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The Charlotte Bobcats moved to 2-0 under Paul Silas as they cruised to a 101-92 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night at the Cable Box.  Stephen Jackson and DJ Augustin continued to flourish under Silas with 38 and 28 points, respectively, to lead the Cats.

AP Recap |  Box Score

The Bobcats starters went on a 21-6 run during the bulk of the first quarter to set the tone against the shorthanded Cavs, who were playing without Mo Williams.  Rookie Manny Harris got the start instead and but a tough time keeping up with DJ and Jack.  Jack hit from three (3-7 3PT), was able to get to the free throw line at will (13-15 FT), and took care of the ball (only 2 turnovers) in an excellent all-around game.

The Cavs eventually made their run in the fourth quarter on the back of Ramon Sessions, who carved up the Cats defense and finished with 22 points. A three-point play by Antawn Jamison with two minutes left cut the Cats lead to just 94-90, but a Jack three on the next possession effectively closed the door on the Cavs comeback.

So the Cats continue their mini-revival under Paul “Huggie Bear” Silas and against the dregs of the Eastern Conference.  The level of difficulty will increase as the Cats continue their homestand, though, with the Warriors on Friday afternoon and the much anticipated visit by the Heat next Monday night.

Extras

• Only 11 turnovers tonight — better.
• DJ had a really strong offensive game: 28 points (10-14 FG, 5-6 3PT, 3-3 FT) and 6 assists/1 turnover.  He is clearly benefitting from the coaching change.  However, his defensive shortcomings can’t be overlooked.  Ramon Sessions was practically dragging him around en route to almost single-handedly bringing the Cavs back.
• On Monday night, Gana Diop and Tyrus Thomas were able to compensate for the Cats poor perimeter defense with good backside help.  Tonight, with Tyrus Thomas out, that responsibility fell to Diop alone, and he didn’t exactly come through.  As he got to the rim, Sessions seemed to be particularly adept at getting Diop off balance and out-of-sync in his block attempts.  The result: Sessions went 10-11 from the free throw line and Diop stayed in foul trouble.  And when Diop wasn’t in there, Sessions right went right at the less-imposing Nazr Mohammed for the dunk of the night.
• Speaking of Tyrus Thomas, who sat out with a wrist sprain, can someone give me the name of dude’s tailor?  I would have never pegged him for it, but Tyrus is a sharp dresser.  Nice to see, especially when we’re used to the Adam Morrison/Sean May “inactive” look of jeans and a baggy, ill-fitting blazer here in Charlotte.

-Dr. E

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