1st game

[Jorge Pereira]

The Wizards may not be the best measuring stick, especially as they appear to not have recovered mentally from the heart-breaking injuries just before the last playoffs.  Defense, change of pace and inside game are also not their best assets.  Yet, it's undeniable we just beat a team that always gave us fits the last couple of years.  I like what's being done to take drama and the stigma out of playing with the second team.  Finally, the official line is - there is no second team.  Seamless changes (more due to the flow of the game than scheduled changes) were made throughout with PP and Allen finding themselves leading the attack while playing alongside the "2nd team".  That worked very well.  Finally, though the 3 amigos didn't play well together early in the game, they were very effective late in the game.  Also, with the sell outs, the crowd becomes the 6th player and helps to raise the level of play.  All good in the 1st game.  Looking forward to seeing how they adapt throughout the year.  Not to forget this is a very "young" team who could still go through growing pains as a team, but I see good signs.  Also good to see Rondo get involved in the offense when the defense drops off him, both by sinking some shots with confidence and by heading to the basket for potential layups.    

Jorge