immediately activated to the roster. Mike Peplowski, signed when Mark Price went on IR, was cut to make room. He showed no hesitancy to do what it takes on the court, not shying away (too much) from the left shoulder. Actual game conditions can be another matter, but at least he will be there to pound Danny Ferry on Thursday night. He will serve his one game suspension on the road against the New Jersey Nets.
28 November 95. New Jersey Nets 89, Washington Bullets 84
(record: 5-7)
Game leaders: Howard (21 points), Howard (10 rebounds), Pack (10
assists)
It was an ugly game for the Bullets and Nets, but the Bullets backcourt couldn't shoot straight (12 of 33), the bench provided minimal points, and they were outhustled around the court (NJ had 24 offensive rebounds). They had a chance, but it wasn't enough.
More disturbing is the fact that Brent Price just isn't hacking it as a backup PG, and Pack is turning in high minutes because of this (around 40 mpg for the past few games). Lynam has even resorted to using Mitchell Butler some at point to bring at least some court awareness to the game. Butler isn't shooting much worse than Brent, and at least he provides some defensive pressure at the point. CWeb returns on Thursday!
30 November 95. Cleveland Cavaliers 97, Washington Bullets
85 (record: 5-8)
Game leaders: Webber (22 points), Howard (10 rebounds), Pack (8
assists)
Well, the Bullets were all out of sorts for this game. The offense was bad. REALLY bad! Some of it was the hesitation with Webber on the floor, but other times is was just plain laziness or poor execution. They should have been blown out, but this is the Cavs they were playing, so they almost had a shot. Contributing to the deathly slow feel of the game was a crowd of less than 2/3 capacity--nobody came to the game!
Another quick note that became readily apparent over the first month--Pack struggles with other quick PGs, both offensively and defensively. He depends so much on his quickness advantage at times to compensate for his still developing PG skills that another quick PG can throw him off. That, plus when Danny Ferry scores 24 points against you, you know you're in trouble.
All things said, the Bullets' first month (basically without Webber) went as might be expected--5 wins. What's nice to see is the team shooting around 50% from the field (best in the NBA), holding opponents to 45-46% from the field, and playing much better team defense than last year. They had a shot to win almost every game this season, even against much more experienced lineups. The Bullets have the youngest starting lineup in the league (Pack is the oldest at 26), and at times it shows. How this team develops over the next few months, especially if Webber remains in the lineup, will be a true test of the team and Lynam's ability as a coach of this young crew. Lynam must get the group to consistently execute on offense, now that Webber is returned, or he just shouldn't get another chance.
Here's how the team leaders shook out for this month. No shock that Pack
dominated the assist category.
|
Back to 12 October 1995 | Forward to 1 December 1995 |
|