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October
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Wizards Trim Hawks, But Who Will Be Ready For The Start Of The Regular Season?
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25 October 1997. Washington Wizards 102, Atlanta Hawks 96 (2OT) (preseason record: 3-4)
Game leaders: Oliver (30 points), Shammgod (7 rebounds), Shammgod (16 assists)What a wild game. The Wizards stink it up in the first half (down 46-29 at halftime), then come steaming from behind on 18 4th quarter points (and 7 more in the overtime periods) by Jimmy Oliver to take a 6-point lead late, then allow the Hawks to tie it up. The Hawks again have to come from behind in the first overtime, but the Wizards finally put it away in the second overtime.
The Wizards injury list also got longer. Cheaney strained his left knee and is day-to-day, while Darvin Ham opened a large cut on his nose. Both were injured fouling Hawks' players on breakaway layups (so much for transition defense). That's good hustle, but considering the rest of the Wizards' injuries, it may have been a little excessive.
At least coach Bickerstaff appreciated the effort: "I'd rather see them compete. And with some guys it's just in their nature. I'll never tell a guy while he's on the court to pull off."
Equally amazing is the effort of Shammgod, who lead the team not only in rebounds and assists (an amazing 16 in 38 minutes), but also turnovers (with 7). Still needs to work on playing under control (lots of turnovers this preseason), but you must appreciate the hustle.
The preseason is over - now the team must decide who stays on the roster. Stay tuned.
wtf 28 October 1997
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Sonic Boom Wipes Out Injury-Depleted Wizards | Preseason's Over - Who's Left Standing? |
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