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Old 06-25-2018, 06:22 AM   #28
RMJH4
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Game 5 - Wizards @ Warriors



Richardson's 52 not enough to stop Wizards and Kwame.

October 27th, 2001 | by NBA.COM


In what was almost a battle of two of the top 5 rookies, Jason Richardson showed Jordan and the Wizards that maybe they should have taken him #1 overall instead of Kwame Brown. Richardson was dominant in good ways and in bad. The good, 52 points, the bad, 42 shots to score that. Richardson's dominance on the ball meant the Warriors never got a flow going.

Richardson was playing with a point to prove tonight, and along the way turned Antawn Jamison and Danny Fortson into role players. There could be a little trouble in the camp if Richardson continues to shoot like rookie Jordan. Jordan was solid tonight with 28 points on 12-18 shooting. He ended up having to guard Richardson in the 2nd half, but even Jordan couldn't slow Richardson on his drives to the basket where he threw down some explosive dunk's.

The Wizards #1 pick was however not to be completely outdone. Brown had a perfect night. A double- double of 24 pts and 12 rebounds, including 4 blocks and 2 assists. But what was most impressive was his 12-12 shooting. Or rather 12-12 layups and dunks. His efficiency was insane, and showed Richardson that's it quality not quantity that win's in the NBA.



Jordan and Rip Hamilton ran a lot of pick and roll's with Brown, who finished lobs, and rebounded well after misses. Importantly for the Wizards though, Whitney and Lue amassed 22 assists between them tonight. Finally some production from the PG spot. They used Brown and Ewing well in pick and pops or rolls.

The Warriors were a one man band, while the Wizards were a well oiled machined, with old spare parts like Chris Mullin shooting the light's out from the corners, hitting on 8-12 three pointers. A massive throwback performance from Mully who took advantage of the space Brown and Ewing were creating inside. Neither Danny Fortson or Troy Murphy wanted to follow Mullin to the corners, and in the end it cost the Warriors.

Jordan was mightily impressed by his teammates again tonight. "What a game for Kwame tonight. This is why we drafted him. We saw the potential, the chaos he can cause when he rolling to the rim. Mully was reeling in the years tonight, he showed why he is regarded as one of the best shooters ever. Way to get the win against a very good young team." Coach Collins was asked whether Brown and Mulin would now start, he said, "Not just yet. Christian and Patrick really set the tone for us, we have a great rotation and we like Kwame and Chris' energy of the bench. We have a deep team."


Box Score
Spoiler

Last edited by RMJH4; 06-26-2018 at 04:26 AM.
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