The Zero Factor

Went to last night's thrilling triumph over Cleveland, and I have to say that when I saw Gilbert Arenas limp off the court my hope -- in the absence of any television commentary to tell me exactly what was happening -- was that he'd be too hurt to get back in the game. The team isn't "better without Arenas" per se, but it's hard to avoid the conclusion that the team plays with more intensity on the defensive end without him. That's not merely, or even especially, a reflection of Arenas' defensive skills (or lack thereof), it's broader and more systemic -- a switch seems to go on that says "oh no, Gilbert's not around, we'll only win if we play defense!" which, in the end, leads to more success over all.

Comments

No comments on an NBA post? Did the Islamofascists take over last night, and someone forgot to call me?

Posted by SomeCallMeTim | April 25, 2008 10:29 AM

"That's not merely, or even especially, a reflection of Arenas' defensive skills (or lack thereof), it's broader and more systemic -- a switch seems to go on that says "oh no, Gilbert's not around, we'll only win if we play defense!" which, in the end, leads to more success over all."

Disagree.

It's a broader and more systemic representation of the fact that perimeter players with weak knees or weak conditioning make a team worse overall when on the court, not matter what their talent level is when healthy and conditioned.

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"No comments on an NBA post? Did the Islamofascists take over last night, and someone forgot to call me?"

Weak slate of games last night.

Posted by Petey | April 25, 2008 10:38 AM

It seems like the team takes on Butler's personality when Arenas is out of the lineup. It's a tougher, more hard-nosed personality. When Arenas is in the lineup they play no defense. I love Agent Zero's game but I like the 'Zards more when it is Butler's team.

Posted by Ben | April 25, 2008 10:40 AM

Weak slate of games last night.

The Utah/Houston game was pretty damn exciting.

Posted by Antid Oto | April 25, 2008 10:44 AM

It was bizarre when Gilbert came back late in the season and the defense the Wiz had been playing just seemed to vanish (at least from an eye test perspective--I don't know if the numbers back it up). Even when he was on the bench, they just didn't have it anymore.

I still lean towards wanting to have him in this series (though I prefer the bench role as long as he's limited by injury) because they need multiple offensive weapons against Cleveland's D. But what they need even more is to continue the kind of defense they played last night.

Posted by Jake H. | April 25, 2008 10:44 AM

Weak slate of games last night.

Fair point, though it's odd that that is true, given that last night had the two 4-5 matchups.

Posted by SomeCallMeTim | April 25, 2008 10:46 AM

I just wish it had been a bit more of a game. I enjoyed the whole thing, but sitting in the stands towards the end chanting "we want 40" isn't exactly exciting basketball.

I have a feeling Sunday night will be a bit more intense. Cleveland must have had a crappy flight or something -- they looked like a D-league team at times during that game.

Posted by James Hare | April 25, 2008 11:00 AM

Even on offense it seems like the Cavs got Arenas pretty much figured out after his initial burst. Put a tall guy like LeBron on him to contest any shot and dare him to try to get around you. Because he won't get around you.

A quicker, less-ceramic player like Antonio Daniels, however, can get around most of the Cavs' perimeter defenders and it seems like the ball subsequently moves very well when that happens.

Also, why in the world are the Cavs pretty good at home but a D-League team on the road? I understand some difference in quality of play, but I could swear these guys are skipping the hotel thing and sleeping in back alleys or something.

Posted by Brent | April 25, 2008 11:01 AM

"The Utah/Houston game was pretty damn exciting."

Skip To My Lou!

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It'd be pretty funny if after losing the first two at home, this was the year T-Mac actually managed to get out of the first round.

Posted by Petey | April 25, 2008 12:46 PM

I am curious about what the effect of Arenas' performance will be on our plans in the offseason. Right now, if Gil sits out the rest of the series and the Wiz either win it or at least take it to 7 games, its hard to make an argument for signing him to a max contract in the offseason.

Posted by wahoomatt | April 25, 2008 1:16 PM

Or it could be that the wizards haven't had an injury-free Gil all year. He's clearly hampered by the injury and wasn't exactly a top defender to begin with. And indeed, the wizards effective fg% allowed is worse when he is on the court--oh no, wait, it isn't!

Sarcasm aside, he's still recovering from injury, but the wizards are a better team with him in the lineup.

Stop reading Berri! He's mindfucked you to the point you're wishing injury on your own team's star player based only on vague (and wrong) impressions.

Posted by Client #11 | April 25, 2008 2:03 PM

Soulja Boy was there. After James' elitist call-out of him in favor of Jay-Z, it was sweet victory. James was clearly messed up over it. I hope SB goes to every game this series.

Posted by asl | April 25, 2008 2:36 PM

The Spurs are driving me nuts. I can't remember who compared them to the Italian national soccer team last year, but it was incredibly apt. Hack-a-Shaq when they're up by ten in the second quarter?

Posted by Antid Oto | April 25, 2008 11:51 PM

"Hack-a-Shaq when they're up by ten in the second quarter?"

Pop has used Hack-a-Shaq fucking brilliantly this series. It's precisely how he's ripped the heart out of the Suns.

If the Spurs win a title again this year, I think Popavich has to be considered the best coach of the era, even ahead of PJ.

Posted by Petey | April 25, 2008 11:57 PM

Exactly. Very effective. Also sleazy, obnoxious, and fan-hating.

Posted by Antid Oto | April 26, 2008 12:22 AM

"Exactly. Very effective. Also sleazy, obnoxious, and fan-hating."

The Spurs have never asked anyone to like them.

My prediction: if the Spurs face the Lakers down the line, Bowen will come onto the court with a gun and calmly shoot Kobe dead. Sure he'll get a two game suspension and seven years in jail, but he'll do his time as uncomplainingly as a mafia capo.

Posted by Petey | April 26, 2008 12:36 AM

Matt, it's unfathomable that you would write this post without referring to the Ewing Theory

Posted by e-dawg | April 26, 2008 1:50 PM