Examination: Wizards vs. T-wolves in Summer League action

Flynn and the T-wolves have struggled so far in the Summer
League, and the Wizards will try to keep their troubles brewing
tonight. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

The Washington Wizards will challenge the Minnesota Timberwolves at 8:00 p.m. ET in Game 3 of the Wizards Summer League schedule of five games.  1-1 so far, the Wizards will look to keep the T-wolves winless tonight as they go against former teammate Oleksiy Pecherov and rookie point guard Jonny Flynn.

Just a half hour till tip-off now.  I'll be running gametime updates through Twitter and over here on this article page, Examination-style.  Feel free to drop comments as the game goes on.  To catch the game, read my post this morning about the requirements ($9.99, broadband connection).

You know, this whole Summer League thing is sponsored by EA Sports' NBA Live '10, but as I commented earlier in the week, there isn't too much out there on the game.  I mean, there's this short audio-only promo, in the form of a video, featuring a voice-over narration by hip hop superman Mos Def.  Then there is this video where Dwight Howard goes nuts, and it actually shows the game off.  Guess I'll have to dig around.  Anyway, on to the game!

Tonight we should get another look at Wizards point guard Javaris Crittenton.  He did a good job in game one getting people involved (8 assists), went strong to the hoop a few times, but needs work on his free throw shot still.  Also, NBATV's Rick Kamla wrote a recent Tweet about Gilbert Arenas, saying his playing weight is the slimmest it's been in a long time.  Will the lean Arenas be that 29 points per game Arenas again?

Live Game Examination:
Washington Wizards vs Minnesota Timberwolves
[Final Boxscore]

Update 7:57 p.m. ET: I need to fix my DIGG button down there.  Note to self.  Game about to start.
Update 8:02 p.m. ET: Follow the Bullets Forever in their Open Thread.
Update 8:05 p.m. ET: Starting line-up: John Edwards (C), Andray Blatche (PF), Dominic McGuire (SF), Nick Young (SG), Javaris Crittenton (PG)
Update 8:12 p.m. ET: Video of Jonny Flynn talking about the differences of the NCAA and the NBA.  Minnesota 12-9 over Washington, Young has 7 points.  5:24 to go in 1st.
Update 8:17 p.m. ET: Edwards (no, not the politician) has a nice shot at the charity stripe but only gets 1-of-2.  Minnesota up 14-11, 4 mins to go in first.  Dominic not looking too sharp, missed a bunny from a great look from Blatche.
Update 8:21 p.m. ET: Between the Wizards' Heytvelt and the T-wolves Pech this could turn into a three point contest; luckily Young is off to a hot start for Washington, 10 points in the opening quarter.  18-14, Minnesota, 2:30 to go.
Update 8:26 p.m. ET: 27-16 Minnesota, end of first.  Young 11 points, Wayne Ellington 10 points for T-wolves.
[End of 1st; 27-16, MIN]

Update 8:31 p.m. ET: 31-23 Minnesota, 6:55 to go.  7-4 run by Washington to start the second.
Update 8:35 p.m. ET: Flynn is really eating Washington up in the paint, easy penetrations and distributing the ball well for Minnesota.  He has 9 points off the bench.
Update 8:42 p.m. ET: 33-30 after a Washington and-1.  Washington with some nice passing from Crittenton to Blatche to Brandon Wallace.  Much better control with J Critt in the line-up.  But Jonny Flynn is controlling this game.  38-32, MIN, 2:14 till half.
Update 8:49 p.m. ET: Sick move by Bobby Brown (no, not the rapper) for a pull back three ... J Critt takes it personal but doesn't have the range to answer a three ball.  43-36, Minnesota, at half.
[End of half; 43-36, MIN]

Update 8:53 p.m. ET: Young 14 points, Ellington 10.  Flynn 16.  He really turned it on.  Teams stretching, warming up for third.  McGee sitting today, won't play.
Update 9:00 p.m. ET: McGuire handles the ball a little for the Wizards to start the third.  Gets back to the line, plays tough.  Brown has some speed and ball handling skills for T-wolves.  Between McGuire, Blatche, and Crittenton, great passing going on for Washington, but defense a concern in backcourt.  48-42, MIN, 7:26 to go in third.
Update 9:05 p.m. ET: Nice split by J Critt, 53-50 MIN, five and change to go in third.
Update 9:11 p.m. ET: Young has 21 points on 8-for-15 shooting.  56-55, Minnesota.  J Critt working it in the third.
Update 9:15 p.m. ET: 60-57, MIN, end of third.  Man, Flynn is breaking ankles out there.
[End of 3rd; 60-57, MIN]

Update 9:23 p.m. ET: Edwards quietly digging in, 9 points, 6 boards for Washington.  69-62, MIN, 6:47 till game.
Update 9:27 p.m. ET: Blatche upset and a tech on John Edwards; first of Summer League?  Blatche was 0-10 from the field and a frustration foul got the best of him.
Update 9:31 p.m. ET: 78-72, MIN, 3:05 to go in game.  Blatche gets his first FG after Pech nails three for T-wolves.
Update 9:34 p.m. ET: Flynn 21, Young 23.  MIN up 78-74, 2:30 to go.
Update 9:38 p.m. ET: 39 seconds left and Garrett Siler at line for MIN; 85-80 after 1-for-2, MIN with lead.
Update 9:44 p.m. ET: Nick Young open for three but misses, 85-82 with 10.9 left wizards forced to foul.  89-82, final score, Minnesota.  21 for Flynn, 23 for Young.  19 for Ellington, 12 points and 8 boards for Pech.  Blatche nails 4-of-5 after going 0-10.  McGuire 8 points and 11 rebounds.
[End of game; 89-82, MIN]

Flynn really looked good tonight, 21 points and 5 assists.  J Critt had 10 points and 3 assists for Washington in the loss.  Wizards drop to 1-2, T-wolves improve to 1-2.  Goodnight from Examiner and more insights tomorrow, thanks for following the game with me!
 

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