Stomach Punch Game: V. 3.0

OK, so the Wizards are finally out of it. Completely. Season Over. I feel like something terrible just happened, and now we have to have a candle-light vigil or something to try to get some closure about what happened. Let's remember the series that was.

What I did NOT appreciate about this series:

1.) We Lost 3 Games by 1 Point! 2 of them in overtime! Ouch! Even more ouch was the fact that in these last 2 overtimes, the Wizards hit BIG SHOTS to force the OTs, which is like injecting a heroin-needle full of hope, only to find out when we lost that the herion was fake, and our hope was in vain. This really hurts.

And no, I have not tried herion.

2.) Lebron James is a freaking girl. He literally cries, whines, and mopes every single time he is called for a foul. The way he makes it out, he has never fouled anyone. Lebron, YOU HAVE! YOU ARE A BABY! GET COUNSELING!

Oh and I did some research: Right before Gilbert attempted his 2nd free throw in OT (both of which, he missed), Lebron James came up to Gilbert and said something. I was dying to know what he said. So I found out from the horses mouth....Lebron said, "I told him that if he misses this free throw, then the game is over." Gilbert said that Lebron said something like, "If you miss this shot, you KNOW who is hitting the game-winner." (I dont think he meant Damon Jones, but whatever). Either way, one thing is crystal clear right now: Lebron James is a BIG, IMMATURE JERK!

Also, I just read Wilbon's article, and he said that after Gilbert missed these 2 free throws, Lebron went back to the bench and told his teammates that Gilbert was a "(bleeping) wimp". You know what I think?!? Lebron James is a (bleeping) JERK!!!!!

3.) I don't particularly like Mike Brown.

4.) The Officials made some BAD calls, and then missed some major ones. We are talking about 3 games that could have had a different outcome if things were called correctly. I know the officials miss things, but this was ridiculous.

5.) The TNT breakdown of highlights was like 80% Lebron James, 10% Cleveland Cavs, and 10% Wizards. The Wizards have a 2 time all-star too.

OK, Now let's get on to the positive. Things I DID appreciate about the series.

1.) I love the Wizards. I love Gilbert Arenas, Jamison, & Butler. We really fought in this series, and even after the games we lost, I was never like super-pissed-off at any of our players (except for Billy Thomas, that is...why is he even on our team?). Butler showed a lot of toughness. Gilbert missed those two big free throws, but you couldn't blame him since he had half our points. Jamison nailed some 3 pointers. All in all, very good effort. Had some of the calls gone differently, we may be playing Detroit right now.

2.) The emergence of Jared Jeffries. In the past, I would have considered JJ dead weight. Not anymore. In this series, he proved that he has a place on this team, and in this league. Dude was responsible for guarding Lebron James, and did a very good job. In my opinion, he has the potential to become a Bruce Bowen/Tayshaun Price-style lockdown defender, except he is 6'11. He can guard 4 positions on the floor. He is a restricted free agent this summer, and the Wiz should do what they can to keep him in the fold. He is valuable.

3.) Our core is good. We have a bright future. We do need to add some pieces though. This offseason, there are numerous big men available, through the draft and free agency. I'd like to see us add a front line center, or draft Patrick O'Bryant. Yo, and we need some defense. They should definitely work on that in the preseason.

4.) Lebron James. Even though he is a jerk, he is a really amazing athlete. He hit some impossible shots (I'm not talking about those lay-ups), and really elevated his team. He hit a few turn around jumpers that were simply unguardable and amazing. I hate his guts, but I have to admit he's good. It's like the end of Anchorman where Wes Mantooth says, "At the bottom of my gut, with every inch of me, I plain, straight hate you. But dammit, do I respect you!"

5.) The fact that the Cavs will lose to the Pistons in 4 games.

6.) The hard foul by Brendan Haywood on Lebron James. That was the first time I can ever remember being happy that Brendan is on our team. This will go down as one of my favorite memories of the series. Maybe I'm spiteful.

All in all, a very competitive series. I hope the Wiz bounce back and do great next year. I pray we somehow get better. Thanks for all your hard work. Gilbert, I know you are back in the gym already, working on your free throws. Thanks for showing so much heart and determination! You are a great player and I'm so glad that you are on our team and that I get to root for you.