Wizards have a chance to close out the first round of the playoffs against the Bulls tonight. I really like the way they have played in this series. They seem to be playing like a team with much more experience and maturity than they have. Wall and Beal have proven to be unfazed by their first taste of playoff basketball and show a maturity of not settling for a win or even a series win. They really do seem focused on carrying this team as far as possible.
Then the play of Nene and Gortat at the bigs has been huge. They are proven veterans that have shown not to be intimadated by the physical Noah and Gibson. Ariza had a huge game in Game #4 but has been solid all season. Andre Miller has provided tremendous veteran leadership and a calming presence and good change of pace to Wall's up tempo game. Miller was exceptional in the third quarter of Game #1. The role players of Webster, Booker, and Gooden have been huge.
What you really love to see is the mix of youth and veterans coming together where everyone understands their role and is comfortable with it. It truly looks like these guys play unselfish basketball and play for each other as opposed to themselves.
Not to be forgotten in this is the coaching of Randy Wittman. He seems to have gotten the most out of this team and it appears the players really enjoy playing for him.
In the end, it's a fun team to watch that doesn't look scared or overly excited on the bigger stage. There is a lot of talent on the team and they can beat you in many ways. If one guy isn't shooting well, they have several other guys that can pick it up. We saw that in Game #1 where both Wall and Beal struggled from the field but others picked up. In Game #2, Gortat wasn't great. In Game #4, Ariza was on fire. Each night/game it could be someone else.
This is a fun team to watch that has talent and given the way the playoffs are shaking down who knows what could happen. Still, can't look ahead. Have to take care of business with the Bulls tonight. Hopefully we can close it out and get some rest to get into round 2. Should be fun.
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