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Wizards Strike Preseason Gold With First Win

17 October 1997. Washington Wizards 112, Denver Nuggets 107 (preseason record: 1-2)
Game leaders: Murray (27 points), Webber (10 rebounds), Whitney (8 assists)

It's very difficult to get a good feel for this game, as the Washington Post didn't write a single summary story about the game. I just have to piece it together from AP and official NBA accounts. You're probably better off reading them on your own.

Players On The Edge

A couple of interesting articles about Wizards players in the Washington Post, both by Ric Bucher. First, we get an article talking about the struggles of the second-team units to execute, especially on defense. Then, we find out that Darvin Ham is pushing Ben Wallace (who has a guaranteed contract) for a roster position. Should be interesting.

The stats were interesting. The Wizards got players over 20 points: Murray with 27 (including 3 of 7 from 3-point range), Cheaney with 25, and CWebb with 23. Nobody else scored in double figures (Denver had 6 in double figures, but none over 18 points).

Cheaney was 2 of 3 from the free throw line (his first free throws of the game). CWebb also had 7 assists, 2 steals, 3 blocks and 4 turnovers - a good all-around game. Both Cheaney and CWebb played over 40 minutes, while Whitney and Murray put in over 30 minutes. Looks like Bickerstaff took this one a little more seriously (although Strickland only played 17 minutes).

The Wizards gave up 18 offensive boards to the Nuggets - way to many. But they also assisted on 27 of their 41 made shots, showing good ball movement. That, at least, is a good sign.

We'll learn more tonight as the Wizards play the Nuggets once again, this time in Idaho.

wtf 20 October 1997

A Second Faceoff With The Spurs Yields Similar Results

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