Black- and Whitelist » gifts are beyond reproach

WASHINGTON -- Even with the teams "X-factor" suspended, the Washington Wizards had a No. 42 sitting next to the bench. The 57-year-old with greying hair couldnt box out or grab a rebound, but owner Ted Leonsis waved his red towel and egged on a cheering crowd that chanted "Free Nene!" The Wizards did just fine without the suspended Brazilian forward. They scored the first 14 points and beat the Chicago Bulls 98-89 on Sunday to take a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference series. "I thought it was pretty hilarious that Ted had Nenes jersey on," Wizards guard Bradley Beal said. "It kind of threw me off for a minute, but then I looked and seen it was Ted." Nene or not, the Wizards did what theyve done all series: Take a quick lead and force the Bulls to use up energy trying to catch up. It was 15-8 in Game 3, 29-12 in Game 2, 19-13 in Game 1. Washington, seeking to win a playoff series for only the third time since the 1970s, can finish off the Bulls on the road in Game 5 on Tuesday night. "We keep seeing this same kind of start for the last couple of games, and its frustrating," said Taj Gibson, who came off the bench to lead the Bulls with a career-high 32 points. "It seems like at times we get overhyped with just thinking were going to be OK, were just that good. But in this league its not about how talented you are, its about how hard you work and how much effort you put when you start the game off, and I dont think we did that." Nene was suspended for the game after grabbing Jimmy Butlers head in the fourth quarter of the Wizards Game 3 loss. Wall called Nene the "X-factor" this week, and for good reason: Since the March 2012 trade that brought Nene to D.C., Washington is 65-63 when he plays and 21-41 when he doesnt. That said, the club did hold its own by winning 12 of 21 when Nene went down with a knee injury late in the regular season, an absence coach Randy Wittman said might have been a "blessing in disguise" that helped prepare them for Sunday. "I saw our guys bond together," Wittman said. "Like, Thats OK, all right. Big fellows not going to be here, but thats OK. And we were in tune right from the start." Trevor Ariza, getting some of the early looks that might have gone to Nene, scored a career playoff-high 30 points, making 6 of 10 3-pointers. Beal had 18 points, and John Wall added 15 points and 10 assists for the Wizards, who forced 16 turnovers and committed only six. "I think were a smart enough group to understand that when one of your pieces goes down, you have to find ways and will to win," Ariza said. "Tonight was my night to take on the scoring load." Gibson went 13 for 16 from the field for Chicago, but his teammates combined to go 22 for 62. He made more field goals in the first half (8) than the rest of the Bulls combined (7). Mike Dunleavy, who scored 35 points in Game 3, scored only six. Dunleavy jammed his left thumb attempting to take a charge in the fourth quarter. The thumb was swollen and was X-rayed after the game, but he said he didnt think it was broken. "It probably doesnt really matter," he said. "Its my left hand and its not going to make a difference for me." Chicagos Kirk Hinrich committed four turnovers, and NBA Defensive Player of the Year Joakim Noah had a quiet 10 points and 15 rebounds against the Nene-less frontcourt. Washington stormed to a 14-0 lead, with Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau calling a timeout after each Wizards "touchdown." "Very disappointing to get in a hole like that," Thibodeau said. "I put that on me, and Ive got to get it right. ... Its got to change or our season will be over." Trevor Booker started in Nenes spot and had nine rebounds and three blocks. Beal called Booker "a huge X-factor" -- apparently the Wizards are cornering the market on that particular commodity. "Just because they didnt have Nene," Gibson said, "they just came out and played even harder." Notes: Arizas six 3-pointers tied a Wizards playoff record. ... Wittman, who played during the Detroit Pistons "Bad Boys" era, was asked to compare todays game to those rough-and-tumble days. "Not even close," Wittman said. "Its like sixth-grade flag football compared to NFL tackle football." Pittsburgh Penguins Gear . The flanker began his comeback from a right shoulder injury by coming off the bench on Saturday when Wales opened with a victory over Italy. Warburton replaces Justin Tipuric, one of three changes announced on Tuesday by coach Warren Gatland. Pittsburgh Penguins Shirts . They probably ruined Tim Duncans hopes of a career change, though. Duncan wants to be a point guard, coach Gregg Popovich revealed Saturday, a wish that wont be granted. https://www.cheappenguinsjersey.com/. The Packers, Lions and Bears were a combined 35-15 and as long as Jay Cutler can say healthy, all three could make the playoffs in 2012. Cheap Penguins Jerseys . The appointment of Boullier continues the behind-the-scenes restructuring at McLaren, who recently brought back former team principal Ron Dennis as its new chief executive. Pittsburgh Penguins Store . With Van Osch out with a flu bug that has been rampaging through the tournament, Knezevic stepped in to lead B.C. (4-3) to a pair of victories on Tuesday before 1,131 at the Maurice Richard Arena.The 2014 NBA Draft will be a historic one for Canadian basketball, with as many as seven players from Canada - three of them as high as the first round - possibly selected. In the days leading up to the draft, TSN.ca and TSN Radio basketball analyst Duane Watson looks at some of the names that will be headlining the event. Tonight, Kansas star Andrew Wiggins of Vaughan, Ontario. Watch the 2014 NBA Draft on TSN, Thursday at 7pm et/4pm pt. Name: Andrew Wiggins From: Vaughan, Ontario Played: University of Kansas Height: 68 Weight: 200 Position: Small Forward 2013-2014 Stats: 17.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists Breakout Game: 41 points, 8 rebounds, 5 steals and 4 blocks in loss to West Virginia on March 8. Accolades: Big 12 Player of the Year, Second-Team All-American and First-Team All-Big 12. Draft Projection: First-overall selection Comparable NBA player: Paul George Depending on how intensely you have been following Andrew Wigginss career, the 2014 NBA Draft is the culmination of years of anticipation. A projected #1 pick before declaring for the University of Kansas, the Toronto-area native has lived with an unwavering level of pomp and circumstance from a young age. Is the hype justified? There is no way, even if he was the second coming of Michael Jordan, that he could live to those expectations in this information age. The overwhelming attention pundits have heaped upon him has also led to unwavering analysis of his game over the last year. “Not aggressive enough, limitedd offensive moves, turns over the ball too much,” etc.dddddddddddd While certainly founded for a 19 year old, his case wasnt helped playing in a structured Kansas system with other weapons alongside another potential #1 pick in Joel Embiid. However, Wiggins has exhibited significant talent, flashes of greatness and tremendous potential with a style of play that will excel at the pro level. The age-old mantra in the NBA is, “You cant teach height,” but the game has shifted more to small ball where big men are not as key. The fact you cant teach athleticism or defence should be looked at, both of which Wiggins has in spades. Elements of his offensive game are raw, but will develop as his mechanics are fine. His build is light, but he will add mass and muscle and while hes explosive off his feet with excellent body control. Wigginss physical gifts are beyond reproach - his mental game is the burning question. His casual attitude or passivity on court is what raises doubts among talent evaluators. There are times where he isnt a part of the play and off in a corner as opposed to imposing his will on the game in other ways. Is it a case of boredom or coasting? Either way, that concern is what may separate him from being a top pick or a number two. Does he have the potential to be an elite player? That is the multi-million-dollar question that the Cleveland Cavaliers will be asking themselves on draft day. If youve followed Wiggins over the years, you likely already have your answer. ' ' '