Can Wizards Find New Life Under Tapscott?

The Wizards rallied around newly-instated coach Ed Tapscott in a 124-100 win against Golden State on Tuesday.

The Wizards stopped a five-game losing streak and played their best basketball of the season.  The Wizards had season-highs in points (124), rebounds (54), assists (27) and turnovers (20).

The Wizards played a bad Golden State Warriors team and this win should be taken with a grain of salt. There are still reasons to be optimistic, however, because of the changes Tapscott made.

JaVale McGee started and showed his great athletic ability. Mcgee did his best Tyson Chandler impression on a few ally-oops. He finished with a season-high 14 points

Tapscott ran more plays and created isolation for Jamison, Butler, and Blatche. The Wizards usually run a Princeton-style offense, which promotes ball movement around the arc.

Andrey Blatche seemed to benefit the most off of this new offensive approach. Blatche finished with 25 points. He showed off a great mid-range jumper and a strong first step

Blatche also had five blocks and 12 rebounds. I think he needs to be involved in the offense and it will trickle down into his defense. Blatche’s ability has never been questioned—his will has.

Tapscott, former Bobcat president, has been the Wizards director of player development for more than a year. If the Wizards have any chance of being successful, McGee and Blatche will have to play key roles. Expect them to get the minutes under Tapscott.

I’m excited to see how Tapscott will change the Wizards. Most expect him to take a front office job after a replacement is found, but don’t think Tapscott can’t be bit by the coaching bug.

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