Charlotte Bobcats @ Magic 3/14/10
The Bobcats defeated the Magic in Orlando 96-89 on Sunday night to earn their sixth straight win. The Cats improved to 34-31 overall and maintained their hold on the 6th spot in the East. Though Dwight Howard finished with 27 points on 12-14 FGs, the Bobcats were able to keep him frustrated and in foul trouble all game.
AP recap here | Box score here
With Gerald Wallace sidelined by an ankle sprain, the Bobcats looked to Stephen Jackson to pick up the slack. Jack delivered with 28 points (10-20 FG, 3-5 3PT, 5-6 FT), 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Most importantly, as the game hung in the balance in the fourth quarter, when the Cats of old wouldn’t have been able to score, Jack had three huge buckets and two free throws to seal the win.
Defensively, the Bobcats played another solid game. Dwight Howard, Vince Carter and Michael Pietrus combined for 70 points on 26-40 FG, but the rest of the Magic only managed 19 points on 7-32 FG. Jameer Nelson and Rashard Lewis, in particular, shot a combined 3-17 and 1-9 3PT.
Tidbits
- Theo Ratliff put in a days work, playing 32 minutes guarding Dwight Howard. Theo finished one rebound short of a double-double with 1o points and 9 rebounds.
- Stephen Graham filled in admirably for Gerald Wallace, with 12 points (4-8 FG, 1-2 3PT, 3-3 FT) and 6 rebounds in 30 minutes.
- Speaking of Crash, he is traveling with the team despite the fact that he didn’t play and has already been ruled out of Tuesday’s contest with the Pacers. When interviewed during the game, Gerald said that he’s been wearing a protective boot over the weekend, but was hoping to take it off tonight. He also indicated that he’d try to play as soon as allowed, knowing that he’ll be playing through soreness.
- And speaking of the Pacers, apologies for getting this post up late — I got hooked into the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary that premiered tonight on the Reggie Miller/Pacers vs. Knicks rivalry. Fantastic stuff.
I did not see any mention of Ray Felton. I thought he had a noteworthy game with 16 points and 7 assists. He continues to be steady.
Although the $64 million dollar men make way more bank, Ratliff is the man right now in the middle. The 'Cats will have a lot of big bodies once they get Diop and Mohammed back from injuries to throw at Cleveland and Orlando in the Playoffs. My hope is that they draw one of the two.
Strangely, I'm a little nervous about a Celts/'Cats matchup in the first round. They seem to have Charlotte's number and I think the mystique of the franchise seems to intimidate them a little. Plus I'm not really sold on Boston's veterans being gassed out just yet. They may be saving something for the Playoffs.
Obviously the worst draw would be the Hawks — they are a younger, better version of the Bobcats and a bad matchup altogether.
Good mention of Stevie Graham. Funny how he's so maligned by internet fans because he's over 21 years old. If Graham were a 2008 mid-first rounder we'd be drooling over the guy's production but since he's a journeyman veteran on a short term (great value) deal, we want him benched for the rest of the season.
Good win, the Cats needed a solid win to keep building confidence. Consistent hardwork builds strong habits and good team chemistry. Both are qualities you look for in championship caliber teams. Ask Jud Buechler he'll tell you.
So will Gil McGregor.
That 30 for 30 movie on ESPN was amazing and I didn't know Patrick Ewing choked on a layup that would advance the Knicks to the NBA Championship for maybe he first and only ring. Wow that was a great movie!!!!
That 30 for 30 was pretty tight. I was a big fan of the Knicks style of basketball in the early to mid 90's. Anthony Mason and Charles Oakley were awesome. Those Pacers teams had attitude also, Rik Smits, Dale Davis, Haywood Workman. I'll take saturday mornings and Inside Stuff over most of the crap I see in the NBA these days. If I could just see Kenny Gattison take it to the rack one more time….
Did you guys see how huge Mase was in the 30 for 30? Looks like he's sharing a personal chef with Mike Tyson.
Here's a good recap of the best quotes from the documentary:
http://www.eightpointsnineseconds.com/2010/03/man…
ASChin, I totally agree with your assessment of possible playoff matchups. I do not want to see the Hawks or the Celtics in the first round–I sort of want the eight seed and the matchup with the Cavs, but I prefer the security of a 6 or 7 seed to the worry over the Raptors/Bulls/Heat knocking the team out of the postseason.
You guys are crazy wanting the Cavs. They have the best player in the world in his prime, with arguably his best supporting cast yet. I know we've "had their number" in the regular season so far, but they would sweep our ass if we met in the first round.
Bring on the Celtics or Hawks.
The only way the Cavs sweep the Cats in the first round is if Stern enacts the LeBron Rules.